Question:easy
In a child, height for age < -2 SD. What is the likely cause?
In a child, height for age < -2 SD. What is the likely cause?
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Ask yourself: which nutritional parameter takes months to years to show a deficit -- height or weight?
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Chronic malnutrition
- Acute malnutrition
- Recent infection
- No malnutrition
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
WHO anthropometric indices and their meaning:
Key point: Height/linear growth is determined by bone growth at the epiphyseal growth plates. Chronic or recurrent undernutrition over months to years depresses IGF-1 and growth hormone signaling, slowing bone elongation and resulting in stunting.
Acute illness or recent infection may transiently reduce appetite and cause weight loss (wasting) but does not cause shortening of already achieved height.
\[\boxed{\text{Height-for-age} < -2\,\text{SD} = \text{Stunting} = \text{Chronic malnutrition}}\]
| Index | Indicator | Cause | Timeframe |
| Height-for-age < -2 SD | Stunting | Chronic malnutrition | Months to years |
| Weight-for-height < -2 SD | Wasting | Acute malnutrition | Weeks |
| Weight-for-age < -2 SD | Underweight | Acute + chronic | Mixed |
Key point: Height/linear growth is determined by bone growth at the epiphyseal growth plates. Chronic or recurrent undernutrition over months to years depresses IGF-1 and growth hormone signaling, slowing bone elongation and resulting in stunting.
Acute illness or recent infection may transiently reduce appetite and cause weight loss (wasting) but does not cause shortening of already achieved height.
\[\boxed{\text{Height-for-age} < -2\,\text{SD} = \text{Stunting} = \text{Chronic malnutrition}}\]
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