The child's weight is compared to that of a normal child (50th percentile) of the same age. It is useful for population screening and public health evaluations.
percent of reference weight for age =
= ((patient weight) / (weight of normal child of same age)) * 100
percent of reference weight for age
Level of Malnutrition
Grade
90 - 110%
normal
75 - 89%
mild
Grade I
60 - 74%
moderate
Grade II
< 60%
severe
Grade III
Limitations:
• Edema consequent to malnutrition increases the body weight, resulting in an interpretation less severe than warranted.
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