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When adjusted, body mass index (BMI) based on self-reported height and weight in scanner data better aligns with measured data

by Abigail Okrent, Megan Sweitzer, Sabrina Young and Elina T. Page
11/20/2023

Food Choices & Health

Bar chart showing percent of U.S. adults who are underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese using measured National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and adjusted and unadjusted self-reported scanner data.

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Most surveys to determine obesity rates using body mass index (BMI) rely on self-reported height and weight, which often can be misreported. Using both self-reported and measured heights and weights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), self-reported information in scanner data can be adjusted to reduce measurement error.

When adjusted, body mass index (BMI) based on self-reported height and weight in scanner data better aligns with measured data

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When adjusted, body mass index (BMI) based on self-reported height and weight in scanner data better aligns with measured data

Related Content

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Analysis

We’d welcome your feedback!