An unhealthy report card

From trendy weight-loss programs to the people who are in desperate need of them, obesity has become a weighty issue for many Americans.

Because of this, elementary schools in 19 states, including California, Massachusetts and Illinois, have begun an attempt to stop excessive weight gain early by employing school dietitians to measure and report students’ Body Mass Index results.

It seems like a good idea, and probably would be if the schools weren’t giving out what are now affectionately referred to by the students as “fat letters.”

These letters, indicating BMI percentages that show potential obesity, are being handed to students in the classroom setting, amidst all the other kids.

The children who receive the letters are to take them home and discuss the results with their parents or guardians. This is done in hopes of sparking their attention and in interest of reversing the results.

As if they wouldn’t have already noticed.

What a fantastic way to go about encouraging personal health for children.
Let’s hand them a note in front of their fellow classmates who may not have been deemed a “fatty” and, by doing so, potentially subject them to ridicule.

Elementary school is a time of personal adjustment and potential bullying, so, why also throw in self-esteem crushing reports from teachers — the people children are encouraged to trust most?

It could be a great resource if handled properly.

Many parents have requested private parent-teacher conferences to discuss the results of the BMI reports instead of requiring their child to take a “walk of shame” in the middle of second grade homeroom.

What’s worse is these reports aren’t limited to elementary schools.
There are several preschools in southern California that have been handing out these “fat letters” indicating that the children at their schools, ages 2 to 5 years old, are showing signs of obesity.

And we wonder why 40 percent of 9- and 10-year-old girls have admitted to attempting diets?

These “fat letters” are heinous and won’t live up to their potential if they are continuously handed out publicly to these kids.

I understand the desire to improve health for the next generation, but this isn’t the way to go about it.

If we’re really going to get into the nitty gritty, BMI results don’t distinguish any difference between lean muscle mass and fat, making the tests partially inaccurate.

These kids aren’t Arnold Schwarzeneggers, but they may not be Pillsbury Doughboys, either.

Health awareness at an early age is important.

But, before we crush the self-esteem of children across the country, let’s make sure we at least consider options that promote mental health as well as physical.

So, have some compassion while attempting to solve childhood obesity, and leave the “fat letters” unwritten.

­— cnmcelwa@indiana.edu
Follow columnist Claire McElwain on Twitter @clairemc_IDS.