So the Washington Post covered a story last week indicating that the surrounding counties aren’t giving their children the physical education they need (no surprise there) and that schools should weigh kids and get their BMI data to provide a better picture of the obesity epidemic. Seriously? No, seriously? A better picture for what, research purposes? Maybe it’s me but I’m thinking little Johnny probably can tell that he is a lot bigger than his peers. And Sally surely knows she is overweight with the other children teasing her because her pants are popping open.
Do we really need to weigh kids and take their BMI data without any plan in place to council them, console them and help them on their journey toward good health? Last year that was the plan (or lack thereof) proposed in GA – take their BMIs, weigh them and send them on their way.
Sometimes I think overzealous number crunchers with no clue about running a childhood obesity program just try to push forward taking data and hoping those numbers will change over time. But, the effect this could have on the children’s psyche (especially if they have parents coming down on them about their weight) could without a doubt do more harm then good. And, I’m left wondering why they don’t turn to the experts to create a better program (Dr. Cooper gave a talk about this last year in GA actually). Especially with so many local dietitians, exercise physiologists and psychologists who have worked with children. You can’t tell me that every state doesn’t have a good set of these experts to turn to. Or maybe they have programs in place that they could gather expertise from and incorporate these into school programs.
Whatever they do, please don’t subject a kid to a scale without some plan in place.
Marie….Awesome blog!!!! Obesity is such a problem in this country. I wish they’d bring back that show “Honey We’re Killing the Kids”. This really is a topic that needs to be spotlighted. I’m sharing your blog on Twitter and Facebook!!!!