Accuracy of body mass index based on self-report data among law enforcement cadets

Abstract

BACKGROUND - Height and body mass are often self-reported by study participants. However, the accuracy of this data compared to measured values is limited in tactical trainee populations. This study's purpose was to compare the accuracy of self-reported height and body mass to measured values within a US law enforcement cadet population, and determine how these estimations affected BMI classifications. METHODS - Self-reported and measured body height and body mass for twenty-six (n = 26) male and female cadets (males - age: 31.32 ± 10.04 years; measured height: 178.07 ± 9.87 cm; measured body mass: 92.44 ± 19.37 kg; females - age: 25.67 ± 1.53 years; measured body height: 168.17 ± 4.01cm; measured body mass: 78.94 ± 11.30 kg) were analyzed. RESULTS - Significant differences between estimated and measured height (p < 0.001), body mass (p < 0.05), but not BMI (p = 0.281) were revealed. CONCLUSION - Self-reported body height and body mass were not accurately reported when compared to measured values. However, reported resulted in accurate BMI classifications.