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Health Topics
Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools
Childhood Obesity
Measuring the body mass index (BMI) of students in schools is an
approach to address obesity that is attracting much attention across the
nation from researchers, school officials, legislators, and the
media.1-7 In 2005, the Institute of Medicine called upon the federal
government to develop guidance for BMI measurement programs in schools.8
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced "Body Mass
Index Measurement in Schools" to describe the purpose of
school-based BMI surveillance and screening programs, examine current
practices, and review research on BMI measurement programs. The article
summarizes the recommendations of experts, identifies concerns
surrounding programs, and outlines needs for future research. Guidance
is provided on specific safeguards that need to be addressed before
schools decide to collect BMI information.
Executive Summary: Body Mass Index Measurement in Schools [pdf-1.6MB]
The full journal article is
available from the American School Health Association Web site.*
Suggested Citation: Nihiser AJ, Lee SM, Wechsler H, McKenna M, Odom E,
Reinold C, Thompson D, Grummer-Strawn L. Body Mass Index Measurement in
Schools. Journal of School Health. 2007;77(10):651�1.
References
- Crawford PB, Woodward-Lopez G, Ikeda JP. Weighing the risks and
benefits of BMI reporting in the school setting. Center for Weight and
Health; 2006. Available at:
http://nature.berkeley.edu/cwh/PDFs/BMI_report_cards.pdf* [pdf-116K].
Accessed August 7, 2006.
- Scheier LM. School health report cards
attempt to address the obesity epidemic. J Am Diet Assoc.
2004;104(3):341�4.
- Ikeda JP, Crawford PB, Woodward-Lopez G. BMI
screening in schools: helpful or harmful. Health Educ Res.
2006;21(6):761�9.
- Johnson A, Ziolkowski GA. School-based body mass
index screening program. Nutr Today. 2006;41(6):274�9.
- Kantor J. As
obesity fight hits cafeteria, many fear a note from school. New York
Times; January 9, 2007.
- The Associated Press. Arkansas to flunk
obesity report cards. The Associated Press; February 5, 2007.
- Scheier
LM. Potential problems with school health report cards. J Am Diet Assoc.
2004;104(4):525�7.
- Institute of Medicine. Preventing childhood
obesity: Health in the balance. Washington, DC: The National Academies
Press; 2005.
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