Self-Reported Versus Actual Weight and Height Data Contribute to Different Weight Misperception Classifications

• Main Authors: Dalton, William T., Wang, Liang, Southerland, Jodi, Schetzina, Karen E., Slawson, Deborah L.
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2014
• Subjects: weight misperceptions; Biostatistics and Epidemiology; Community and Behavioral Health; Pediatrics; Maternal Child Health
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/5112; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6314&context=etsu-works

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to examine potential differences between two approaches to defining adolescent weight misperception. Specifically, weight status perception was compared with self-reported weight status and actual weight status (based on body mass index percentiles calculated from self-reported and actual weights and heights, respectively). Furthermore, the accuracy of assigning weight status based on body mass index percentiles calculated from self-reported weights and heights was assessed by comparing them with actual weight status. Methods: Data were extracted from Team Up for Healthy Living, an 8-week, school-based obesity prevention program in southern Appalachia. Participants (N = 1509) were predominately white (93.4%) and ninth graders (89.5%), with approximately equivalent representation of both sexes (50.7% boys). Results: The study revealed significant differences between the approaches to defining weight misperception (χ2 = 16.2; P = 0.0003). Conclusions: Researchers should interpret study findings with awareness of potential differences based on the method of calculating weight misperception.