Thesis Word Count

So, I am doing some proof reading for my OH. The thesis is supposed be 20k words and she is nearly 4k words over that, currently trying to cut it down.

I am wondering if the reference numbers throughout the thesis are counted as words, as this would likely knock about 1k off the over-spill.

To be clear, I am not referring to word references, where she is naming sources, I am referring to number reference points throughout the thesis. For example; a reference sample line in the thesis would be "The information, insight and expertise shared by Experts A (3.2.2), B (3.4), C (4.2), D (4.4), E (4.4), along with the literature". The bold part is what I am wondering about. If those are not counted towards the word count, some shaving has been saved. It's due in a couple of days, so hoping this is the case.

Thanks in advance.