Ten-year trends (2000-2010) in bias of self-reported weight, height and body mass index in a Mediterranean adult population

Abstract

Aim: To assess trends in the biases of self-reported versus measured weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) in adults over the period 2000-2010 in a Mediterranean adult population.

Methods: The sample population consisted of young (18-35) and middle-aged (36-55) adults living in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The data represent 1,089 people during 1999-2000 and 1,081 people during 2000-2010. Weighted-based frequency estimates were used.

Results: While no differences between self-reported and measured weight, height and BMI were found in the respondents, it was seen that a decreasing percentage of the population knows their own weight and/or height. A rise in awareness was found in normal-weight men (from 95.0% to 98.9%), and also in normal-weight men and in the middle-aged obese category whose self-reported BMI was not defi ned as "correct" (from 41.2% to 85.7% and from 41.0% to 67.6% respectively).

Conclusions: A substantial proportion of the population does not know their own weight or height. The obtained results suggest the need to develop strategies to enhance awareness of own weight and height.

Keywords: Biases. Self-reported. Body mass index. Adults. Balearic Islands..