In recent discussions about student health, the idea of schools sending home ‘body report cards’ has come under scrutiny. Dr. Sarah Thompson, an education policy expert from the University of California at Davis, conducted a study that compared students who were weighed at school with those who weren’t. The findings were telling: families who received weight reports saw no significant change in their children’s BMI compared to those who were not subjected to weigh-ins.
The consensus is clear—schools should not be weighing students. After all, they are not healthcare providers. While it’s common for schools to assess vision and hearing, these evaluations differ greatly from weighing students. For one, issues related to eyesight or hearing do not carry the same societal stigma as weight does. I can easily admit to needing glasses, but being weighed in front of peers? That’s a different story entirely.
Moreover, the treatment protocols for vision and hearing issues are straightforward: you either get glasses or a hearing aid. In contrast, obesity is a multifaceted issue with no one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, research indicates that traditional diets often fall short, leaving children with feelings of confusion and shame—what are they supposed to do with that information?
As a teenager who was once overly conscious of my weight, I can attest to the emotional turmoil that comes with such scrutiny. Being weighed in front of others would have only led to embarrassment, potentially sparking unhealthy habits like excessive exercise or skipping meals. Ultimately, these practices are unlikely to lead to sustainable changes in one’s health.
What frustrates me most about conversations surrounding weight and health is how negatively they are framed. Foods are labeled as “bad,” and we internalize guilt for indulging. This moralization of food can be detrimental. The reality is that the factors contributing to the obesity epidemic are complex and often out of our control. Unhealthy food is often more affordable, pushing families with limited budgets toward poor dietary choices. Additionally, with many parents working longer hours, finding time to prepare healthy meals becomes a challenge. The food industry also plays a role, investing heavily in creating foods that are designed to be addictive.
We need to shift the narrative away from blame—both of ourselves and our children. They didn’t create the systems that contribute to the obesity crisis. Personally, I’ve found that focusing on positive choices yields better results. Instead of thinking about what I shouldn’t eat, I ask myself, “What healthy and tasty vegetables can I cook tonight?” or “What enjoyable exercise can I try today?” This approach encourages a healthier mindset. We should be promoting the idea that fresh, whole foods are delicious and that exercise can be enjoyable. Ultimately, weight is just a number, and shame has no place in our discussions.
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In summary, while the concept of ‘body report cards’ may seem well-intentioned, they do not contribute positively to student health. Instead, we should be fostering a supportive environment that encourages healthy habits without shame.
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