Criteria

The general consensus is that faltering growth should be defined by a decline in anthropometric parameters. However, there is currently no agreed standardized anthropometric criteria.[3]

The AAP defines the following when measured on WHO Child Growth Standards (age <5 years), WHO Growth References (age 5-19 years), or other appropriate growth standards or references:[1][32]

  • Underweight if weight-for-age scores <-2 SD from the median

  • Stunting if length/height-for-age scores <-2 SD from the median

  • Wasting if weight-for-height or BMI scores <-2 SD from the median.

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