Anthropometric Indicators

Anthopometry is the measurement of the human body, typically used to assess nutritional well-being and outcomes such as stunting and wasting.

Guidelines

Anthropometric measurements include:

1. weight (including birth weight)
2. height/length
3. knee height (a proxy for height)
4. mid-upper arm circumference
5. head circumference
6. waist circumference
7. calf circumference

These can be used to calculate indices to identify low birth weight, stunting, wasting, BMI, head circumference for age, and acute malnutrition.

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This article is part of the topic Primary Data Collection

Additional Resources

• FANTA Guide to Anthropometry
• FANTA Overview of types of anthropometric data
• FANTA Details and classifications for children 0-5
• FANTA Details and classifications for youth from 5-19
• FANTA Details and classifications for pregnant and postpartum women and girls
• FANTA Details and classifications for adults 18 years and older
• FANTA Measurement Protocols and Equipment guidance