Languages

Alert: Global Health Learning will go offline after May 31, 2025. You can use our Print feature to download course content for your reference. Log in, go to a course, click the Print link in the right sidebar. The course pages will be rolled together in one HTML page. You can copy/paste into a Google doc or save as HTML.

Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)

MUAC is a measure to assess nutritional status. It is measured on a straight left arm, mid-way between the tip of the shoulder and the tip of the elbow. It identifies acute malnutrition and is commonly used in children 6-59 months of age as well as pregnant women. MUAC less than 115 mm indicates severe wasting or severe acute malnutrition (SAM). MUAC greater than or equal to 115 mm and less than 125 mm indicates moderate wasting or moderate acute malnutrition (MAM).