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 that approximately one-third of women under-report their weight by more than 5 lb. Overweight 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 between under-reporting and either 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.
Smith
G T
GT
Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506-0044.
Hohlstein
L A
LA
Atlas
J G
JG
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010555:Personality Inventory; D014342:Truth Disclosure