Which measurement indicates stunted growth in children?

Height for age is the measurement that specifically indicates stunted growth in children. Stunted growth refers to a reduced growth rate in a child, often due to chronic malnutrition or health issues. When evaluating growth patterns, comparing a child's height to the expected height for their age allows healthcare providers to determine if a child is experiencing stunting. Growth charts that display height-for-age percentiles provide a visual representation, showing where a child's height falls in relation to a normative population.

In contrast, weight for age and body mass index (BMI) might indicate issues related to weight such as underweight or obesity, but do not directly measure growth in terms of linear development, which is crucial for assessing stunting. Head circumference is primarily used to monitor brain growth and development in infants and young children, and does not provide specific information about overall growth status or potential stunting. Thus, height for age specifically focuses on physical growth in children, making it the correct choice for identifying stunted growth.