Anamnestic weight loss-do patients remember correctly?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Information on weight loss is used in screening and assessment tools. It is essential that the data are correct. Anamnestic data of weight changes were compared with records for hospitalized patients and outpatients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: For hospitalized patients, anamnestic and recorded weight data were obtained. For outpatients, data of weight changes since last visit were obtained. RESULTS: Of 34 hospitalized patients, 21 stated change of weight (15 lost, 6 gained). Weight loss in 9 and weight gain in 12 patients were recorded. Ten patients stated no change of weight. Weight loss in 4 and weight gain in 3 patients were recorded. Of 15 patients who stated weight loss, it was correct for 9 patients. Six of 21 patients stated weight changes opposite the records. Of 43 patients, 14 stated weight changes before admission; only 9 could indicate the time span. Ten patients stated 'Do not know' to the question of weight changes. For 156 outpatients, 86 stated change of weight (39 lost, 47 gained). Weight loss in 42 and weight gain in 47 patients were recorded. Fifty-eight patients stated no change of weight. Weight loss in 26 and weight gain in 29 patients were recorded. Of 38 patients who stated weight loss, it was correct for 31. Seventeen of 85 patients stated weight changes opposite the records. CONCLUSIONS: Recollection of weight changes is poor for a large percentage of patients. In patients who stated weight loss it was only correct for 75%, and for patients who stated unchanged weight 25% have lost more than 1 kg. Thus, incorrect weight loss data can cause over-and underestimation of nutritional risk.