BMI in schools, are they serious?
By k15682
@k15682 (300)
United States
January 13, 2011 11:56pm CST
So the wonderful State of Ohio will start taking the BMI of students or the parents can opt to have a doctor take the BMI and send the results to the school. I find this nothing more than another avenue to label children.
We can't hold a 5th grader back that is performing at a 3rd grade level because it will harm his/her self esteem. But, we can label them fat and it's ok?
I anyone else as opposed to this as I am?
2 people like this
3 responses
@RebeccaScarlett (2532)
• Canada
15 Jan 11
The BMI is such an outdated way to see if you are healthy or not. There are "skinny fat" people, who weigh very little due to metabolism, but are so unhealthy because all they eat is junk, and many children are this way. Very athletic or muscular children get labelled as fat when they're not...
It's much better to see what your body can DO: how far can you run? How good is your muscular endurance? (situps, pushups, etc) How flexible are you?
These things are a much better indicator of fitness. Children would be better off discovering how they are in these areas, and focussing on improving their personal health, rather than comparing height to weight or comparing themselves to others.
@Strovek (868)
• Malaysia
14 Jan 11
So what are they going to do once they have your BMI? BMI is just a guideline, it is not even very accurate! Some people may have high BMI because of their muscles or heavy bones.
Somebody with a low BMI could potentially be sickly due to malnutrition. It is good for statistics and thats about it.
@yogeshdhusa (2236)
• India
14 Jan 11
I don't know what are they up to but to know the BMI will really help their parent know whether their child is healthy or not. and Hope they suggest food chart and some workout tips. In my sons school they have started mediation training so that they can concentrate on the their studies. Hope they use it in proper way
