Tag: Resource limited settings

According to a 2024 study published on PubMed Central, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) is highly correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and offers several advantages, such as ease of measurement, for assessing adult nutritional status. This confirms that is MUAC used in adults and its application goes far beyond the pediatric populations where it is traditionally recognized.

According to numerous studies, there is a strong positive correlation between a person's Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) and their Body Mass Index (BMI). This relationship allows MUAC measurements to provide a reliable estimate of BMI, especially in settings where traditional weight and height assessments are challenging or impossible.

Globally, over 1.9 billion adults were affected by overweight in 2016, with millions more suffering from undernutrition. Given these statistics, accurate nutritional screening tools are vital, and the question is MUAC used for adults? The answer is yes, as a practical and reliable indicator for assessing nutritional status in various clinical and community settings.

According to UNICEF, malnutrition accounts for almost half of all deaths in children under five, and taking MUAC is a critical, life-saving tool for early detection. Understanding the advantages of taking MUAC reveals why this simple measurement is a cornerstone of global public health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition accounts for nearly half of all deaths in children under five. The Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement is a simple, cost-effective tool that has become crucial in identifying and addressing this global crisis, providing critical insight into **why is MUAC a useful indicator of nutritional status**.