The reasoning: anthropometric indices (WHO Child Growth Standards 2006, 0–5 years; WHO Reference 2007, 5–19)
| Index | Deficit < −2 SD | Severe < −3 SD | Reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height/length‑for‑age (HAZ) | Stunting | Severe stunting | Chronic undernutrition, repeated infections, intergenerational |
| Weight‑for‑height/length (WHZ) | Wasting | Severe wasting (SAM criterion) | Acute undernutrition |
| Weight‑for‑age (WAZ) | Underweight | Severe underweight | Composite (cannot separate stunting and wasting) |
| BMI‑for‑age / WHZ | > +2 SD overweight; > +3 SD obesity (< 5 years) | Overnutrition | |
| MUAC (6–59 months) | 11.5–12.4 cm = MAM | < 11.5 cm = SAM | Acute; strong mortality predictor |