In the fight against childhood obesity, measuring Body Mass Index (BMI) may have undesired consequences on self-image for students.

The Seattle Times shares the story of a 10-year-old student weighed during gym class.  Though the weighing process was discreet, fourth grade students are not always understanding of confidentiality.  Asking how much others weigh became a popular question, causing the student to become overwhelmed with worry about her weight.

BMI is a popular measurement for determining if one’s weight is healthy.  Medical professionals may use a BMI chart to determine if a patient is underweight, healthy, overweight, obese, or extremely obese.  However, BMI is not a perfect measurement, failing to account for individuals with greater muscle.  Since muscle weighs more than fat, an athletic individual may be put in the overweight or obese categories improperly.

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the U.S.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the proportion of children that are obese has more than doubled between 1980 and 2010.  Moreover, as of 2010, the CDC notes that one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.  There are a number of immediate and long-term health effects from childhood obesity, as well as detrimental effects on self-esteem.

BMI measurement programs are discussed in an article in Pediatrics.  Screening programs were based on a 2005 Institute of Medicine recommendation that schools utilize and implement such programs to develop awareness and inspire early action.  The article notes that 22 percent of states require schools to have such programs and, of these, 73 percent require parental notification of the results of the screening.  The authors of the article raise concerns about relying on screening without necessary physical activity and nutrition changes.

They also echo concerns that sound like the story of the 10-year-old.  However, they point out that results from the Arkansas statewide program showed no negative psychosocial concerns.  Specifically, after four years of BMI testing, there was no increase in weight-related teasing, no increases in unsafe dieting or use of diet pills, and no increase in concerns about weight.  Thus, concerns about self-esteem and detrimental consequences remain anecdotal.

However, BMI testing alone is insufficient for long-term results.  The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to reducing childhood obesity.  Specifically, access to affordable, nutritious food is a major barrier for some families.  With community initiatives to provide such access and school-based programs for awareness and physical activity, a multi-faceted, successful attack on childhood obesity is likely to fall into place.