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. 2013 May-Jun;62(3):195-202.
doi: 10.1097/NNR.0b013e318286b790.

Underestimation of adolescent obesity

Alison M Buttenheim  1 , Noreen Goldman, Anne R Pebley
Affiliations

Underestimation of adolescent obesity

Alison M Buttenheim et al. Nurs Res. 2013 May-Jun.

Abstract

Background: Previous studies assessing the validity of adolescent self-reported height and weight for estimating obesity prevalence have not accounted for, potential bias due to nonresponse in self-reports.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the implications of selective nonresponse in self-reports of height and weight for estimates of adolescent obesity.

Methods: The authors analyzed 613 adolescents ages 12-17 years from the 2006-2008 Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey, a longitudinal study of Los Angeles County households with an oversample of poor neighborhoods. Obesity prevalence estimates were compared based on (a) self-report, (b) measured height and weight for those who did report, and (c) measured height and weight for those who did report.

Results: Among younger teens, measured obesity prevalence was higher for those who did not report height and weight compared with those who did (40% vs. 30%). Consequently, obesity prevalence based on self-reported height and weight underestimated measured prevalence by 12 percentage points (when accounting for nonresponse) versus 9 percentage points (when nonresponse was not accounted for). Results were robust to the choice of difference child growth references.

Discussion: Adolescent obesity surveillance and prevention efforts must take into account selective nonresponse for self-reported height and weight, particularly for younger teens. Results should be replicated in a nationally representative sample.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Obesity Prevalence Estimates Based on Self-reported and Measured Height and Weight by Subgroup, Adolescents Ages 12-17, Los Angeles County, 2006-08. HS+ = high school or higher.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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