Is measuring best? Evaluating report derived body mass index in Special Olympics participants

Abstract

To determine the proportion of overweight/obesity, studies save time and money by using reported height and weight for the calculation of body mass index (BMI). However, no studies have reported the validity of self and proxy-reported height and weight in persons with intellectual disabilities (ID). This study aimed to determine the validity of self and proxy-reported height and weight for the calculation of BMI in individuals with ID. Manuscript 1 (Self-report): Results demonstrate that self-reports from individuals with ID are valid, and can be used when physical measurement are not feasible. Manuscript 2 (Proxy-report): Results show that proxy-reported height and weight for individuals with ID, specifically parents, were fairly accurate and may be used when physical measurements are not possible. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that individuals with ID and their proxies can report height and weight. These results need to be confirmed using larger sample sizes.