Work out wasting prevalence instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Divides children with weight-for-height below minus two standard deviations by those surveyed and applies the WHO wasting thresholds.
Wasting prevalence
Prevalence (%) = children with weight-for-height z-score below -2 / children surveyed x 100. WHO bands: very low <2.5%, low 2.5-4.9%, medium 5-9.9%, high 10-14.9%, very high >=15%
Wasting reflects acute weight loss and responds to treatment within weeks; stunting reflects chronic deprivation.
Weight-for-height below minus three standard deviations, or mid-upper arm circumference under 115 mm.