Small but Healthy? Are We Asking the Right Question?

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of thinking about anthropometric measures within the nutrition community, suggests that this has led us into some serious misconceptions, and offers a plea for a reconsideration in the use and interpretation of such measures. It is suggested that the "Small but Healthy?" debate is really the result of the misinterpretations and, as such, is distracting from the true issues. The paper also argues strongly against the notion of "no-cost" adaptations, and argues instead that present statusquo accommodations may be achieved at the price of potential for change.