title: How valid are Web-based self-reports of weight?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many studies rely on self-reported anthropometric data. While paper-based self-reports have been the standard collection mode, the number of studies collecting self-reported data via the Web is increasing rapidly. Although numerous studies have shown good agreement between self-reported and measured weight using paper-based questionnaires, the validity of using the Web to inquire about weight is unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to validate Web-based self-reports of bodyweight compared to weight measured at the study center.
  
  
  METHODS
  The validity of weight self-reported via the Web was assessed by comparing self-reports against measurements of weight in a convenience sample of 149 individuals (77.2% women, 115/149), aged 20-65 years. Study participants self-reported their weight via a Web-based questionnaire and thereafter had their weight measured in the research center.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Spearman correlation coefficient between self-reported and measured weight was 0.98 (P<.001). The mean difference between self-reported and measured weight was -1.2 (SD 2.6) kg. There was a statistically significant difference between self-reported and measured weight with the self-reported being lower (P<.001). Subjects with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2), and subjects ≥30 years of age, under-reported their weight statistically significantly more than subjects with a BMI <25 kg/m(2), and subjects <30 years of age, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results show that self-reported weight via the Web can be a valid method of data collection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. stephanie.bonn@ki.se
authors.forename: Stephanie Erika
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Bonn
authors.forename: Ylva
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Trolle Lagerros
authors.forename: Katarina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bälter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D057566:Self Report; D013548:Sweden; D055815:Young Adult