SELF-REPORTED VS. MEASURED HEIGHT, WEIGHT AND SUBSEQUENT BMI IN TURKISH IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS AND GERMANY

This study aims to evaluate discrepancies between self-reported and measured height and weight, with a focus on sex differences and group variation among Turkish immigrants living in the Netherlands, Germany, and Türkiye. Data were collected from 478 participants (202 male and 276 female) across these three countries. Both self reported and measured values for height and weight were recorded and analyzed. Linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between the differences in reported and measured values and BMI. Results showed significant differences between self-reported and measured height and weight across sexes and origins. Females reported greater height differences than males; Turkish immigrant individuals living in the Netherlands in particular reported their heights as higher than other groups for both sexes (Males: 1.77 cm; Females: 1.79 cm). Similarly, weight discrepancies were more pronounced among females, particularly those from the Netherlands, with a self reported weight that was -0.68 kg lower than the measured weight. These results suggest a tendency for participants to overestimate height and underestimate weight, with varying patterns based on sex and country of origin. Regression analyses indicated a positive correlation between BMI and the magnitude of discrepancies between self reported and measured anthropometric values. These findings underscore the importance of considering self-report biases in anthropometric studies and highlight the need for anthropometric measurements in health assessments, particularly when assessing immigrant populations. Keywords: Height, Weight, BMI, Anthropometry, Self-report, Immigrants