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Anthropometry: measurements, BMI and MUAC sheet
10-mark answer frame

What is anthropometry? Describe the anthropometric measurements used to assess nutritional status and their significance.

How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.

  1. 1 · Open in two lines. Anthropometry is the measurement of body size and composition. It is the simplest, cheapest and most used method of assessing nutritional status in the field.
  2. 2 · Draw the table of measurements. [Table: measurement, age group, instrument, significance]
  3. 3 · Weight and height. Weight shows present status; height shows long-term growth. Technique: zeroed scale, Frankfurt plane, length lying down under 2 years.
  4. 4 · Circumferences. MUAC (SAM below 115 mm), head (brain growth), chest (chest-head ratio), waist (abdominal fat).
  5. 5 · Skinfolds and BMI. Triceps and subscapular skinfolds; BMI with CED grades and Asian cut-offs, with one worked sum.
  6. 6 · Advantages and limitations.
    • Simple, cheap, non-invasive, portable.
    • Cannot show which nutrient is lacking; errors from technique and unknown age.
  7. 7 · In the community. Monthly weighing and MUAC screening at the anganwadi; a MUAC below 115 mm means referral.
  8. 8 · Close in one line. Accurate, repeated measurements make anthropometry the backbone of nutrition surveys.

Scoring tip: Work one BMI sum inside the answer and state the Asian cut-offs: it shows you can apply the method, not just name it.