Anthropometric Assessment

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Introduction

There are several methods to assess nutritional status, including dietary, laboratory, and anthropometric and clinical methods. These methods are useful to identify each stage in the development of a nutritional deficiency state. Anthropometry is the “single most universally applicable, inexpensive, and non-invasive method available to assess the size, proportions, and composition of the human body” . Anthropometric measurements are able to detect chronic imbalance of protein and energy, such as malnutrition, but are unable to pinpoint a specific nutritional deficiency. These measurements would need to be assessed appropriately according to factors such as age, sex and degree of nutrition. Furthermore, measurements are easily, quickly and reliably performed using portable equipment, with results often expressed as an index (Gibson, 2005).

Anthropometry is also able to reflect the overall health and welfare of individuals and populations and predict performance, health and survival. This is because the anthropometric measurements of body mass and composition can be illustrate inadequate or adequate food intake, insufficient exercise and disease . Therefore, this method can be used to monitor health and nutrition, but also implement interventions for individuals and the population where necessary.

Anthropometric values should be compared against an accepted set of reference values, which are essential during nutritional assessment. This is because any inferences that involve the individual or population nutritional status are dependent on the reference for comparison (Frisancho, 1990). These values imply a desirable target level that should be met, and which judgments can be made when values deviate from them. Fo...

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..., 2014. 4338.0 - Profiles of Health, Australia, 2011-13. [online] Available at: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4338.0main+features222011-13
ABS, 2014. 4841.0 - Facts at your Fingertips: Health, 2011. [online] Available at: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4841.0Chapter22011Appendices
Figure 1: Height of students as determined by anthropometric methods

Figure 2: Weight of students as determined by anthropometric measures

Figure 3: Body Mass Index of students as determined by anthropometric methods

Figure 4: Mid Arm Muscle Circumference of students as determined by anthropometric measures

Figure 5: Triceps skinfold thickness of students as determined by anthropometric measures

Figure 6: Waist-to-hip ratio of students as determined by anthropometric measures

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