Accuracy of self-reported body weight, height and waist circumference in a Dutch overweight working population
BMC Medical Research MethodologyPublished 28 October 2008Open access
J. Caroline Dekkers, Marieke F. van Wier, Ingrid Hendriksen, Jos W. R. Twisk, Willem van Mechelen
Citations246
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score1.67
SNIP1.73
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TL;DR
Results suggest that self-reported BMI and WC are satisfactorily accurate for the assessment of the prevalence of overweight/obesity and increased WC in a middle-aged overweight working population.
Abstract
ISRCTN04265725.
Keywords
MedicineHealth Professions
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