Local anthropometric parameters for assessing double burden of malnutrition in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries: a review and retrospective analysis

Anuradha V. Khadilkar, Chirantap Oza, Neha Kajale, Aman B. Pulungan, Suttipong Wacharasindhu, Annang Giri Moelyo, Gassani Amalia, Karn Wejaphikul, Madarina Julia, Prapai Dejkhamron, Vaman Khadilkar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is a significant public health issue in South and Southeast Asia (SA and SEA). This study aimed to assess the impact of using local and regional ethnicity-specific anthropometric references versus international references on the prevalence of DBM in these regions. A narrative review of DBM prevalence using local versus international standards was conducted. Additionally, deidentified datasets from India and Indonesia were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of different growth standards in identifying DBM. Anthropometric Z-scores were compared, and sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated. WHO standards had the lowest specificity for identifying short stature in India and Indonesia. BMI-for-age charts using WHO Growth Reference (2007) had lower sensitivity and higher specificity for metabolic risk. Local references showed lower stunting and higher overweight or obesity prevalence. International standards overestimated stunting and underestimated obesity, leading to misclassification and missed cases of metabolic risk. Funding: None.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100473
JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia
Volume28
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024

Keywords

  • Anthropometry
  • Double burden
  • Local
  • Malnutrition
  • Regional
  • Southeast Asia

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