Anthropometric assessment in ambulatory nutrition amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Possibilities for the remote and in-person care

Abstract

Background and aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many changes in the nutritional care process as a result of the social distancing measures imposed, especially in the assessment of nutritional status, in which obtaining anthropometric measures is necessary.

Methods: Critical review of the international anthropometry literature, in the light of the recent scientific evidence of COVID-19.

Results: This paper presents recommendations for anthropometric assessment of the nutritional status of people in ambulatory settings for both remote and in-person assessment. The most appropriate measures to the current pandemic scenario are also discussed, in order to contribute to the monitoring of nutritional status and to minimize health impacts.results CONCLUSION: When sanitary conditions cannot be guaranteed during in-person encounters or when the person cannot attend the office of the professional, the remote anthropometric assessment can be a useful strategy to nutritional surveillance.

Keywords: Anthropometry; Nutritional assessment; Pandemic; Telehealth.