Background/Aims: Monitoring overweight prevalence and its trends in Dutch youth is frequently based on self-reported data. The validity of self-reported data especially in young adolescents is not sufficiently known. The purpose of this study is to study the validity of self-reported height and weight in 12- to 13-year-olds, to identify sociodemographic correlates and to explore whether correction factors can be developed to estimate the prevalence of overweight in youth. Methods: 5,525 12- to 13-year-old pupils in the Rotterdam area filled in a confidential questionnaire on health topics, including their height and weight. In a sub-sample of 499 pupils both self-reported and measured height and weight were available. Results: Self-reported data led to a considerable underestimation of Body Mass Index and consequently the prevalence of overweight. Underestimation was higher in pupils who regarded themselves as more fat, were of non-Dutch origin and in lower education levels. Conclusion: Self-reported height and weight appeared to be inappropriate to estimate the overweight prevalence in 12- to 13-year-olds, unless the figures were adjusted. Using adjusted self-reported BMI on an individual level is questionable. Actual measurements of height and weight are necessary to draw up valid correction formulas in new samples. Copyright

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doi.org/10.1159/000094297, hdl.handle.net/1765/64205
Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Jansen, W., van de Looij-Jansen, P., Ferreira, I., de Wilde, E. J., & Brug, H. (2006). Differences in measured and self-reported height and weight in Dutch adolescents. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 50(4), 339–346. doi:10.1159/000094297