The effects of restraint, gender, and body mass index on the accuracy of self-reported weight.

OBJECTIVE Previous research has shown that women, restrained eaters, and overweight/obese individuals have a tendency to underreport their weight. This study investigated gender, dietary restraint, and BMI to determine which is the best predictor of errors in self-reported weight. METHOD A total of 241 college students completed questionnaires pertaining to height and weight and then were weighed in the laboratory. RESULTS Although overall students were fairly accurate in reporting their weight, restraint status was the best predictor of weight underestimation. DISCUSSION These results suggest that restrained eaters, regardless of gender or BMI, have a tendency to underestimate their weight.