GLOSSARY

Wasting Low weight relative to height or length under the relevant pediatric criterion, distinct from short stature alone.

Growth assessment compares accurate serial measurements with an age- and sex-appropriate standard or reference. Confirm exact age, measurement technique and the chosen chart. A percentile describes relative position; a z-score describes distance from the reference distribution under that chart's model. A change in trajectory can warrant assessment without establishing one nutritional cause. Adult body-mass categories do not transfer directly to children. For young athletes, interpret growth together with maturation, health and intake rather than treating a low body mass as evidence of superior fitness.

Young athletes need nutrition for growth, maturation, learning and health as well as exercise. Chronological age does not fully describe biological maturity, and growth spurts can change appetite and requirements. Plan accessible meals and snacks around school, travel and training with suitable family support. Avoid transferring adult weight-loss targets, body-composition ideals or supplement routines to children. Faltering growth, persistent fatigue, delayed development or restrictive eating calls for age-appropriate professional assessment rather than simply demanding greater discipline or more training.

Usual intake describes a longer-term average rather than the intake of one isolated day. Day-to-day variation includes real differences between training, rest and competition days as well as measurement noise. Repeated observations should cover relevant conditions and be collected with a suitable method. Averaging a few unusual days can still give a misleading estimate. For the athlete, preserve useful information about distribution and timing: an acceptable weekly energy average can coexist with repeated underfueling around demanding sessions.