Underrecording and Underreporting of Obesity

The obesity rate is increasing worldwide despite various policies and efforts. However, there is a concern with underrecording and underreporting of obesity in outpatient and inpatient settings which can affect patient care. Local and national reports based on medical records can provide an underestimated rate of obesity. Not having obesity in the chart can affect regional and national databases, and the research findings based on these resources can be affected. In addition, there would be questions about the quality and effectiveness of policies and public health interventions designed based on inaccurate data. Recording of obesity may help with considering treatment and intervention in a clinical setting. Adding weight and height in the regional and national databases can help with more accurate reports, fewer biases in research findings, and more effective policies and interventions.