Should BC schools measure students Body Mass Index?

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – In a recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it states measuring Body Mass Index in schools and reporting a child’s weight status to their parents is necessary to help fight obesity.

Body mass index is supposed to be a measure of body fat based on height and weight.

Some pediatricians believe BMI has a direct impact on academic performance, but the idea is frightening to local child and family psychologist Alyson Jones.

“I think when you start measuring children in that way that it could actually contribute more to body image issues and health issues than help them.

Jones worries it would just increase competitiveness in parents and students who would try to have a lower BMI than the other.

“And it has been proven in academic literature that weight issues are not resolved through putting children on diets and making them feel bad about their bodies. They are resolved through children feeling good about themselves and valued.”

She says the best thing a school can do is make sure exercise programs are more productive.

“If health and physical health was woven into the curriculum in a stronger way, not in a judging way, then the children are getting that message in a positive way.”

In some states, a confidential letter dubbed by many as a ‘fat letter’ is sent to parents if their kid has a high BMI. It’s then recommended they see a doctor.

The Ministry of Health has released this statement:

We do not support any BMI measurements being done in schools because of the possibility of unintended negative consequences that can affect the student’s self-esteem and body image as well as the increased risk of student bullying behaviours. Any weight or health monitoring should be done at home or at physicians’ offices.

Physicians are trained to monitor the growth and development of children and youth and can provide professional advice and guidance to children and their families.