In the Gomez classification of malnutrition, a child with weight 65% of the expected median weight-for-age is classified as:

• A Normal
• B Grade I (mild) malnutrition
• C Grade II (moderate) malnutrition ✓
• D Grade III (severe) malnutrition

Explanation

Gomez classification uses weight-for-age as a percentage of the NCHS/WHO standard median: Grade I (mild) = 75–90% standard; Grade II (moderate) = 60–74% standard; Grade III (severe) = <60% standard. A child at 65% weight-for-age falls in Grade II (moderate malnutrition). This classification does not distinguish acute from chronic malnutrition and does not account for oedema. SAM is defined by the WHO as weight-for-height < −3 SD or MUAC < 11.5 cm, which is a different assessment approach.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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