Change in bias in self-reported body mass index in Australia between 1995 and 2008 and the evaluation of correction equations

Abstract

Background: Many studies have documented the bias in body mass index (BMI) determined from self-reported data on height and weight, but few have examined the change in bias over time.Methods: Using data from large, nationally-representative population health surveys, we examined change in bias in height and weight reporting among Australian adults between 1995 and 2008. Our study dataset included 9,635 men and women in 1995 and 9,141 in 2007-2008. We investigated the determinants of the bias and derived correction equations using 2007-2008 data, which can be applied when only self-reported anthropometric data are available.Results: In 1995, self-reported BMI (derived from height and weight) ..