Comments on: recording BMI’s in schools

By: grote

grote — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:13:25 +0000

an unlimited supply
and there is no reason why
i tell you it was all a frame
they only did it 'cos of fame
who?
b.m.i. b.m.i. b.m.i.

too many people had the suss
too many people support us
an unlimited amount
too many outlets in and out
who?
b.m.i. b.m.i. b.m.i.

By: ldfs

ldfs — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:59:23 +0000

So how is pushing the whole BMI thing really going to help anyone? Are there really a significant number of people out there who are overweight but don’t already know it? Besides, kids, who are growing and changing rapidly, need to focus on healthy habits, not on numbers that may or may not mean anything in their specific case. Too much focus on the number on the scale can be destructive.

By: mb21

mb21 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:16:46 +0000

My husband has 3 second graders in his class that barely speak a few words of English. How about we take care of getting these kids successfully integrated before we worry about their weight?

Regardless of it’s accuracy, BMI tracking has ZERO place in schools. With the exception of science experiments and the like.

By: ceci

ceci — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:10:49 +0000

I think BMI can be a tool used with other tools to help understand a person's overall health.

It seems the current legislation is only for research puruposes, but if we start going in that direction, the concern would be that we would follow other states in putting BMI on report cards, which i think is a terrible idea. Shame is not a way to improve health in children. Yes, obesity is a problem, but so are eating disorders. and you know the funny thing about bulimia? most adolescents that have bulimia have normal bmi's, so although they obviously are being very unhealthy, their BMI indicates that they are just where they need to be.

Healthy school lunches and required physical education are a much better use of funding.

By: Lunch!

Lunch! — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:04:28 +0000

I object to the BMI measurement in schoold for several reasons:
1. Schools are being asked to do so many non-core functions these days that adding more could be onerous. (and a topic for another day: maybe we, as a society, should redefine what a school actually is)
2. Eating disorders/bullying etc. are big possibilities in a process like this. I know that the world is a tough place but it doesn't have to be all slog all the time.
3. The weight fluctuations many kids go through before rapid growth spurts could really skew their numbers.
4. Excessive excercise stunts a kid's growth(probably just an urban legend). Maybe not a bad thing if you have to buy them clothes or shoes.

By: teucer

teucer — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:52:25 +0000

Honey bunny: "...just because someone LOOKS "fat" to you or me does NOT mean they are unhealthy. it's a total crock but completely acceptable in todays society."

BMI is based upon trends and averages; I think that it's well-known that there are always exceptions. However, I wonder if you are not taking the exception and assuming it is the rule?

I think there are some very good reasons not to have BMI measurements at school but your assertions aren't among them so far.

By: grote

grote — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:48:12 +0000

everyone who knows me is well aware that I’m fat and angry.

By: The Rat

The Rat — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:42:50 +0000

give me a break. BMI is NOT a good indicator of health and wellness!

Now you're to veer the discussion in another direction. We weren't talking about health and wellness.

By: honey bunny

honey bunny — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:42:31 +0000

the whole “fat and angry” statement speaks volumes about you, not me.

By: mb21

mb21 — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:42:04 +0000

really? it's healthy to be over 6' tall and weigh 170 pounds? really??

My husband is 6'3" and weighs in the 170s. I definitely consider him healthy.