Anthropometric Measurements
Anthropometric measurements are ways to measure the human body to assess
changes in health and nutrition. These measurements can be done on the entire
body or specific parts.
Body Weight
* Most common and sensitive measurement: Reflects recent changes in nutrition.
* Composite of body constituents: Includes minerals, fat, water, protein, and bone.
* Serial measurements are better: Tracking changes over time is more informative
than a single measurement.
Equipment
for Measuring Body Weight:
* Beam or level-actuated scales: These are preferred for accurate measurements.
* Bathroom scales: Less accurate and may have errors.
Calibrating Scales:
* Beam balances: Used in child development programs and need to be calibrated
regularly using known weights.
Measuring technique :
weight should be measured with minimal clothing, preferably no shoes.
* Check and adjust the scale's zero point before measuring.
* Height Measurement
Factors influencing height:
* Genetics: Determines maximum potential height.
* Environment: Nutrition and health affect how much of the potential is realized.
Equipment and Measuring techniques:
* Children under 2: Recumbent length (lying down) measured using an
infantometer.
*Measuring Height in Older Children and Adults
* Equipment: A stadiometer (vertical measuring rod) is used.
* Technique:
* Stand straight with heels together and toes apart.
* Look straight ahead on a level surface.
* Remove shoes.
* Lower the stadiometer's headpiece to rest on the top of your head.
* Read the height to the nearest 0.5 cm.
* Take an average of three measurements for accuracy.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
* BMI is a better indicator of body fatness and health risk than body weight.
* Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m²)
* Grading of Obesity based on BMI:
* Normal: 18-22.9
* Overweight: 23-24.9
* Obese: ≥ 25.0
not obese <25
Grade 1 : 25 - 29.9
Grade 2 - 30 - 40
Grade 3 - >40
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Purpose: Helps determine disease risk based on fat distribution.
* Measurement: Measure waist circumference and hip circumference, then divide
waist by hip.
* Normal range: Less than 0.9 for males and 0.85 for females.
* Note: Abdominal fat (around the waist) is more harmful than fat in other areas,
even if you're not overweight.
Body Fat Measurement
* Method: Skinfold thickness measurement
*using calipers (using to measure the skin thickness)
* Common sites: Triceps, biceps, subscapular (under shoulder blade), and
suprailiac (above hip bone).
* Purpose: Estimates body fat percentage.
Skinfold Measurement at the Triceps
The triceps is a common site for measuring body fat. A skinfold caliper is used to
measure the thickness of the skin and fat layer on the back of the upper arm. This
measurement provides an estimate of overall body fat percentage.
Skinfold Thickness Measurement at the Subscapular Area:
The subscapular area, located below the shoulder blade, is another common site
for measuring body fat. A skinfold caliper is used to measure the thickness of the
skin and fat layer in this area. This measurement provides an estimate of overall
body fat percentage.
Common Calipers: Harpender, Lange, and Best are common brands. In India, Una
calipers are often used.
Advantages
* Simple and quick
* Inexpensive
* Non-invasive
* Can identify malnutrition early
Disadvantages
* Requires skill and practice
* May not be accurate in certain individuals
* Instruments need calibration
* Results can be influenced by various factors
