Validity of self-reported weight and height for BMI classification: A cross-sectional study among young adults

Alyse Davies; Lyndal Wellard-Cole; Anna Rangan; Margaret Allman-Farinelli

doi:10.1016/j.nut.2019.110622

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Validity of self-reported weight and height for BMI classification: A cross-sectional study among young adults

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Validity of self-reported weight and height for BMI classification: A cross-sectional study among young adults

Alyse Davies, Lyndal Wellard-Cole, Anna Rangan and Margaret Allman-Farinelli

Nutrition , Vol.71, pp.1-5

2020

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2019.110622

PMID: 31837644

Abstract

young adult

self-report

height

weight

BMI

Objective The aim of this study was to validate self-reported anthropometric measurements and body mass index (BMI) classifications in a young adult population. Methods Both self-reported and directly measured weight and height of 100 young adults 18 to 30 y of age were collected. Participants were measured at one of two university clinics by two research dietitians and within 2 wk self-reported their body weight and height via a questionnaire as part of a larger study. BMI was calculated and categorized according to the World Health Organization's cut-points for underweight, healthy weight, and overweight or obesity. The validity of measured against self-reported weight and height was examined using Pearson's correlation, Bland–Altman plots, and Cohen's kappa statistic. Results Strong correlation was observed between measured and self-reported weight (r = 0.99; P < 0.001), height (r = 0.95; P < 0.001), and BMI (r = 0.94; P < 0.001). Bland–Altman plots indicated that the mean difference between self-reported and direct BMI measurements were small in the total sample (0.1 kg/m2). The majority of values fell within the limits of agreement (2 SD), with random scatter plots and no systemic bias detected. The classification of BMI from self-reported and direct measurements showed that 88% were placed in the equivalent weight category with very good agreement Cohen's kappa (0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.63–0.89; P < 0.001). Conclusions Good agreement was detected between self-reported and direct anthropometric measurements. The criticism of self-reported anthropometric measurements is unwarranted. The findings provide support for using self-reported height and weight data for research in Australian young adults when direct measurements are not feasible.

Details

Title: Validity of self-reported weight and height for BMI classification: A cross-sectional study among young adults
Authors: Alyse Davies (Corresponding Author) - University of Sydney
Lyndal Wellard-Cole - University of Sydney
Anna Rangan - University of Sydney
Margaret Allman-Farinelli - University of Sydney
Publication details: Nutrition , Vol.71, pp.1-5
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
Date published: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2019.110622
ISSN: 1873-1244
PMID: 31837644
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991104123502621
Output Type: Journal article