Best marker for chronic Protein-energy malnutrition is

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