Reliability of Self-Reported Height and Weight in Children: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study and a Review

Abstract

Since anthropometric measurements are not always feasible in large surveys, self-reported values are an alternative. Our objective was to assess the reliability of self-reported weight and height values compared to measured values in children with (1) a cross-sectional study in Switzerland and (2) a comprehensive review with a meta-analysis. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a school-based study in Switzerland of 2616 children and a review of 63 published studies including 122,629 children. In the cross-sectional study, self-reported and measured values were highly correlated (weight: r = 0.96; height: r = 0.92; body mass index (BMI) r = 0.88), although self-reported values tended to underestimate measured values (weight: −1.4 kg; height: −0.9 cm; BMI: −0.4 kg/m2). Prevalence of underweight was overestimated and prevalence of overweight was underestimated using self-reported values. In the meta-analysis, high correlations were found between self-reported and measured values (weight: r = 0.94; height: r = 0.87; BMI: r = 0.88). Weight (−1.4 kg) and BMI (−0.7 kg/m2) were underestimated, and height was slightly overestimated (+0.1 cm) with self-reported values. Self-reported values tended to be more reliable in children above 11 years old. Self-reported weight and height in children can be a reliable alternative to measurements, but should be used with caution to estimate over- or underweight prevalence.