Dr. Alex Rivera, a researcher in education policy at the University of California at Davis, recently conducted a study comparing two groups of kids: those whose weights were measured and those who weren’t subjected to weigh-ins. The results? Kids who received letters about their weight showed no significant change in their body mass index (BMI) when compared to those who weren’t screened. So, should schools really be weighing children? The answer is a resounding no; after all, schools aren’t exactly health-care facilities.
Sure, schools check vision and hearing, but these differ from BMI evaluations in two key ways. First, there’s far less stigma attached to vision or hearing issues. I’d have no qualms about reading an eye chart, even if I have to squint at the second line, or flaunting my (admittedly impressive) hearing abilities. But when it comes to weight, it’s a whole different ball game.
Secondly, fixing vision or hearing issues usually comes with a straightforward solution: glasses or hearing aids. But obesity? That’s a complex beast with no easy answers. The harsh reality is that diets often don’t work, leaving kids with nothing but a sinking feeling of despair. “What do I do with this info?” they might wonder, other than feeling bad about themselves.
As someone who was once a weight-conscious teen, I can tell you that being weighed in front of peers would have been an absolute disaster. Sure, I might have jogged a few laps around the track, but ultimately, hunger would have led me to binge-eating. Long-term weight loss? Forget about it.
One thing that really gets to me in discussions about weight and health is the negative framing. We label certain foods as “bad,” and we feel “bad” when we indulge in them. This creates a moral dilemma around food that just doesn’t need to exist.
The issues leading to the obesity crisis are numerous and complicated. For starters, unhealthy foods are often the cheapest options available, forcing families on tight budgets to make tough choices. With parents working longer hours than ever, who has the time to shop for fresh produce or whip up a gourmet meal? Plus, the food industry has become quite skilled at creating “hyper-palatable” options that keep us coming back for more. And let’s not forget the obstacles to physical activity; many kids lack safe routes to walk or bike to school.
So, it’s high time we stop blaming kids—or ourselves—for the weight issue. After all, they didn’t design the systems contributing to the obesity epidemic in the first place. Personally, I’ve found more success in managing my weight when I focus on the positives: “What delicious veggies can I cook tonight?” or “What fun activity can I do today?” These are the messages we should be sharing with our kids—fresh, wholesome food is scrumptious, exercise can be enjoyable, and life is meant to be savored. Remember, your weight is just a number; there’s no room for shame here!
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Summary
The discussion around schools weighing students often raises more questions than answers. Research shows that sending home weight evaluations doesn’t impact kids’ BMI positively. Instead of shaming children about their weight, we should focus on creating a supportive environment that promotes healthy choices without stigma.