FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

SEMESTER 1 SESSION 2019/2020

NDD 20103

NUTRITIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT

LECTURER’S NAME : DR. CHE SUHAILI BINTI CHE TAHA

STUDENT’S NAME : NUR IZZAH ANIS BINTI ABU BAKAR

MATRIC NUMBER : BHBL18050128

COURSE : BACHELOR OF DIETETIC WITH HONOURS

PRACTICAL : ANTHROPOMETRIC PRACTICAL I

DATE : 7TH OCTOBER 2019

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 2

2.0 OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................... 3

3.0 METHOD ................................................................................................................ 4

4.0 RESULTS................................................................................................................ 5

5.0 DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................... 11

5.1 The objective of the practical ................................................................................... 11

5.2 Advantage or disadvantage of each equipment .......................................................... 12
5.3 Any unusual results obtained or difficulties during measurement ................................. 13
5.4 Results obtained ..................................................................................................... 13
6.0 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 14

7.0 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 15

8.0 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................... 16

1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Anthropometry is the study of the measurement of human body composition in terms of
bone, muscle and adipose tissue. Anthropometric is direct and low cost method but required
high skilled technicians. It provides information useful for reflecting nutritional status and
physiologic needs for nutrient of individual. Anthropometric measurement also acts as indicators
for body fatness as several indices like body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio and waist-height
ratio (WHtR) can be derived from it. Actual stature, weight, waist and hip circumferences will be
collected for purposes of assessing growth, clinical diagnostics and body fat distribution.
Measurements of stature and weight also will allow cross-sectional analysis of the correlation
between increases of BMI associated with high percentage of body fat. Measurements of waist
circumference is sufficient to diagnose abdominal obesity as the trend to increasing fatness
discerned by trends in waist.

By utilizing institutionalized assessment methods and aligned instruments, best quality

body measurement data can be obtained. Appropriation of standard profile and procedure
enables correlation to be made between sample groups.

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2.0 OBJECTIVES
 To determine the anthropometric profile of 2nd year UniSZA Dietetic students using
anthropometric tools.

 To compare individual’s anthropometric profile value/mean with the groups’ mean value.

 To identify the limitations and strengths of anthropometric measurements.

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3.0 METHOD
a) Instrument/tools :

 Portable stadiometer

 Electronic weighing scale

 Anthropometric measuring tape

b) Procedures and results :

 Socks, shoes and any metal jewelry were removed as well as the bladder was
emptied prior to the measurement.

 Height measurement :

- Subject is stand with feet together, buttock and upper back touching the scale.
- Subject is inhaled, keeping head in the Frankfurt plane while the examiner
lowers the horizontal bar to the head with sufficient pressure to compress the
hair.
 Weight measurement :

- Subject is stand on the center of the scale without support and weight
distributed evenly on the both feet.
 Waist circumference measurement :

- Subject is in a standing position. The examiner is stand behind the subject and
palpates the hip area for the right iliac crest.
- Recorder walks around the subject to ensure the tape is parallel to the floor and
it does not compress the skin.
 Hip circumference measurement :

- Subject is stand erect with feet together. The examiner places the measuring
tape around the buttocks. The tape is placed at the maximum extension of the
buttocks.

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4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Individual’s anthropometric mean value:

Measurement
1st 2nd 3rd Mean value
Height (cm) 162.1 162.0 162.1 162.06
Weight (cm) 63.5 63.1 63.0 63.20
Circumference
Waist (cm) 83.0 85.0 85.0 84.30
Hip (cm) 96.0 95.0 96.0 95.67
Indices
BMI (kg/𝑚2 ) 24.2 24.0 24.0 24.06
Waist to hip ratio (WHR) 0.88
Waist to height ratio (WHtR) 0.52

4.2 Group’s anthropometric mean value:

Individual Mean Mean Mean value Mean value BMI Waist to Waist to
value of value of of Waist of Hip (kg/m2) hip ratio height
Height Weight circumference circumference (WHR) ratio
(cm) (kg) (cm) (cm) (WHtR)
001 160.00 51.50 72.30 85.40 20.12 0.85 0.45
002 155.40 47.20 64.43 88.10 19.64 0.73 0.41
003 156.10 75.40 83.20 105.50 30.98 0.79 0.53
004 153.13 59.60 74.53 95.63 25.46 0.78 0.49
005 153.00 57.00 72.83 97.90 24.35 0.74 0.48
006 162.60 73.10 86.70 109.50 27.51 0.79 0.53
007 162.80 63.90 78.80 99.20 24.05 0.79 0.48
008 161.37 53.63 75.30 89.00 20.69 0.85 0.47
009 147.23 35.30 59.30 79.26 16.34 0.78 0.40
010 153.30 70.70 95.50 111.70 30.20 0.85 0.62
011 154.80 63.60 80.10 100.80 26.43 0.79 0.52
012 155.80 60.60 77.80 95.80 24.90 0.81 0.50
013 155.53 55.76 73.67 91.10 22.91 0.81 0.47
014 156.60 58.70 80.00 95.60 23.81 0.84 0.51
015 164.00 47.30 59.20 82.90 17.59 0.71 0.36
016 159.93 64.37 78.53 92.03 25.14 0.85 0.49
017 150.00 42.60 64.40 84.40 18.93 0.76 0.43
018 152.40 55.70 74.70 94.60 24.11 0.79 0.49
019 160.60 57.00 76.10 95.20 21.99 0.80 0.47
020 154.10 60.30 80.20 100.40 25.43 0.80 0.52

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021 158.10 61.53 79.47 94.37 24.65 0.84 0.50
022 161.70 59.50 77.10 94.20 22.67 0.82 0.48
023 159.80 77.50 90.90 106.90 30.27 0.85 0.57
024 162.00 54.80 70.70 93.00 20.88 0.76 0.44
025 150.57 48.13 72.30 91.73 21.11 0.79 0.48
026 146.90 35.10 58.03 78.27 16.24 0.74 0.40
027 159.60 51.63 70.37 95.30 20.17 0.74 0.44
028 166.07 56.97 77.60 94.50 20.67 0.82 0.47
029 151.80 39.80 64.00 84.50 17.23 0.76 0.42
030 162.06 63.20 84.30 95.67 24.08 0.88 0.52
031 153.50 49.60 72.90 92.20 20.91 0.79 0.47
032 160.10 59.27 79.00 95.47 23.15 0.83 0.49
033 155.00 56.00 77.00 92.00 23.31 0.84 0.50
034 151.00 67.13 76.27 100.13 29.44 0.76 0.51
035 148.60 54.40 77.30 101.10 24.50 0.76 0.52
036 156.90 43.10 63.80 83.80 17.49 0.76 0.41
037 149.30 45.80 71.37 85.40 20.63 0.84 0.48
038 162.40 54.70 71.67 93.63 20.84 0.77 0.44
039 153.80 53.70 75.90 89.20 22.64 0.85 0.49
040 149.33 43.13 68.67 83.50 29.43 0.82 0.46
041 152.63 47.43 75.63 90.67 20.26 0.83 0.50
042 152.27 49.10 76.27 89.47 21.25 0.85 0.50
043 156.90 45.70 68.36 85.63 18.54 0.80 0.44
044 144.90 47.87 73.00 90.67 22.77 0.81 0.50
045 146.10 59.50 78.00 98.20 27.91 0.79 0.53
046 154.00 62.40 81.30 97.60 26.31 0.83 0.53
047 156.30 67.10 81.40 100.10 27.57 0.81 0.52
048 152.80 53.90 77.10 95.10 23.03 0.81 0.50
049 168.70 52.20 66.40 90.40 18.28 0.73 0.39
050 161.50 51.17 67.50 99.00 19.50 0.68 0.42
051 150.50 41.30 68.70 83.53 18.11 0.82 0.46
052 150.70 49.40 72.00 91.00 21.67 0.79 0.48
053 156.80 50.87 68.68 93.40 20.64 0.74 0.44
Total 155.69 54.83 74.35 93.22 22.58 0.80 0.48
mean
value

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4.3

i) Table and graph of BMI between 2nd year UniSZA Dietetics students.

Classification BMI (kg/𝑚2 ) Number of students Risk of co-

morbidities
Underweight <18.5 7 Low (but risk of other
clinical problems)
Healthy weight 18.5 – 24.9 34
Overweight 25.0 – 29.9 9 Increased
Obese class I 30.0 – 34.9 3 Moderate
Obese class II 35.0 – 39.9 0 Severe
Obese class III ≥40.0 0 Very severe

BMI
40
No. of students

30
34
20

10
7 9 3 0 0
0
UNDERWEIGHT NORMAL OVERWEIGHT OBESE I OBESE II OBESE III
Classification

ii)
Table and graph of waist to hip ratio (WHR) between 2nd year UniSZA Dietetics
students.
Female
Waist to hip ratio (WHR) Number of students
<0.80 28
0.81 – 0.84 16
≥0.85 7

Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)

28
30
Number of female

20 16
students

7
10
0
Low Moderate High
Level range of WHR

7
 Male
Waist to hip ratio (WHR) Number of students
≤0.95 2
0.96 – 0.99 0
1.0 0

Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)

2
Number of male students

0 0

Low Moderate High

Level range of WHR

iii)
Table and graph of waist to height ratio (WHtR) between 2nd year UniSZA Dietetics
students.
Female
Classification Range Number of students
Extremely slim ≤0.34 0
Slim 0.35 – 0.41 5
Healthy 0.42 – 0.48 22
Overweight 0.49 – 0.53 22
Very overweight 0.54 – 0.57 1
Morbidly obese ≥0.58 1

Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR)

Number of students
25
22 22

20

15

10
5
5
1 1
0
0
Extremely slim Slim Healthy Overweight Very overweight Morbidly obese

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 Male
Classification Range Number of students
Extremely slim ≤0.34 0
Slim 0.35 – 0.42 1
Healthy 0.43 – 0.52 1
Overweight 0.53 – 0.57 0
Very overweight 0.58 – 0.62 0
Morbidly obese ≥0.63 0

Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR)

Number of students
1.2
1 1
1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2
0 0 0 0
0
Extremely slim Slim Healthy Overweight Very overweight Morbidly obese

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4.4 Calculations:

a) Body mass index (BMI)

𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
BMI (kg/m2) =
(ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡)2

63.20
=
(1.6206)2

= 24.06 kg/𝑚2

b) Waist-hip ratio (WHR)

𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 (𝑐𝑚)

WHR =
ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 (𝑐𝑚)

84.3
=
95.67

= 0.88

c) Waist-height ratio (WHtR)

𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 (𝑐𝑚)

WHtR =
ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑐𝑚)

84.3
=
162.06

= 0.52

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5.0 DISCUSSION
5.1 The objective of the practical
Based on the practical, the anthropometric profile of 2nd year UniSZA Dietetics students
are determined using standardized examination procedure and calibrated equipment. In
measuring height, we used portable stadiometer Seca 213. Besides, for weight we measure
using electronic weighing scale Seca 803. For waist and hip circumference, the measurement
was done by using Measuring tape Seca 201. With all the measurement data, I am able to
obtain the mean value of height, weight, waist and hip circumference of individuals in order to
compare my mean value with the group’s mean value. From the mean value of height, weight,
hip and waist circumference, the type of measures which are body mass index (BMI), waist-hip
ratio and waist-height ratio had been determined.

The anthropometric value that I obtained for height, the mean value from portable
stadiometer is 162.06cm. In weight measurement, the mean value collected was 63.20kg using
electronic weighing scale Seca 803. For waist and hip circumferences, the mean values are
84.30cm and 95.67cm respectively using measuring tape Seca 201.

For the comparison between individual’s anthropometric profile mean value and the
group’s mean value were shown slightly difference in values. For height measurement, my
mean value is 162.06cm whereas mean value group is 155.69cm. There is small difference in
both mean value which is 6.37cm. This shows total number of students with height range above
155cm are minority while below 155cm are majority among the population. For weight
measurement there is rise difference which is 8.37cm in mean value of mine and group which
are 63.20kg and 54.83kg respectively. With the large number of difference, it means my weight
is at above average weight of the group. For waist circumference, there is a large difference in
value which is 9.95cm as my mean value is 84.30cm and group is 74.35cm. For hip
circumference, my mean value is 95.67cm while group is 93.22cm which is only 2.45cm in
difference. Next is for indices, my BMI is 24.08kg/𝑚2 while group is 22.58kg/𝑚2 . This shows
majority number of students in Dietetics group including me have healthy normal weight to
height. The waist-hip ratio of mine is 0.88 while for the group is 0.80. The waist-height ratio of
mine is 0.52 whereas for group is 0.48. The group ratio for WHtR is 0.03 lower than mine as my
mean value of height is higher than group’s value.

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 Anthropometric assessment includes the measurement of weight, height and waist and
hip circumference. The strength of anthropometry measurements are not expensive, mobile and
relatively easy to standardize. However its measurement are still doubly due to indirect
assessment and also it demands high skilled technicians. Besides, to calculate the body fat
percentage required specific equation according to age and ethnic of the subject. Body mass
index, one of the indices of anthropometry has related to morbidity and mortality due to
increase of BMI was associated with increase of body fat percentage. The strength of BMI are
widely recommended as it was simple, practical and has large existing database. The limitations
of BMI are it does not differentiate between lean mass and fat mass and it does not reflect
body fat distribution. Degree of fatness is different in each population. The other type of
measures is waist circumference. Waist circumference is preferred to measure of abdominal
obesity. Easy home monitoring, best simple marker for visceral fat and strong predictor of
multiple health risk in individual are the strengths of waist circumference. However, waist
circumference can give large measurement error when the BMI of individual is more than 35.

5.2 Advantage or disadvantage of each equipment

Every equipment has it pros and cons. In this practical, each equipment likely has their
own accuracy and precision. In measuring height, portable stadiometer, it is suitable for mobile
use, convenient and light. The stadiometer requires large floor plate to ensure stability. During
taking measurement, the results come out clearly visible. However it has more error because it
is not attached to the wall. Next, the electronic weighing scale Seca 803 also has its own
sensitivity. This electronic weighing scale is light, more portable, faster and easier to use. This
equipment is faster in giving out the weight result efficiently upon the subject stands on the
scale. Besides, it is easy to read the weights in the display as the LCD figures are unusually
large. Lastly, in waist and hip circumference, measuring tape Seca 201 can measure girth with
centimeter precision. It is a true medical product because it is very easy to pull out the tape and
easily clicks it back into place. The tape is unwind easily and locks in place precisely. The
housing sits in the user’s hand comfortably and securely and it is tough enough to withstand
accidental dropping. The measurement using this tape is taking by judgment. Hence the risk of
parallax error such as the eye is not perpendicular to the reading scale to occur is increase.

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 5.3 Any unusual results obtained or difficulties during measurement
The results collected show small differences between the values after had done triple
measurement. However, the results obtained are still acceptable after calculate its average
values. There is no any unusual results during measurement. The difficulties that occur in this
practical is during taking waist circumference measurement. Finding the right measurement
place is not always easy. Other than that, for height measurement, its difficulties are the
instrument itself. The portable stadiometer is not very stable as it did not attached to the wall
properly. Besides, the subject’s feet are not pointed slightly outward at a 60 degree angle and
also the heels of the feet are sometimes not placed together with both heels touching the base
of the vertical board. Last but not least, when measuring hip circumference, it also difficult to
find the maximum extension of the buttocks.

5.4 Results obtained

Based on the BMI characteristics, the majority (34) of the students were normal, 7
students are underweight, 9 students are overweight and 3 students are obese class I.
However, by using indices of waist to hip ratio, there are 7 students revealed abdominal
obesity. The practical result given for my waist circumference was 84.30cm. According to World
Health Organization (WHO) the prevalence of abdominal obesity was assessed using the cut-off
point which is the mean waist circumference in women was 84.00cm. From the anthropometric
of group profile, it shows the only student who has abnormal range of WHR more than 0.85 is
me. Based on widely used range, the normal waist hip ratio was less than 0.85. According to
National Health and Morbidity Survey III conducted in 2016, it stated that abdominal obesity of
adults aged 18 years and above was determined based on the waist circumference as part of
the nutritional status assessment. Thus, individual with abnormal WHR will has higher risks with
abdominal obesity or has significant ‘apple’ body shape. However, waist hip ratio does not take
into account lean body mass or fat mass. Hence a person could have a high waist to hip ratio
but have a low body fat percentage. I believe this statement is reliable as I have normal BMI
range. In the journal with title of Waist Circumference As A Screening Tool for Weight
Management, it concluded that waist circumference performed better than WHR as screening
test.

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6.0 CONCLUSION

Anthropometry measurement is simple primary screening assessment tool that identifies

more people at early health risk which use combination of body mass index, waist to hip ratio
and waist to height ratio. However we believe more complex risk diseases such as diabetes
include further risk factors such as sex, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status and family history.
We should further screening for clinical risk factor for those deemed at risk by these simpler
measures.
As a conclusion, I found out my weight, height, hip and waist circumference from this
anthropometry practical. From all this measurement, I can figure out several type of measures
by calculating the BMI, weight-hip ratio and also waist-height ratio. In this practical, I found
that my weight and height not tally to each other which mean I am too heavy for my height.
For the Body Mass Index (BMI), I am not satisfied because it did not achieve the recommended
of normal BMI for Asian. Asian recommended for normal BMI is 18.5-22.9 kg/𝑚2 thus I was
overweight as my BMI is 24.08 kg/𝑚2 . However according to World Health Organization (WHO)
recommendation, the normal range is 18.5-24.9 kg/𝑚2 thus I has in healthy normal range of
weight to height.

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7.0 REFERENCES

1. Westat, Inc.(1998) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. Body
Measurement ( Anthropometry).
Retrieved from : https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes3/manuals/anthro.pdf
2. Lana Burgess (2017) Medical News Today. Why is the hip-waist ratio important?
Retrieved from : https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319439.php
3. Kee CC, Jamaiyah, Noor Safiza, Geeta, Khor, Suzana, Jamalludin, Rahmah, Ahmad,
Ruzita, Wong, Ahmad Faudzi.(2006) National Health and Morbidity Survey III,
Abdominal obesity in Malaysian adults. 14(2): 125 – 135.
4. Moy FM, Atiya AS.(2003) Asia Pasific Journal of Public Health. Waist circumference as
a screening tool for weight management. 15(2): 99-104
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2486530/
6. https://www.ukessays.com/essays/sports/anthropometrics-practical-session.php

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8.0 APPENDICES

16