Recent research by Dr. Emily Thompson, an education policy expert at the University of California at Davis, examined the effects of sending home “body report cards” to families. She compared students who received evaluations of their weight to those who didn’t. Her findings revealed that the group that received the letters showed no significant change in their Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to the children who were not screened.
This raises an important question: Should schools be weighing students at all? After all, schools are not healthcare providers. While it’s common for schools to check vision and hearing, these health assessments are fundamentally different from monitoring BMI. For one, issues related to eyesight and hearing do not carry the same stigma or shame associated with weight. I can confidently read an eye chart without embarrassment, yet the thought of being weighed in front of peers is daunting for many kids.
Furthermore, when it comes to vision and hearing, there are clear solutions—glasses or hearing aids can address these issues. However, obesity is a multifaceted challenge with no straightforward solutions. Many kids are left wondering, “What should I do with this information?” besides feeling discouraged.
Reflecting on my own experiences as a weight-conscious teenager, I can attest that being weighed by a school nurse, often in front of others, would have only fueled feelings of shame and embarrassment. While it might have motivated temporary measures like running laps or skipping meals, it would not have produced lasting results.
One of my pet peeves in discussions about weight and health is the negative framing surrounding these topics. Food is often labeled as “bad,” and we feel guilty for indulging. This moralistic view can lead to feelings of weakness if we can’t resist temptations. However, the factors contributing to the obesity crisis are complex and often beyond individual control. For instance, unhealthy foods tend to be more affordable, forcing families with limited budgets to make difficult choices. Additionally, many parents are working longer hours, leaving little time for meal prep or healthy cooking.
Instead of blaming kids (or ourselves) for weight-related challenges, it’s crucial to recognize that they are not responsible for the systems that have led to the obesity crisis. Personally, I’ve found greater success in managing my weight when I focus on positive habits: What delicious vegetables can I cook? What fun activities can I do today? These are the messages we should be sharing with our children—celebrating fresh, unprocessed foods as tasty and promoting exercise as an enjoyable part of life. Weight should not be a source of shame.
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In summary, sending home “body report cards” may not be the effective approach to addressing weight issues in children. Instead, we should focus on fostering a positive environment that emphasizes healthy habits, free from shame and stigma.