Do I need to take off my shoes for physical examination to measure height and weight?

Physical examination for measuring height and weight usually requires taking off shoes to ensure the accuracy of the measurement data. When measuring height, the thickness of the sole directly affects the value, especially for thick soled shoes or high heels, which may result in an error of more than 1 centimeter. In weight measurement, the weight of ordinary sports shoes is about 200-500 grams, while leather shoes or boots may be heavier, which can cause the measurement results to be biased. Most electronic height and weight meters used in medical institutions are designed to stand barefoot, and the sensing area of the device needs to directly contact the sole of the foot to calibrate pressure distribution. Some medical examination institutions will mark shoe removal tips in the measurement area or provide disposable shoe covers to avoid cross infection. If shoes cannot be taken off due to special reasons, the staff should be informed proactively and notes should be recorded, but the data obtained can only be used as a reference.

It is recommended to wear shoes that are easy to put on and take off before the physical examination, and avoid pantyhose or complex lace up shoes. When measuring, evenly distribute both feet on the pedal, keep the heels together, and keep the back straight and close to the ruler. Winter physical examination can prepare warm socks in advance to avoid muscle tension caused by cold and affecting standing posture. After measurement, wear shoes in time to prevent catching cold, especially for patients with diabetes, pay attention to foot protection. Regularly using the same device to measure at the same time can reduce daytime fluctuation errors, and it is also recommended to maintain the habit of barefoot measurement for home electronic scales.