Topic 2. Evaluating the Nutritional State
2. 1 Anthropometrical indicators
This must always be the starting point. It's the first thing we need to identify to define our actions. From this evaluation, we can learn what the descent objectives are and how long we need to follow the diet treatment. There are many indicators to evaluate the nutritional state. The one of most common is the anthropometrical indicators; and within these, the most commonly used is Weight.
2. 2 Weight
In this case, what we need to know about weight is:
Current Weight
Average Weight
Goal Weight
To measure our current weight in a simple way, we step on a scale at the same time every day, for example, as soon as we wake up.
This measurement should be combined with the number we get for average weight, which means the weight the person has always had. This is the Weight we always “go back to”. Thus, if a person has had a proper weight and any weight has happened over a short period of time, it will be easy coming back to that proper weight. On the other hand, if the person has kept an average weight outside his/her normal parameters, then he/she will need to make more effort.
A goal weight is determined through charts which relate the size with the gender and body structure. It needs to be mentioned that this concept is out-of-date, since many people find it hard to achieve, specially when the average weight hasn't been the proper one throughout long periods of time.
It can be calculated by using Insurance Company charts. The most commonly used is the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which determined a goal weight from a weight which presented a lower mortality rate. This chart has been modified depending on the body structure of the subject.
