For chronic malnutrition, what percentage of IBW categorizes a child as Grade III (severe)?

In the context of chronic malnutrition, determining the grade of malnutrition in children often relies on the percentage of Ideal Body Weight (IBW). For Grade III malnutrition, also referred to as severe malnutrition, a child's weight is classified as being less than 85% of their Ideal Body Weight. This classification reflects significant nutritional deficiency and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality.

Grade III malnutrition indicates a critical level where intervention is urgently required to address the child's nutritional status. It is essential to recognize that this grading system helps healthcare professionals to identify the severity of malnutrition, enabling timely medical and nutritional interventions.

The percentages associated with other grades of malnutrition are structured such that Grade I and Grade II malnutrition correspond to higher percentages of IBW, which illustrates the progressive nature of malnutrition as the percentage of IBW decreases. Understanding this gradient aids in assessing a child's health and planning appropriate care.