Korean J Prev Med.  1983 Oct;16(1):59-65.

Study of Factors Affecting to Discrepancy between Self-Reported and Body Weight and Height

• Han GW

Abstract

Screening data from preplacement and periodic examination in Gu Mi Industrial Estate from May, 1983 to June, 1983 provide an opportunity to evaluate the accuracy of self-reported height and weight. The data for men and women were analyzed separated for effects of age, marital status, educational level, employment status, measured height, measured weight and relative weight (percent of ideal body weight). The mean percent discrepancy from self-reported and measured height was analyzed by cross-tubulation, P value for analysis of variance and multiple correlation analysis in men and women. It is clear from the data that self-reported height and weight differ from the quantities in systemic ways. But the magnitude of misreporting is very small on average except for weight in women. Whereas height tend to be over-reported, weight is under-reported in women but over-reported in men. Weight was accurate for age group 20-29 years in men and age group over 40 years in women and over-reporting of weight increased with age in men and under-reporting of weight decreased with age in women. Weight was accurate in 60-64kg group in men and under 50kg group in women and under-stating of weight increased with weight in men and women. Weight was the most accurate in 100-109 percent relative weight group in men and in 90-99 percent relative weight group in women and under-stating of weight increased with relative weight and over-stating decreased with relative weight and over-stating decreased with relative weight in men and women. Height was the most accurate for group of primary school and except group of primary school, accuracy of height increased with educational level in men and women. In height, the highest measured height groups(over than 175cm measured height in men and over than 165cm measured height in women) were the most accurate and over-reporting of height decreased with measured height. Single variable regression analysis and ANOVAs showed age(P<0.003), measured weight(P<0.0001) relative weight(P<0.0001), educational level(P<0.0005) and employment status(P<0.0007) to be significantly related to delta WT in women and measured height(P<0.0001), educational level(P<0.03) and marital status(P<0.03) to be significantly related to delta HT in men. The women were more sensitive about her body weight than height.

MeSH Terms

Body Weight*
Employment
Female
Humans
Male
Marital Status
Mass Screening