Best marker for chronic Protein-energy malnutrition is
Weight for age
Height for age
Weight for Height
Head circumference
Stunting (deficit in height for age) signifies accumulated consequences of retarded growth over some years and generally points towards a chronic course of malnutrition. It may be a residue of past malnutrition or could be due to non-nutritional disorders like genetic sho stature or endocrinal disorders. Ref: Page 101, Ghai essential pediatrics; 6th edition
Nutrition