Dr. Alex Thompson, an education policy expert at the University of California, Davis, conducted a study comparing the effects of weight assessments on students. His research indicated that those whose families received weight report letters showed no significant change in their Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to peers who were not subjected to weigh-ins. This raises the question: should schools really be measuring students’ weights? After all, they aren’t healthcare facilities.
While schools do check for vision and hearing, the nuances of BMI evaluations differ greatly. For one, vision and hearing issues don’t carry the same stigma as weight does. Personally, I have no qualms about revealing my near-sightedness on an eye chart, but disclosing my weight feels like opening a Pandora’s box of shame. Secondly, there are established solutions for vision and hearing problems—like glasses or hearing aids—whereas addressing obesity is much more complex and lacks straightforward answers. In fact, the prevailing insight seems to be that fad diets often fail, leaving kids with the lingering question: “What am I supposed to do with this information other than feel awful?”
Reflecting on my own teenage years, being weighed in front of peers by a school nurse would have been a recipe for humiliation. It might have led me to take a few guilt-induced laps around the track, only to binge later when hunger struck. Ultimately, such measures would have done little for my long-term health.
What frustrates me in discussions about weight and health is the pervasive negative framing. Food is often labeled as “bad,” and consuming it makes us “bad” too. We’re portrayed as weak if we can’t resist unhealthy snacks, which is a damaging mindset. The root causes of the obesity epidemic are complex and often out of individual control. For example, unhealthy food tends to be more affordable, leaving families on tight budgets with limited, unhealthy options. Additionally, many parents are working longer hours, making it hard to prepare wholesome meals. The food industry thrives on creating “hyper-palatable” options that keep us craving more. Furthermore, when it comes to exercise, many children lack safe routes to school or live too far away to walk, reducing their opportunities for physical activity.
Instead of blaming children—or ourselves—for weight issues, we should acknowledge that they didn’t create the systems that contribute to the obesity crisis. Personally, I found more success in managing my weight when I reframed my mindset positively: What delicious vegetables can I prepare tonight? What fun exercise can I enjoy today? These are the messages we should convey to kids: Fresh, unprocessed foods can be delightful. Exercise can be enjoyable. Life is meant to be savored. Your weight is just one aspect of you—there’s no room for shame.
This article was originally published on Aug. 13, 2015.
For more insights on related topics, you can check out our post on home insemination kits and learn more about pregnancy at Healthline.
In summary, schools should reconsider the practice of weighing students. The psychological impact and lack of clear solutions associated with weight issues can do more harm than good. Instead, promoting a positive relationship with food and exercise can foster a healthier outlook on life, free from shame.
Keyphrase: Should schools send home ‘Body Report Cards’
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]