An approach to evaluate a possible bias in Indian well-to-do standard weight values and its implications for interpretations of survey results.

The results of different Nutrition surveys carried out in India during 1976-1980 by the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB), Hyderabad, clearly indicated that, among preschool age children, girls often fared better compared to boys with regard to body weight. In these surveys, Hyderabad well-to-do standards have been in use, but it is well documented that, generally, in India girls often have higher morbidity and mortality compared to boys. In view of the above, it is hypothesized that the values quoted for girls in Hyderabad standard weight values are possibly on the low side. A novel approach was developed and the above hypothesis was tested with the help of lower percentiles. Analysis suggests that there exists a bias and the values quoted for girls in Hyderabad well-to-do standard are certainly on the lower side. Hence, as recommended by WHO, there is a need to adopt NCHS standard values in assessment of the nutritional status of preschool children instead of local standards.