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 20002010 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 defined 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.