Table 1.

Undernutrition Terms and Definitions

Term	Definition
Malnutrition	Includes undernutrition and overnutrition
Undernutrition	Wasting, stunting, underweight, or micronutrient deficienciesa
Severe wasting	MUAC <11.5cm (among children ≥6 mo oldb), WLZ score <−3, or presence of bipedal nutritional edema
Marasmus	Form of severe wasting characterized by low MUAC or low WLZ score
Kwashiorkor	Form of severe wasting characterized by bipedal nutritional edema
Marasmic kwashiorkor	Form of severe wasting characterized by bipedal nutritional edema and low MUAC or WLZ score
Moderate wasting	MUAC < 12.5cm but ≥11.5cm (among children ≥6 mo oldb) or WLZ score below −2 but above or equal to −3
Underweight	WAZ score <−2
Stunting	LAZ score < −2
LBW	BW <2500 g
SGA	BW-for-GA <10th centile
Prematurity	Live birth before 37 weeks gestation

Abbreviations: BW, birth weight; GA, gestational age; LAZ, length-for-age z; LBW, low BW; MUAC, mid-upper arm circumference; SGA, small for GA; WAZ, weight-for-age z; WLZ, weight-for-length z.

^aMicronutrient deficiencies were outside the scope of this guidance.

^bMUAC reference standards have yet to be established for children <6 months of age.