Which measurements are considered in the Waterlow criteria?

• A. Weight and length
• B. Weight and age
• C. Length and age
• D. Weight and head circumference

Answer: (B)

Waterlow criteria assess malnutrition by comparing a child’s measurements to age- and height- or length-specific references. It uses three indices: weight-for-height (or weight-for-length in infants) to identify wasting, height-for-age to identify stunting, and weight-for-age to identify underweight. Age is essential to interpret weight-for-age and height-for-age. Among the given options, weight and age best reflect the weight-for-age component, which directly relies on knowing the child’s age to determine if weight is appropriate for that age. The other pairings either emphasize height/length without age, or rely on a measurement not used in Waterlow, such as head circumference. That’s why weight and age is the most fitting choice.