Towards standardised and valid anthropometric indicators of nutritional status in middle childhood and adolescence

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the significance of nutrition across middle childhood (5–9 years) and adolescence (10–19 years), particularly in the context of global food insecurity and rising overweight and obesity. Until now, policymakers have been slow to respond to rapidly changing patterns of malnutrition across these years. One barrier has been a lack of consistent and regular nutrition surveillance systems for this age group. There is ongoing debate around what should be measured, as well as how best to operationalize anthropometric indicators that have been the cornerstone of nutrition surveillance in younger children and adults. Even with consensus on the importance of a given anthropometric indicator, different terminologies, reference data and cut-offs present difficulties in interpreting trends over time and between countries. We highlight the need for revisiting anthropometric indicators across middle childhood and adolescence, a process that will require WHO and UNICEF coordination, with the engagement of national implementors and policymakers, and partnership with the research communities and donors.