Students in these grades would be measured for body mass index (BMI). BMI is the ratio of weight to height squared, and is a commonly used method of assessing obesity because it is easy to measure and it correlates with body fat, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Susan Lynch, a pediatrician and wife of New Hampshire's governor, John Lynch, is a chief proponent of the legislation. Dr. Lynch believes that BMI is a more informative measurement of a child's health than weight alone, and that taking the measurement periodically may help parents and teachers identify and address health risks for children who are underweight or overweight.
As part of the program, parents would receive the results of BMI screenings in a health report containing measurements from other health screenings. Parents would have the option to order schools not to do BMI screenings based on religious objections. The school board, the superintendent and the state Department of Education would compile a report of aggregate results so that no single child would be identified.
According to the CDC, the obesity rate among children ages 6 to 11 has more than doubled in the past 20 years. During the same period, the obesity rate among adolescents ages 12 to 19 has more than tripled. In 2003, Arkansas became the first state to require obesity screenings for school-age children.
(Source: www.boston.com)
Labels: obesity, childhood-obesity, schools
Posted By: Aspen Education Group