In an inspiring display of intellect and confidence, an 8th grader has gained significant attention for her powerful essay condemning the use of Body Mass Index (BMI) tests in schools. This young writer, whose name is Amy Thompson, took to the task after being assigned to calculate her own BMI during a school project. The result labeled her as “obese,” prompting her to express her thoughts on the flawed nature of this measurement.
James Martin, a family friend and cartoonist, shared Amy’s essay on social media, highlighting her articulate argument against this antiquated assessment. He stated, “I am incredibly proud of the daughter of a friend. In her school project involving BMI, despite being a strong and athletic individual, she was categorized as ‘obese.’ Her response is a testament to the strength we should instill in our children to challenge societal norms regarding body image.”
Amy’s Insightful Argument
Amy’s essay begins by addressing the first question posed in the assignment: “What is BMI?” She eloquently responds, “BMI is an outdated way of determining a person’s body health, and it’s a measurement that should NOT be used in a school setting where students are already self-conscious about their unique bodies.” Her words resonate with many, igniting a wave of applause for her bravery.
Building on her argument, the second question asked students to calculate their BMI, a process that divides weight by height. Amy boldly states, “I’m not even going to open my laptop to calculate my BMI. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been labeled as a ‘bigger girl,’ and I embrace that; I’m strong and powerful. When I wield a bat or a softball, they become instruments of strength. However, I began to struggle with negative thoughts about my body when BMI became part of the conversation. I tried extreme measures to hide my shape, going as far as wearing multiple layers to conceal perceived flaws.”
She continues, sharing her journey with body image and self-acceptance. “My caring mother noticed my distress and brought me to the doctor. After a thorough evaluation, he reassured me that, despite being slightly overweight, my overall health is good. He emphasized that my weight should not be a cause for concern, reaffirming that I am healthy.”
A Powerful Conclusion
Concluding her essay, Amy writes, “I am just beginning to appreciate my body for what it is, and I refuse to let an outdated calculation and a middle school gym instructor define my worth. My BMI is irrelevant because my body is perfect and beautiful just as it is.” This powerful declaration serves as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity.
Amy Thompson’s essay not only highlights the need for a reevaluation of how we assess health but also encourages others to embrace their own uniqueness. Her words resonate far beyond the classroom, reminding us all that beauty comes in many forms.
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In summary, Amy Thompson’s essay serves as a powerful critique of BMI testing in schools, demonstrating her remarkable insight and encouraging self-acceptance and body positivity among her peers.
Keyphrase: BMI testing critique
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