Validity of self-reported height, weight and BMI as applied to trends in malnutrition in Davao City, Philippines.

This article focuses on assessing the validity of self-reported height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) compared to measured values among urban residents of Davao City, Philippines, and examines malnutrition trends in this population. The study found statistically significant overestimation of height in females and underestimation in males, while self-reported weight closely matched measured weight for both sexes. When applying the Asia-Pacific BMI classification, which accounts for regional physiological differences, there was a notable increase in obesity prevalence—40.79% for males and 22% for females—compared to the World Health Organization standards. The findings highlight the need for improved public health education to enhance the accuracy of self-reported anthropometric data, which is critical for effective malnutrition surveillance and intervention planning in low- to middle-income urban settings.