Relative utility of various anthropometric indices in assessing the nutritional status of lactating women

The relative merits of anthropometric indices - Weight/Height, Weight/Heigh t 1.5, Weight/Height 2 (BMI), Weight/Height 2.5 Weight/Height 3, weight for height (%) and Broka's index were assessed for studying the nutritional st atus of lactating women. The indices having lower correlations with stature and better correlations with muscle and fat reflective measurements includ ing weight were taken as the most suitable indices. The results indicated t hat: (1) Weight for Height (%), BMI and Broka's index have low correlations wih stature, and high correlations with weight, arm circumference and fat fold at triceps. (2) The Weight/Height and Weight/Height 1.5 were positivel y correlated with stature (P<0.01). Weight/Height 2.5, Weight/Height 3 and Broke's index in order were correlated negatively with stature (P<0.01). (3 ) Broka's index, BMI and weight for height (%) correlated well with each an other [r = 0.93 or above (P<0.001)]. The observations were same in women ir respective of durations of lactation, age and socio-economic status. (4) Th e lactating women belonging to low socio-economic status were shorter and l ower in weight than the well-to-do women of Hyderabad and those of develope d countries. The deterioration in nutritional status with higher durations of lactation was more revealing in those of low income groups than in bette r income groups. Deterioration in nutritional status is seen during 4-6 mon ths of lactation in middle income groups and beyond six months in low incom e groups. Broka's index which is simple is of use for the assessment of mal nutrition in lactating women.