Table of Contents

Component Description

The Weight History section of the sample person questionnaire (variable name prefix WHQ) provides personal interview data on several topics related to body weight, including self-reported weight over the lifetime, self-perception of weight, attempted weight loss during the past 12 months, and methods used to try to lose weight and to keep from gaining weight.

Eligible Sample

The target sample for the questions in this section is persons age 16 years and older. However, target samples for some questions in this section vary. Please review the codebook carefully. Frequency counts were verified during the preparation of the file.

Interview Setting and Mode of Administration

Household interview; In-person.

The Interviewer Procedure Manuals and Exam Manuals and the survey questionnaires can be found on the NHANES website.

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

For details on the QA/QC process for this component, please refer to the Interviewer Procedure Manuals and Exam Manuals.

Data Processing and Editing

Self-reported height was standardized to inches using the conversion factors 0.3937 inches per centimeter and 12 inches per foot. Current and past self-reported weights were standardized to weight in pounds using the conversion factor 2.2046 pounds per kilogram.

Reported heights and weights considered to be physiologically implausible and the result of interviewer data entry error were coded as “missing.”

Responses to WHD150 (age when weighed the most) were top coded at 85 years for consistency with the top-coded age of the sample
person.

For WHD150, if maximum weight extended over more than one year, the interviewer recorded the most recent age at which the survey participant reported that weight.

Analytic Notes

Although these data were collected as part of the household questionnaire, if they are merged with the MEC exam data, exam sample weights should be used for the analyses.

Please refer to the Analytic Guidelines for further details on the use of sample weights and other analytic issues at: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/analyticguidelines.aspx.

Codebook and Frequencies

SEQN - Respondent sequence number

Variable Name:
SEQN
SAS Label:
Respondent sequence number
English Text:
Respondent sequence number.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS

WHD010 - Current self-reported height (inches)

Variable Name:
WHD010
SAS Label:
Current self-reported height (inches)
English Text:
These next questions ask about {your/SP's} height and weight at different times in {your/his/her} life. How tall {are you/is SP} without shoes?
English Instructions:
ENTER HEIGHT IN FEET AND INCHES OR METERS AND CENTIMETERS
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
48 to 83 Range of Values 6080 6080
7777 Refused 1 6081
9999 Don't know 80 6161
. Missing 52 6213

WHD020 - Current self-reported weight (pounds)

Variable Name:
WHD020
SAS Label:
Current self-reported weight (pounds)
English Text:
How much {do you/does SP} weigh without clothes or shoes?
English Instructions:
RECORD CURRENT WEIGHT. IF PREGNANT, ASK FOR WEIGHT BEFORE PREGNANCY. ENTER WEIGHT IN POUNDS OR KILOGRAMS.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
80 to 400 Range of Values 6116 6116
7777 Refused 2 6118
9999 Don't know 48 6166
. Missing 47 6213

WHQ030 - How do you consider your weight

Variable Name:
WHQ030
SAS Label:
How do you consider your weight
English Text:
{Do you/Does SP} consider {your/his/her}self now to be . . .
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Overweight, 2971 2971
2 Underweight, or 419 3390
3 About the right weight? 2810 6200
7 Refused 2 6202
9 Don't know 11 6213
. Missing 0 6213

WHQ040 - Like to weigh more, less or same

Variable Name:
WHQ040
SAS Label:
Like to weigh more, less or same
English Text:
Would {you/SP} like to weigh . . .
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 More, 593 593
2 Less, or 3354 3947
3 Stay about the same? 2253 6200
7 Refused 1 6201
9 Don't know 12 6213
. Missing 0 6213

WHD050 - Self-reported weight-1 yr ago (pounds)

Variable Name:
WHD050
SAS Label:
Self-reported weight-1 yr ago (pounds)
English Text:
How much did {you/SP} weigh a year ago?
English Instructions:
ENTER WEIGHT IN POUNDS OR KILOGRAMS. IF PREGNANT, ASK FOR WEIGHT BEFORE PREGNANCY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
55 to 415 Range of Values 6121 6121
7777 Refused 2 6123
9999 Don't know 56 6179
. Missing 34 6213

WHQ055 - Check Item

Variable Name:
WHQ055
SAS Label:
Check Item
English Text:
English Instructions:
:BOX 1. CHECK ITEM WHQ055: IF WEIGHT IN WHD050 IS 10 POUNDS, 4.55 KILOGRAMS, OR MORE THAN WEIGHT IN WHD020 (E.G., WHD050 = 150 LBS AND WHD020 = 135 LBS), CONTINUE. OTHERWISE, GO TO WHQ070.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS

WHQ060 - Weight change intentional

Variable Name:
WHQ060
SAS Label:
Weight change intentional
English Text:
Was the change between {your/SP's} current weight and {your/his/her} weight a year ago intentional?
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 608 608 WHD080A
2 No 441 1049
7 Refused 0 1049
9 Don't know 5 1054
. Missing 5159 6213

WHQ070 - Tried to lose weight in past year

Variable Name:
WHQ070
SAS Label:
Tried to lose weight in past year
English Text:
During the past 12 months, {have you/has SP} tried to lose weight?
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 1694 1694
2 No 3906 5600 WHQ090
7 Refused 1 5601 WHQ090
9 Don't know 4 5605 WHQ090
. Missing 608 6213

WHD080A - Ate less food

Variable Name:
WHD080A
SAS Label:
Ate less food
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
10 Ate less food (amount) 1449 1449
77 Refused 0 1449
99 Don't know 1 1450
. Missing 4763 6213

WHD080B - Switched to foods with lower calories

Variable Name:
WHD080B
SAS Label:
Switched to foods with lower calories
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
11 Switched to foods with lower calories 822 822
. Missing 5391 6213

WHD080C - Ate less fat

Variable Name:
WHD080C
SAS Label:
Ate less fat
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
12 Ate less fat 885 885
. Missing 5328 6213

WHD080D - Exercised

Variable Name:
WHD080D
SAS Label:
Exercised
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
13 Exercised 1345 1345
. Missing 4868 6213

WHD080E - Skipped meals

Variable Name:
WHD080E
SAS Label:
Skipped meals
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
14 Skipped meals 432 432
. Missing 5781 6213

WHD080F - Ate diet foods or products

Variable Name:
WHD080F
SAS Label:
Ate diet foods or products
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
15 Ate diet foods or products 249 249
. Missing 5964 6213

WHD080G - Used a liquid diet formula

Variable Name:
WHD080G
SAS Label:
Used a liquid diet formula
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
16 Used a liquid diet formula such as Slimfast or Optifast 162 162
. Missing 6051 6213

WHD080H - Joined a weight loss program

Variable Name:
WHD080H
SAS Label:
Joined a weight loss program
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
17 Joined a weight loss program such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Tops, or Overeaters Anonymous 148 148
. Missing 6065 6213

WHD080I - Took prescription diet pills

Variable Name:
WHD080I
SAS Label:
Took prescription diet pills
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
31 Took diet pills prescribed by a doctor 64 64
. Missing 6149 6213

WHD080J - Took non-prescription diet pills

Variable Name:
WHD080J
SAS Label:
Took non-prescription diet pills
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
32 Took other pills, medicines, herbs, or supplements not needing a prescription 157 157
. Missing 6056 6213

WHD080K - Took laxatives or vomited

Variable Name:
WHD080K
SAS Label:
Took laxatives or vomited
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
33 Took laxatives or vomited 37 37
. Missing 6176 6213

WHD080L - Other

Variable Name:
WHD080L
SAS Label:
Other
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
40 Other 65 65
. Missing 6148 6213

WHD080M - Drank a lot of water

Variable Name:
WHD080M
SAS Label:
Drank a lot of water
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
34 Drank a lot of water 795 795
. Missing 5418 6213

WHD080N - Followed a special diet

Variable Name:
WHD080N
SAS Label:
Followed a special diet
English Text:
How did {you/SP} try to lose weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
30 Followed a special diet such as Dr. Atkins, other high protein or low carbohydrate diet, zone, grapefruit, Pritikin (specify) 233 233
. Missing 5980 6213

WHQ090 - Tried not to gain weight in past year

Variable Name:
WHQ090
SAS Label:
Tried not to gain weight in past year
English Text:
During the past 12 months, {have you/has SP} done anything to keep from gaining weight?
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
1 Yes 2230 2230
2 No 3978 6208 WHD110
7 Refused 1 6209 WHD110
9 Don't know 4 6213 WHD110
. Missing 0 6213

WHD100a - Ate less food

Variable Name:
WHD100a
SAS Label:
Ate less food
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
10 Ate less food (amount) 1302 1302
77 Refused 0 1302
99 Don't know 0 1302
. Missing 4911 6213

WHD100b - Switched to foods with lower calories

Variable Name:
WHD100b
SAS Label:
Switched to foods with lower calories
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
11 Switched to foods with lower calories 692 692
. Missing 5521 6213

WHD100c - Ate less fat

Variable Name:
WHD100c
SAS Label:
Ate less fat
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
12 Ate less fat 807 807
. Missing 5406 6213

WHD100d - Exercised

Variable Name:
WHD100d
SAS Label:
Exercised
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
13 Exercised 1225 1225
. Missing 4988 6213

WHD100e - Skipped meals

Variable Name:
WHD100e
SAS Label:
Skipped meals
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
14 Skipped meals 290 290
. Missing 5923 6213

WHD100f - Ate diet foods or products

Variable Name:
WHD100f
SAS Label:
Ate diet foods or products
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
15 Ate diet foods or products 147 147
. Missing 6066 6213

WHD100g - Used a liquid diet formula

Variable Name:
WHD100g
SAS Label:
Used a liquid diet formula
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
16 Used a liquid diet formula such as Slimfast or Optifast 81 81
. Missing 6132 6213

WHD100h - Joined a weight loss program

Variable Name:
WHD100h
SAS Label:
Joined a weight loss program
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
17 Joined a weight loss program such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Tops, or Overeaters Anonymous 87 87
. Missing 6126 6213

WHD100i - Took prescription diet pills

Variable Name:
WHD100i
SAS Label:
Took prescription diet pills
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
31 Took diet pills prescribed by a doctor 27 27
. Missing 6186 6213

WHD100j - Took non-prescription diet pills

Variable Name:
WHD100j
SAS Label:
Took non-prescription diet pills
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
32 Took other pills, medicines, herbs, or supplements not needing a prescription 95 95
. Missing 6118 6213

WHD100k - Took laxatives or vomited

Variable Name:
WHD100k
SAS Label:
Took laxatives or vomited
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
33 Took laxatives or vomited 16 16
. Missing 6197 6213

WHD100l - Other

Variable Name:
WHD100l
SAS Label:
Other
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
40 Other 67 67
. Missing 6146 6213

WHD100M - Drank a lot of water

Variable Name:
WHD100M
SAS Label:
Drank a lot of water
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
34 Drank a lot of water to not gain weight 594 594
. Missing 5619 6213

WHD100N - Followed a special diet

Variable Name:
WHD100N
SAS Label:
Followed a special diet
English Text:
What did {you/SP} do to keep from gaining weight?
English Instructions:
HAND CARD WHQ1. CODE ALL THAT APPLY.
Target:
Both males and females 16 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
30 Followed a special diet such as Dr. Atkins, other high protein or low carbohydrate diet, zone, grapefruit, Pritikin (specify) 141 141
. Missing 6072 6213

WHD110 - Self-reported weight-10 yrs ago (pounds)

Variable Name:
WHD110
SAS Label:
Self-reported weight-10 yrs ago (pounds)
English Text:
How much did {you/SP} weigh 10 years ago? [If you don't know {your/his/her} exact weight, please make your best guess.]
English Instructions:
ENTER WEIGHT IN POUNDS OR KILOGRAMS. IF PREGNANT, ASK FOR WEIGHT BEFORE PREGNANCY.
Target:
Both males and females 36 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
50 to 550 Range of Values 3525 3525
7777 Refused 0 3525
9999 Don't know 40 3565
. Missing 2648 6213

WHD120 - Self-reported weight - age 25 (pounds)

Variable Name:
WHD120
SAS Label:
Self-reported weight - age 25 (pounds)
English Text:
How much did {you/SP} weigh at age 25? [If you don't know {your/his/her} exact weight, please make your best guess.]
English Instructions:
ENTER WEIGHT IN POUNDS OR KILOGRAMS. IF PREGNANT, ASK FOR WEIGHT BEFORE PREGNANCY.
Target:
Both males and females 27 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
50 to 400 Range of Values 4227 4227
7777 Refused 2 4229
9999 Don't know 90 4319
. Missing 1894 6213

WHD130 - Self-reported height - age 25 (inches)

Variable Name:
WHD130
SAS Label:
Self-reported height - age 25 (inches)
English Text:
How tall {were you/was SP} at age 25? [If you don't know {your/his/her} exact height, please make your best guess.]
English Instructions:
ENTER HEIGHT IN FEET AND INCHES OR METERS AND CENTIMETERS
Target:
Both males and females 50 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
41 to 80 Range of Values 2415 2415
7777 Refused 0 2415
9999 Don't know 71 2486
. Missing 3727 6213

WHD140 - Self-reported greatest weight(pounds)

Variable Name:
WHD140
SAS Label:
Self-reported greatest weight(pounds)
English Text:
Up to the present time, what is the most {you have/SP has} ever weighed?
English Instructions:
ENTER WEIGHT IN POUNDS OR KILOGRAMS. DO NOT INCLUDE WEIGHT DURING PREGNANCY.
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
87 to 589 Range of Values 5456 5456
7777 Refused 3 5459
9999 Don't know 136 5595
. Missing 618 6213

WHQ150 - Age when heaviest weight

Variable Name:
WHQ150
SAS Label:
Age when heaviest weight
English Text:
How old {were you/was SP} then? [If you don't know {your/his/her} exact age, please make your best guess.]
English Instructions:
ENTER AGE IN YEARS
Target:
Both males and females 18 YEARS - 150 YEARS
Code or Value Value Description Count Cumulative Skip to Item
11 to 84 Range of Values 5467 5467
85 85 years or older 44 5511
77777 Refused 0 5511
99999 Don't know 26 5537
. Missing 676 6213