Comparison of stated and measured patient heights and weights

Stated and measured patient heights and weights were compared, and the clinical importance of any differences was determined. A total of 112 health-clinic patients were interviewed for height and weight determinations. They were divided into four groups: men 21-35 years old; men 65 years and older; women 21-35 years old; and women 65 years and older. The stated and the actual heights and weights were analyzed for significant differences. Calculations of body surface area (BSA) and basal energy expenditure (BEE) were used to determine the clinical impact of any discrepancies. Patients in all groups tended to overestimate their height, but only the estimates of men differed significantly from the measured values. Differences between stated and measured heights for older women showed statistical differences from younger men and women but not from older men. All groups except young men overestimated their weight. Older men showed the greatest tendency towards overestimation of weight. In elderly men, the calculations of BSA and BEE were significantly different (p less than 0.002) when stated versus measured values were used. These differences were not considered clinically important. Overall, patients in all groups were well aware of their heights and weights.