Distortion in self-reported height and weight data

Abstract

The validity of self-reported height and weight data was examined in a large population of adult men and women. On the average, women reported weights lower than actual, with the amount of discrepancy increasing as weight increased. At low weights, men on the average reported weighing more than their actual weights while at higher weights they reported weighing less. Women tended to report heights which were slightly less than their actual heights, with the discrepancy increasing with increasing height. Men tended to report heights which were more than their actual heights; this tendency decreased with increasing height.