Which is the most useful for evaluating recent under-nutrition or over-nutrition?

Weight for height is particularly useful for evaluating recent under-nutrition or over-nutrition because it reflects an individual’s current nutritional status more accurately than other measures. This assessment takes into account the person's current weight in relation to their height, which is essential for identifying both underweight and overweight conditions. It provides insight into short-term changes in body composition, which is crucial for identifying recent patterns of malnutrition.

In contrast, height for age is more indicative of long-term growth patterns and nutritional history rather than immediate nutritional status. Body mass index (BMI) serves a similar purpose to weight for height by providing a general indication of body weight status relative to height, but it does not directly measure changes in body weight in relation to height as effectively. Skinfold thickness, while useful for assessing body fat, does not specifically address recent changes in nutrition status in the same way. Therefore, weight for height is the most appropriate measure when assessing immediate nutritional status changes.