NUT ASS- ANTHROPOMETIC ASSESSMENT

Anthropometry —

The scientific measurement of physical dimensions and gross body composition across age groups and nutritional states.

Recumbent Length —

The measurement of body length taken while lying down, used for infants and children under 2 years old.

Height (Stature)

The total standing measurement of the body, composed of the legs, pelvis, spine, and skull.

Knee Height —

A proxy height measurement taken using a knee-height caliper at a $90^\circ$ angle, ideal for bedridden or non-ambulatory individuals.

Arm Span

A proxy height measurement from fingertip to fingertip across extended arms, useful for estimating peak adult height in individuals with spinal loss.

Head Circumference

The distance around the widest part of the head, used as a key growth marker in the first 3 years of life.

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)

The perimeter of the upper arm, measuring both muscle and fat; useful for screening protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

Elbow Breadth

The distance between the humerus epicondyles, used as a frame-size indicator that is unaffected by fat mass.

Suspended Scale

A weighing device with a harness sling used for infants and young children under 4 years old.

Beam Balance Scale

The most reliable mechanical instrument used for measuring body weight in adults and older children.

Spring Balance Scale

A common household scale that relies on mechanical springs, known to be less accurate over repeated use.

Subcutaneous Fat

The layer of adipose tissue stored directly beneath the skin, measured via skinfold calipers.

Triceps Skinfold

A vertical skinfold measurement taken at the posterior midpoint between the acromion and olecranon process.

Biceps Skinfold

A vertical skinfold measurement taken over the anterior midpoint of the biceps muscle.

Subscapular Skinfold

An oblique skinfold measurement taken at a 45 degree angle just below the inferior angle of the scapula.

Suprailiac Skinfold

A skinfold measurement taken along the midaxillary line directly above the iliac crest.

Midaxillary Skinfold

A horizontal skinfold measurement taken along the midaxillary line at the level of the xiphoid process.

Hip Circumference

The measurement taken around the widest perimeter of the hips and buttocks.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)

A calculation used to assess body fat distribution and distinguish between abdominal and lower-body fat patterns.

Android Obesity

An upper-body/abdominal fat distribution ("apple shape") common in males, associated with high risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Gynoid Obesity

A lower-body fat distribution ("pear shape") common in females, characterized by fat accumulation around the hips and thighs.

Central Obesity

Excessive accumulation of visceral/abdominal fat, serving as a major risk factor for chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes.

Mid-Upper Arm Muscle Circumference (MAMC)

A calculated value derived from MUAC and triceps skinfold to estimate the muscle ring surrounding the bone.

Mid-Upper Arm Muscle Area (MAMA)

A derived index providing a precise estimate of total lean muscle mass and changes over time.

Growth Monitoring

The regular, sequential tracking and interpretation of an individual's physical growth over time.

Head Circumference-for-Age

An anthropometric index used to assess chronic protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) during early childhood.

Weight-for-Age (WFA)

An index that reflects overall body mass relative to age, useful for detecting both acute undernutrition and overnutrition.

Weight-for-Height / Length (WFH/WFL)

An index assessing body weight relative to linear length, serving as a key indicator of acute malnutrition or wasting.

Height-for-Age (HFA)

An index assessing linear growth progress relative to age, serving as a key indicator of chronic malnutrition or stunting.

Body Mass Index

A relative index of body weight adjusted for height

(BMI / Quetelet's Index) —

also known as body mass index

Upward Growth Curve

A normal growth trajectory indicating consistent, adequate weight and height gain.

Flat Growth Curve

A warning growth trajectory indicating stagnation or failure to gain weight/height.

Falling Growth Curve

A high-risk growth trajectory indicating active weight loss and severe growth faltering.