Accuracy Of Self-reported Weight Research Articles

Measurement accuracy and reliability of self-reported versus measured weight and height among adults in Malaysia: Findings from a nationwide blood pressure screening programme.

Most studies reporting prevalence of obesity use actual weight and height measurements. Self-reported weight and height have been used in epidemiological studies as they have been shown to be reliable, convenient, and inexpensive alternatives to actual measurements. However, the accuracy of self-reported weight and height might vary in different regions because of the difference in health awareness and social influences. This study aims to determine the accuracy and reliability of self-reported weight and height compared to actual measured weight and height among adults in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the community level during blood pressure screening campaigns. Participants self-reported their weight and height in a questionnaire survey. Their weight and height were validated using measurements by researchers on the same setting. Body mass index (BMI) was defined as underweight (<18.5kg/m2), normal (18.5-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23-27.4 kg/m2) and obesity (≥27.5 kg/m2). Bland-Altman analysis, intraclass correlation coefficients and weighted Kappa statistics were used to assess the degree of agreement between self-reported and measured weight and height. A total of 2781 participants were recruited in this study. The difference between the mean self-reported and measured weight and height were 0.4 kg and 0.4 cm respectively. Weighted Kappa statistics analysis showed that there was a substantial agreement between the BMI classifications derived from self-reported and actual measurement (ҡ = 0.920, p<0.001). There was no marked difference in the sensitivity and specificity of self-reported BMI among Malaysian adults by gender. We observed substantial agreement between self-reported and measured body weight and height within a sample of Malaysian adults. While self-reported body weight showed weaker agreement with actual measurements particularly for obese and overweight individuals, BMI values derived from self-reported weight and height were accurate for 88.53% of the participants. We thus conclude that self-reported height and weight measures may be useful for tracking and estimating population trends amongst Malaysian adults.

Adolescent\u2019s self-reported weight and its association with media impact on decision to lose weight and body thinness perception

This study investigated the accuracy of self-reported weight among Kuwaiti adolescents and the associations of self-reported weight and calculated BMI with the impact of media use on adolescent’s decision to lose weight and body thinness perception. A total of 706 Kuwaiti adolescents (363 females) 15–18 year-olds were randomly selected from schools. Weight and height were self-reported by the adolescents and measured by the researchers. A specifically designed questionnaire reported the impact of media use on adolescent’s decision to lose weight and body thinness perception. There were significant (p < 0.001) relationships between measured and reported weight (r = 0.947), height (r = 0.777), and calculated BMI (r = 0.623). Intraclass correlation coefficients (95% CI) between self-reported and measured weight and height were 0.973 (0.968–0.977) and 0.867 (0.839–0.891), respectively. The mean differences between self-reported and measured weight (1.26 kg) and BMI (0.478 kg/m2) were relatively small. Females under-reported their weight and the calculated BMI from estimated weight and height was underestimated by adolescents with overweight/obesity. The impact of media use on the adolescent’s perception of being thin relative to the accuracy of the calculated BMI was significant (p = 0.043–0.001). The age-adjusted odds ratio of the calculated (underestimated) BMI in adolescents without overweight/obesity was 0.437 (95% CI = 0.257–0.741; p = 0.002). It was concluded that the validity of self-reported weight was high. Adolescents with overweight/obesity were more likely to underestimate their weight and calculated BMI. Educating adolescents about proper lifestyles and weight loss through media appears warranted.

Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight Collected Through a Web-Based Platform in a Weight Loss Trial: Validation Study of the POEmaS Clinical Trial.

Self-reported anthropometric data in web-based weight loss interventions may be inaccurate. We studied the agreement between online self-reported and measured weight in the course of the POEmaS randomized controlled trial. Measured weight was not different from reported one (-0.4 kg; 95%CI -0.93 to 0.12). 95.6% of the cases were within the limits of agreement (Bland-Altman method). Self-reported weight collected online was accurate, which suggests that interventions and outcomes assessment can rely on these data.

Accuracy of self-reported weight in the Women's Health Initiative.

To assess the extent of error present in self-reported weight data in the Women's Health Initiative, variables that may be associated with error, and to develop methods to reduce any identified error. Prospective cohort study. Forty clinical centres in the USA.ParticipantsWomen (n 75 336) participating in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI-OS) and women (n 6236) participating in the WHI Long Life Study (LLS) with self-reported and measured weight collected about 20 years later (2013-2014). The correlation between self-reported and measured weights was 0·97. On average, women under-reported their weight by about 2 lb (0·91 kg). The discrepancies varied by age, race/ethnicity, education and BMI. Compared with normal-weight women, underweight women over-reported their weight by 3·86 lb (1·75 kg) and obese women under-reported their weight by 4·18 lb (1·90 kg) on average. The higher the degree of excess weight, the greater the under-reporting of weight. Adjusting self-reported weight for an individual's age, race/ethnicity and education yielded an identical average weight to that measured. Correlations between self-reported and measured weights in the WHI are high. Discrepancies varied by different sociodemographic characteristics, especially an individual's BMI. Correction of self-reported weight for individual characteristics could improve the accuracy of assessment of obesity status in postmenopausal women.

Accuracy of Self-reported Weight in Hispanic/Latino Adults of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Previous US population-based studies have found that body weight may be underestimated when self-reported. However, this research may not apply to all US Hispanics/Latinos, many of whom are immigrants with distinct cultural orientations to ideal body size. We assessed the data quality and accuracy of self-reported weight in a diverse, community-based, US sample of primarily foreign-born Hispanic/Latino adults. Using baseline data (2008-2011) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), we described the difference between contemporaneous self-reported and measured current body weight (n = 16,119) and used multivariate adjusted models to establish whether the observed trends in misreporting in potential predictors of inaccuracy persisted after adjustment for other predictors. Last, we described the weighted percentage agreement in body mass classification using either self-reported or measured weight (n = 16,110). Self-reported weight was well correlated with (r = 0.95) and on average 0.23 kg greater than measured weight. The range of this misreporting was large and several factors were associated with misreporting: age group, gender, body mass categories, nativity, study site by background, unit of self-report (kg or lb), and end-digit preference. The percentage agreement of body mass classification using self-reported versus measured weight was 86% and varied across prevalent health conditions. The direction of misreporting in self-reported weight, and thus the anticipated bias in obesity prevalence estimates based on self-reported weights, may differ in US Hispanic/Latinos from that found in prior studies. Future investigations using self-reported body weight in US Hispanic/Latinos should consider this information for bias analyses.See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B276.

Effect of Weight Change on Accuracy of Self-reported Weight in College Students

Effect of Weight Change on Accuracy of Self-reported Weight in College Students

Accuracy of self-reported weight, height and BMI in US firefighters

Obesity is of increasing concern especially among firefighters. Bias in self-reported body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) has received a great deal of attention given its importance in epidemiological field research on obesity. To determine the validity of self-reported weight, height and BMI and identify potential sources of bias in a national sample of US firefighters. Self-reported and measured weight and height (and BMI derived from them) were assessed in a national sample of 1001 career male firefighters in the USA and errors in self-reported data were determined. There were 1001 participants. Self-reported weight, height and BMI were significantly correlated with their respective measured counterparts, i.e. measured weight (r = 0.990; P < 0.001), height (r = 0.961; P < 0.001) and BMI (r = 0.976; P < 0.001). The overall mean difference and standard deviation between self-reported weight, height and BMI were 1.3±2.0kg, 0.94±1.9cm and 0.09±0.9kg/m(2), respectively, for male firefighters. BMI-based weight status (P < 0.001) was the most consistent factor associated with bias in self-reported BMI, weight and height, with heavier firefighters more likely to underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, resulting in underestimated BMIs. Therefore, using self-reported BMI would have resulted in overestimating the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0) by 1.8%, but underestimating the prevalence of more serious levels of obesity (Class II and III) by 1.2%. Self-reported weight and height (and the resulting BMI) were highly correlated with measured values. A primary and consistent source of error in self-reported weight, height and BMI based on those indices was BMI-based weight status.

Accuracy of self-reported weight and height in women from Bogotá, Colombia

Aim: To identify correlates of bias in self-reported anthropometry among reproductive-aged Colombian women and to correct overweight/obesity and obesity prevalence based on self-reported data using two calibration techniques.Subjects and methods: Self-reported and objectively measured anthropometry were obtained from 597 women aged 21–55 years from Bogotá, Colombia. This study identified correlates of reporting bias (self-reported minus measured anthropometry) by examining its distribution across categories of sociodemographic characteristics, objectively measured anthropometry and body shape perception using linear regression. Next, weight status misclassification was assessed using self-reported anthropometry. Finally, multivariable linear regression and ROC curves were used to calibrate weight status misclassification from self-reported data; these techniques were applied in half of the study population and validated in the remaining half.Results: Women under-estimated weight by 2.0 ± 5.0 kg and over-estimated height by 0.6 ± 4.0 cm. Correlates of bias included objectively measured anthropometry and marital status. Self-reported BMI yielded spuriously low prevalences of overweight/obesity and obesity. The ROC approach effectively corrected overweight/obesity prevalence, while the regression method provided a more accurate estimate of obesity prevalence.Conclusions: Bias in self-reported anthropometry varied with respect to objectively measured anthropometry and sociodemographic characteristics. BMI from self-reported anthropometry under-estimates overweight/obesity and obesity prevalence; calibration methods can effectively correct reporting bias.

Accuracy of self-reported weight and role of gender, body mass index, weight satisfaction, weighing behavior, and physical activity among rural college students

This study measured accuracy of self-reported body mass index (BMI), particularly weight, in a college population. The main purpose was to examine the role of gender, BMI, body weight satisfaction, weighing frequency and physical activity level in accuracy (weight difference, percent weight difference, and absolute weight difference). Students (N=405; 56% female) completed a questionnaire and 325 agreed to have their height and/or weight measured. Gender, BMI and activity level were significantly associated with weight difference and percent weight difference while BMI, activity level and weighing frequency were associated with absolute weight difference. However, interactions between BMI and physical activity were found. Our findings indicate that women and heavier individuals underestimate weight.

Accuracy of self-reported weight in a high risk geriatric population in the emergency department

Weight is important information in the emergency department (ED). Weight loss leads to an increase of mortality and is suggestive of morbidity. Correct weight is important for dosing of drugs to avoid toxicity and lack of effectiveness. Objective body weight measurement is often not possible in the emergency department. Especially in elderly ED patients, acute disease might have an impact on weight reporting. The objective of this study was to determine whether body weight reported by elderly patients presenting to the ED with non-specific symptoms is accurate. In 233 patients, measured weight was detected within patients' medical record and was compared to reported weight at presentation in the ED. The median age of the observed population was 74 years (IQR 72, 86). Comparison between estimated and measured weight showed a good agreement between the two measures (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.94). The mean difference between estimated and measured weight was small (+0.1 kg) whereas the range of the estimation error was between -10.9 and 11.1 kg. Age had no influence on the accuracy to predict the measured weight. Also, the correlation did not differ in patients with and without acute morbidity or between men and women. Neither old age nor acute disease status impaired the strong correlation of reported and measured weight. Therefore, self reported weight can be used as approximation for real body weight in elderly ED patients presenting with non-specific complaints.

Self-reporting weight and height: misclassification effect on the risk estimates for acute myocardial infarction

The accuracy of self-reported weight and height to measure obesity has been evaluated, but no information is available on the possible error effects of self-reporting when estimating the association between body mass index (BMI) categories and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aim to evaluate if two different sources of information on height and weight (reported vs. measured) result in different risk estimates for non-fatal AMI events. A population-based case-control study was conducted with 732 cases of first AMI and 1914 community controls, recruited from the same catchment area of hospitals. As part of an interview, participants self-reported weight and height immediately before having it measured. Data were analysed separately by sex and age strata (< or =45; >45 years). Women under-reported their weight and over-reported their height, and the mean differences between measured and self-reported data were significantly larger in controls. Male controls also under-reported their weight, but cases over-reported it. After adjustment, in younger women the use of self-reported data underestimated the AMI risk according to BMI categories, but in older ones the self-reporting overestimated AMI risk, although with no statistical significance. In younger men, the association between AMI and self-reported obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2)) was overestimated in approximately 50% (measured: OR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.08-3.87; self-reported: OR = 3.06, 95% CI 1.56-6.00). In older participants, a significant association was only found for overweight men when using self-reported data. Self-reporting of height and weight produced a differential misclassification and biased risks for AMI according to BMI, affecting not only the magnitude, but also the estimates direction.

Accuracy of Self‐reported Weight Among Bariatric Surgery Candidates: The Influence of Race and Weight Cycling

Research on the accuracy of self-reported weight has indicated that the degree of misreporting (underestimating) weight is associated with increasing weight but is variable across patient groups. We examined the degree of discrepancy between actual and self-reported BMI in severely obese bariatric surgery candidates, and whether the degree of accuracy varied by race and by eating-related and psychological factors. Participants were 179 obese female gastric bypass surgery candidates (31 black, 22 Hispanic, 126 white) who were asked to self-report height and weight as part of a larger assessment battery. Actual height and weight were then measured and a discrepancy score was generated (actual BMI - reported BMI). In this group of severely obese patients, degree of misreporting was unrelated to BMI. The race groups did not differ in actual or self-reported BMI but differed significantly in the degree of misestimation between self-reported and actual BMI. Post hoc tests indicated that black women underestimated their BMI significantly more than white women; Hispanic women did not differ from the other race groups. No eating-related or psychological variables assessed predicted percentage discrepancy; however, the accuracy in self-reported weight was related to history of weight cycling. Overall, obese bariatric surgery candidates were accurate in self-report of weight, although the degree of accuracy differed by race and weight cycling history.

Validity of self-reported height and weight in a Japanese workplace population

To assess the validity of self-reported height and weight in a Japanese workplace population, and to examine factors associated with the validity of self-reported weight. Comparison of self-reported height and weight with independent measurement. In total, 4253 men and 1148 women aged 35-64 y (mean measured body mass index (BMI): 23.3 kg/m(2) in men, 21.9 kg/m(2) in women) were included in the study. Self-reported height and weight were obtained by a self-administered questionnaire. Measured height and weight were based on annual health checkups. Sex, age, measured BMI, and the presence of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were examined as potential factors associated with the accuracy of self-reported weight. Self-reported height and weight were highly correlated with measured height and weight for men and women (Pearson's r for men and women: 0.979 and 0.988 in height, 0.961 and 0.959 in weight, 0.943 and 0.950 in BMI, respectively). For men, mean differences+/-2 s.d. of height and weight were 0.078+/-2.324 cm and -0.034+/-5.012 kg, respectively, and for women 0.029+/-1.652 cm and 0.024+/-4.192 kg, respectively. The prevalence of obesity with BMI > or =25 kg/m(2) based on self-reported data (23.6 and 11.5% for men and women, respectively) was slightly smaller than that based on measured data (24.9 and 12.4%, respectively). Specificity and sensitivity, however, were quite high for both men and women (sensitivity was 85.8 and 85.2%, and specificity was 97.0 and 98.9%, respectively). The subjects with higher measured BMI significantly underestimated their weight compared with those with smaller BMI after adjustments for age in men and women. Furthermore, the presence of diabetes in men and age in women affected self-reported weight. Neither the presence of hypertension nor hyperlipidemia was associated with reporting bias. The self-reported height and weight were generally reliable in the middle-aged employed Japanese men and women. However, it should be remembered that self-reported weight was biased by actual BMI and affected by age and the presence of diabetes.

The effects of restraint, gender, and body mass index on the accuracy of self-reported weight.

Previous research has shown that women, restrained eaters, and overweight/obese individuals have a tendency to underreport their weight. This study investigated gender, dietary restraint, and BMI to determine which is the best predictor of errors in self-reported weight. A total of 241 college students completed questionnaires pertaining to height and weight and then were weighed in the laboratory. Although overall students were fairly accurate in reporting their weight, restraint status was the best predictor of weight underestimation. These results suggest that restrained eaters, regardless of gender or BMI, have a tendency to underestimate their weight.

Gender differences in the accuracy of self-reported weight

To investigate gender as a possible moderator of the validity of self-reported weight data in studies of body image and eating disorders, the discrepancies between reported weights and actual weights were examined in a sample of 186 college students, 90 males and 96 females. Ninety-four percent of the students were Anglo-American, and 6% were African-American, Asian-American, or Hispanic. In comparison to male students, female students underreported their weight to a significantly greater degree. Generally, use of self-reported weight, rather than actual weight, would result in more subjects classified as normal weight or underweight and fewer classified as overweight, using standard methods of classifying individuals into weight categories. And consistent with previous research, normal-weight females perceived themselves as overweight while normal-weight males were more likely to perceive themselves as underweight. Implications for further research on gender differences in eating problems and body image are discussed.

Are inaccuracies in self-reported weight motivated distortions?

The accuracy of self-reported weight and the motivation of distorted reporting were studied among 169 female and 101 male college students. Although subjects were moderately accurate in their weight estimates, errors reflected women's underreporting, men's overreporting, and heavier persons' underreporting. With body mass controlled, most motivational variables had little explanatory value.

Accuracy of self-reported weight: Covariation with binger or restrainer status and eating disorder symptomatology

Studies indicate that women's self-reported and actual weights correlate above. 90 but the approximate one-third of women under-report their weight by more than lb. Over- weight women under-report to a greater degree than women of normal weight. The present study replicated these findings and extended them to women showing eating disorder-related behaviors, including regular binging and dietary restraint. Reporting accuracy was also covaried with eating disorder tendencies as measured on a continuum in the general population. Despite high statistical power, results revealed no correlation under-reporting andeither Bulimia Test scores or Eating Attitudes Test scores and found no differences in reporting accuracy as a function of binger status or restrained eater status. Women manifesting eating disorder-relating behaviors were neither more nor less accurate than were normals. Potential sources of error in measuring weight and in evaluating self-report are presented and discussed.

ARE INACCURACIES IN SELF-REPORTED WEIGHT MOTIVATED DISTORTIONS?

The accuracy of self-reported weight and the motivation of distorted reporting were studied among 169 female and 101 male college students. Although subjects were moderately accurate in their weight estimates, errors reflected women's underreporting, men's overreporting, and heavier persons' underreporting. With body mass controlled, most motivational variables had little explanatory value.

Accuracy of self-reported weight: A meta-analysis

The debate over the ability of researchers to substitute self-reports for measured weights is not settled. Studies conducted to date on the self-reports of weight have not provided a clear conclusion as to whether self-reports of weight are valid. The purpose of the present study was to organize and integrate the conflicting findings utilizing the statistical methods of meta-analysis ( Hedges & Olkin, 1985 ). Data were analyzed by two methods of constructing effect sizes for the total sample, by sex of subject, and by type of population. Bias was found to be a significant component of self-reported weight for all groups. Discrepancies between self-report and true weight are reported for all groups, including estimations in pounds. Self-reported weight is concluded to be sufficiently accurate for epidemiological groups but not in clinical weight-loss subjects pools. Recommendations for future research and practice are suggested.

Accuracy of self-reported weights in morbidly obese patients undergoing gastric reduction surgery.

Accuracy of self-reported weights in morbidly obese patients undergoing gastric reduction surgery.