BMI Screening Analysis

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“If we could have but one generation of properly born, trained, educated, and healthy children, a thousand other problems of government would vanish.” Herbert Hoover, Public Papers of the presidents of the United States. The belief that President Hoover expressed about healthy and educated children holding the key to solving the problems that we face is one that many adults would agree with and are working towards making a reality. Consequently, people are turning to schools, which is a common ground that almost all U. S. children are involved in, to develop healthy children thus increasing the chances of a successful future for our nation. One strategy that many states have enacted is Body Mass Index (BMI) screening. I have researched articles …show more content…
The screenings introduce conversations about how weight, dietary decisions, and exercise can influence a young person’s life now and in the future. By integrating BMI screenings and follow up procedures, some health professionals believe that these lessons will lead to healthier lifestyles for the student and his or her family. “BMI screening programs…can be a really valuable resource for making parents aware of where their child’s weight health stands and for opening communication and dialogue with their children, with their children’s doctor, and making positive family health changes,” states Dr. Ruggieri ("A Review of School-Based BMI Screening 2014). The PHD, Ruggieri, argues that enacting BMI screenings in schools will have a positive effect on the community at large since the students’ families will learn from the knowledge that the school provides them with, as well as creating the opportunity for families to discuss …show more content…
The first is that the knowledge gained through the screening and follow up education procedures may result in bettering the entire community since the families of the students will also have access and awareness to weight related health issues and how to prevent them. Next, U. S. Citizens need to be aware that BMI testing is not a completely reliable procedure to determine the health of students. The last point is that it is possible that labeling children as “overweight” or “obese” could increase the amount of scrutinizing that students face from their peers and emphasizing weight may result in dangerous weight loss behaviors thus harming their physical and mental health. However, there is more to the Body Mass Index for students discussion that I did not include which deserves recognition. School funding for follow up procedures, the amount of school time needed to complete BMI examinations, privacy concerns, government and private life conflicts, and placing too much responsibility on educational facilities are all topics that contribute to a deeper understanding of this controversy. I highly suggest researching these issues further to determine your opinion. In conclusion, there is not an easy answer to the BMI screening for students debate or any research that clearly exemplifies the positive or negative results, although, there are multiple valid concerns and