Self-reported weight and height for evaluating obesity control programs.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the adequacy of self-reported weight and height as indicators for BMI in community-based obesity control programs.


METHODS
Self-reported and measured weight and height and calculated BMI in 6979 adults were assessed using analysis of covariance.


RESULTS
Prevalence of obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m(2)) and overweight (25-29.9 kg/m(2)) was lower using self-reported values by 3.2% and 5.0%, respectively. Females underreported BMI more than males did; and older subjects, more than younger subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-reported weight and height measurements may be used for the evaluation of community-based obesity control programs with the application of correction factors. This will minimize costs associated with physical measurements.
Dhaliwal
Satvinder S
SS
School of Public Health, Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer Control, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Australian Technology Network Centre for Metabolic Fitness, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia. s.dhaliwal@curtin.edu.au
Howat
Peter
P
Bejoy
Thaila
T
Welborn
Timothy A
TA
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D001827:Body Height; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult