Applicability of anthropometric indices according to height categories in children living at extreme altitudes in Peru

BACKGROUND: Historically, high-altitude environments have been associated with stunting and poor nutritional status in children. AIM: To compare weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) with the CDC-2012 international reference standard and to analyse the applicability of anthropometric indices [body mass index (BMI), triweight index (TWI), waist index height (WIH), and body surface area (BSA)] in children living in a high-altitude region. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 318 children aged 7-12 years living in a high-altitude area were evaluated. Weight, height, and WC were measured. BMI, TWI, WIH, and BSA were calculated. These values were compared with the CDC-2012 reference standard. The cut-off point for short stature was <5th percentile. RESULTS: In both girls and boys, weight, height, and WC values were below the CDC standards. No differences were observed between anthropometric indices (BMI, TWI, and WIH) when comparing the short stature and normal height categories. BSA showed greater explanatory power. CONCLUSION: Children living at 5,100 metres above sea level have lower weight, height, and waist circumference values than those recommended by the CDC. Furthermore, in regression models, body surface area (BSA) showed greater explanatory power, suggesting its potential usefulness as a complementary measure for assessing nutritional status and body size in children living at high altitude.