In the School, Many students already stress about the grades on their report cards, but now, some students are worrying about a whole new scholastic measurement their body mass index. (BMI). Schools in 19 states have started to conduct annual weigh-ins for students that test for BMI, Medical Daily reported. Their measurements are then sent home to parents as reports, which note whether or not the child is considered overweight. Kids have called this status as "fat letter." An individual's BMI is calculated by dividing their weight by the square of their height. The figure is then compared to growth charts according for the person's age and gender, in order to understand how they compare to the rest of their peers. BMI is the primary measurement used to determine if a person is considered overweight and obese. A growing initiative by some schools across the country has students and parents up in arms: the school are measuring students at an annual weigh-in, and sending reports home telling parents whether their child's body mass index is healthy or dangerous. In our world, many families and health consultant advise to the parents have started pushing back against the reports, arguing they could damage children's self-esteem. However, others say the reports are the best way to know whether a child weight is healthy or unhealthy. The Centres for Disease Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a one-third of children and adolescents are considered overweight or obese. These children are at increased risk for a variety of health issues, such as asthma, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. BMI readings are the best means we have to determine whether a child's weight is healthy or unhealthy. But some eating disorder experts worry that taking the readings may do more harm than good. For those who are already insecure about their weight, these tests can potentially trigger an eating disorder." Experts are concerned about the potential for eating disorders in girls and boys, but are especially concerned about girls given that girls are more likely than boys to experience such disorders.
According to Duke University, more than 40 percent of 9 and 10 year old girls have already been on a diet. As many as 60 percent of all children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old are worried about their weight.