Anthropometric measurement

Today, we are going to talk about different measurement that is needed to do for the proper health of a person.

What are Anthropometric measurements?

Anthropometric measurements are a sequence of quantitative measurements of the muscle, bone, and adipose tissue used to measure the composition of the body. The main elements of anthropometry are height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body circumferences (waist, hip, and limbs), and skinfold thickness.

Purpose of Anthropometric Measurements:

• To calculate the nutritional requirements
• To monitor the growth
• To calculate the degree of malnutrition
• To calculate the dose of medicine

Parameters of Anthropometric Measurements:

Age-dependent factors:

1. Weight
2. Height
3. Head circumference
4. Chest circumference

Age independent factors:

1. Mid-arm circumference (1-5 years)
2. Weight for height
3. Skinfold thickness
4. Mid upper arm/height ratio
5. Weight

The measurement of weight is the most reliable criteria for the assessment of health and nutritional status.

Weight can be recorded using as a:

• Beam type weighing balance
• Electric weighing scales for infants and children
• Bathroom type of mechanical scale (very reliable)
• Salter spring machine (in field conditions)

Height:

The measurement of somebody or something from head to foot or from base to top.

Head circumference:

Brain growth is rapid during infancy and it's unaffected by mild to moderate degree of malnutrition.

Marasmus children will have a relatively large head compared to body size.

Should not be measured within 24 hours after birth.

HC should be measured using steel tape Boney landmarks – superior orbital ridge (ant), external occipital protuberance (post).

Head Circumference Formula:

The relationship between length and head circumference are often expressed by the simplified formula: 

head circumference (centimeters) = 0.5 length +9.5 2.5; head circumference (inches) = 0.5 length + 3.75 1. This formula is accurate for 95% of measurements within the first 400 days of life.

Normal Head Circumference:

• Birth – 5 cm
• 3 months – 40 cm
• 12 months – 45cm
• 2 years – 48 cm
• 12 years – 52 cm

Chest Circumference:

It is usually measured at the extent of nipples, preferably in mid inspiration.

In children:

 5 years – standing position

Mid-upper arm circumference

It is conventionally measured over the left upper arm, at some extent marked midway between the acromion (shoulder) and olecranon (elbow) with the arm bent at a right angle.

Skin Fold Thickness

Measured with Herpenden’s caliper over the triceps or subscapular region.

Gives a sign of subcutaneous fat and indirectly the caloric reserve within the body.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body mass index (BMI) is a method to estimate a person’s body fat that takes into consideration the person’s height.

BMI is calculated by employing a person’s weight and height.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is obtained by a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.

Conclusions:

It's really important that you take care of yourself. A good diet with a combination of exercise and 7-9 hours of sleep can change your life to 180 degrees. So, please love yourself and stay healthy.

In the end, I would like to say if you have any questions, feel free to ask down in the comment or you can contact me by filling up the contact us form. Please share these posts with your family, friends, and your near ones. So that they can get familiar with food more in-depth and live a healthy life.