Biomedical subjects

M F Kuczmarski

Publications and source records attributed to M F Kuczmarski.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Effects of age on validity of self-reported height, weight, and body mass index: findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994.

OBJECTIVE: To compare self-reported to measured heights and weights of adults examined in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), and to determine to what extent body mass index (BMI) calculated from self-reported heights and weights affects estimates of overweight prevalence compared with BMI calculated from measured values. DESIGN: A complex sample design was used in NHANES III to obtain a nationally representative sample of the US civilian, noninstitutionalized population. During household interviews, survey respondents were asked their height and weight. Trained health technicians subsequently measured height and weight using standardized procedures and equipment. SUBJECTS: The analytical sample consisted of 7,772 men and 8,801 women 20 years old and older. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Only persons with measured and self-reported heights and weights were included in the analysis, and statistical sampling weights were applied. t Tests, Pearson product moment correlation coefficients, sensitivity, and specificity analyses were used to determine the validity of self-reported measurements and prevalence estimates of overweight, defined as BMI of 25 or greater. RESULTS: Age is an important factor in classifying weight, height, BMI, and overweight from self-reports. Statistically significant differences were found for the mean error (measured-self-reported values) for height and BMI that were notably larger for older age groups. For example, the mean error for height ranged from 2.92 to 4.50 cm for women and from 3.06 to 4.29 cm for men, 70 years and older. Despite the high correlation between measured and self-reported data, the prevalence of overweight calculated from measured values was higher than that calculated from self-reported values among older adults. When calculated with self-reported height, BMI was one unit lower than when calculated from measured height for persons > or = 70 years. Specificity was high but sensitivity decreased with increasing age cohorts. Regression equations are provided to determine actual height from self-reported values for older adults. CONCLUSION/APPLICATIONS: Self-reported heights and weights can be used with younger adults, but they have limitations for older adults, ages > or = 60 years. In research studies and in clinical settings involving older adults, failure to measure height and weight can result in subsequent misclassification of overweight status. Therefore, registered dietitians are encouraged to obtained a measured weight and height using a calibrated scale and stadiometer.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Descriptive anthropometric reference data for older Americans.

OBJECTIVE: To present selected anthropometric data derived from adults aged 60 years and older examined in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). DESIGN: NHANES III used a complex, stratified, multistage, probability cluster sample design to obtain a nationally representative sample of the US civilian, noninstitutionalized population. Persons aged 60 years and older, Mexican-Americans, and African-Americans were oversampled to produce more reliable estimates for these groups. Trained technicians measured height, weight, skinfold thickness, and circumferences using standardized procedures. SUBJECTS: A total of 5,700 persons aged 60 years and older, and 1,861 persons aged 50 to 59 years. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Mean and selected percentiles for body weight, body mass index, triceps skinfold thickness, mid upper arm circumference, and arm muscle circumference were calculated by gender, race/ethnicity, and 3 age categories. Weight (lb) per height (in) tables were generated for men and women by age group. RESULTS: Mean body weight was lowest for persons aged 80 years and older. A decline in body mass index occurred that paralleled the direction and magnitude of the progressive decrease observed in weight. Muscle loss with increasing age, as indicated by arm muscle circumference, appeared to be greater among men than women. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: In addition to being relatively simple, quick, and inexpensive, anthropometry is the most reliable and specific indicator of malnutrition in the older adult population. The cross-sectional reference data provided can be used by dietitians to interpret anthropometric measurements of persons aged 60 years and older.

Black or African American↗

PubMed1994

Update on nutrition monitoring activities in the United States.

This article provides an overview of planned and proposed nutrition monitoring activities of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research (NNMRR) Program. Key provisions of the NNMRR Act of 1990 are described, including the roles and responsibilities of the Interagency Board of Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research (IBNMRR) and the National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council and the development of the Ten-Year Comprehensive Plan. The Plan, which was developed under the guidance of the IBNMRR and reviewed by the National Nutrition Monitoring Advisory Council, is the basis for planning and coordinating the monitoring activities of 22 federal agencies. Also discussed are the resources generated from nutrition monitoring activities, from publications to conferences, that are available to dietitians and nutritionists. Professionals view the scientific reports that describe the nutritional status of the US population and the directories of federal and state monitoring activities as valuable resources. Suggestions from users of nutrition monitoring data related to their information and research needs have been extremely helpful to federal agencies in the development of future monitoring publications and the Ten-Year Comprehensive Plan. Continued communication between dietitians and the federal agencies responsible for the NNMRR Program is important.

Databases, Factual↗