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

Abstract

Background and aimsThe 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.MethodsCritical review of the international anthropometry literature, in the light of the recent scientific evidence of COVID-19.ResultsThis 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.resultsConclusionWhen 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.conclusions