Some people lie on height and weight surveys

1/31/2012

Companies that implement an employee wellness program that encourages weight loss may see reduced healthcare costs. This is because obesity contributes to a number of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, so helping workers lose weight may combat some of these healthcare expenses.

The impact of obesity on Americans has been documented in multiple studies. Recent research suggests, however, that the statistics regarding how many people in each ethnic group are obese may not be accurate. Scientists from the University of Utah found that whites, more so than blacks or Hispanics, will underestimate their weight and overestimate their height in surveys.

"The paper underscores that there may be slight differences by race or ethnicity which should be emphasized when making conclusions at the population level based on reported height and weight," said researcher Dori Rosenberg, Ph.D. "Therefore, when studies are able to use measured height and weight, they should do so."

The scientists added that this insight should be taken into account when making comparisons of obesity rates between various ethnic groups. 

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