Anthropometric measurements and their interpretation: principles, practices, and problems.

As many as 50 per cent of hospitalized patients are estimated, in some surveys, to suffer from protein-calorie malnutrition. Anthropometry provides at least one quick and easy way to assess a patient's protein and calorie reserves. The measurements most commonly obtained are height, weight, triceps skinfold thickness, and upper arm circumference. An alternate method is suggested that compares these measurements with percentiles rather than, as in the current method, with percentages of the standard.