Socioeconomic differentials in misclassification of height, weight and body mass index based on questionnaire data

Abstract

Our study shows that socioeconomic differences in height, when using self-reported information, involve an underestimation. This means that the height differences between socioeconomic groups in Sweden may actually be higher than that reported by individuals in surveys. The socioeconomic differences in underweight tend to be underestimated for men, as well as obesity for women, when using self-reported information. The socioeconomic differences in overweight and obesity are shown to be overestimated for men.