Bridging the gap: development of a methodology for retrieving and harmonising body mass index (BMI) from population-level linked electronic health records
Our findings highlight substantial variations in BMI data availability and retention across CYP and adults, as well as time periods within EHR in Wales. Wider adoption of this approach can enhance standardised approaches in using accessible measures like BMI to assess disease risk in population-based studies, strengthening public health initiatives and research efforts.
Authors
- Fatemeh Torabi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5853-4625)
- Helen Daniels (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8899-0333)
- Ashley Akbari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0814-0801)
- Hoda Abbasizanjani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9575-4758)
- Sarah J Aldridge (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5158-1242)
- Michael J. Childs (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9086-8898)
- Victoria Best
- Gareth Davies (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9005-1618)
- Ronan A Lyons (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5225-000X)
Institutions
- University of Cambridge (GB)
- Swansea University (GB)
- Bridge University (SS)
- Dementia UK (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMJ Open
- Published
- 2025-10-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-103724
- Primary Topic
- Chronic Disease Management Strategies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Wellcome Trust
- Scottish Government
- UK Research and Innovation
- Public Health Wales
- British Heart Foundation
- Department of Health and Social Care
- Cardiff University
- Swansea University
- Public Health Agency
- Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
- Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data
- Chief Scientist Office, Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate
- Medical Research Council
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Economic and Social Research Council
- Health and Social Care Research and Development Division