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Anthropometry

Measurement of body size, composition, and proportions used to assess nutritional status.

Core anthropometric measures include height/length, weight, BMI, waist circumference, mid-arm circumference, and skinfold thickness. Derived indices include waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and weight-for-length. In children, measurements are plotted on CDC (2 to 20 years) or WHO (birth to 24 months) growth charts to track growth velocity and detect failure to thrive or obesity.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 5

    Core anthropometric measures include height/length, weight, BMI, waist circumference, mid-arm circumference, and skinfold thickness. Derived indices include waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and weight-for-length. In children, measurements are plotted on CDC (2 to 20 years) or WHO (birth to 24 months) growth charts to track growth velocity and detect failure to thrive or obesity.

Related terms

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Body Mass Index, Growth Charts