Next time you review your children’s report card and see a grade for BMI (Body Mass Index), don’t be bewildered.

The practice of reporting students’ body mass scores to parents originated a few years ago as just one tactic in a war on childhood obesity that would be fought with fresh, low-fat cafeteria offerings and expanded physical education.
Some opponent, health authorities feel that students’ scores will send inconsistent messages, resulting in eating disorders and social stigma. The experts say that misinterpretations of numbers are confusing, and children may feel a sense of helplessness about high scores.

“It would be the height of irony if we successfully identified overweight kids through B.M.I. screening and notification while continuing to feed them atrocious quality meals and snacks, with limited if any opportunities for phys ed in school,” said Dr. David Ludwig, director of the Optimal Weight for Life program at Children’s Hospital Boston.

Body Mass Index or BMI is based on your height and weight. Doctors often use BMI to determine if a person is underweight, at a healthy weight or is overweight. While BMI is accurate for most people, it doesn’t work for everyone. It’s important to remember that: You could have a high BMI but be at a weight that is considered healthy if you’re muscular or athletic. You could have a normal BMI and have poor nutrition. It’s important to talk to your doctor about weight-related health risks.

BMI might not be the best way to monitor ones overall health but it’s easy to calculate and evaluate. The BMI value is another evaluation tool among many that school systems use to help children grow positively. The subject of BMI grading for children can be argued on behalf of people who support it and those who do not. If you are a parent or if you work in an environment that revolves around a student population what say you? Good idea? Bad idea? Or maybe you have your own bright ideas on the matter.

Curiosity killed the cat, so I have provided a link for you to easily and quickly evaluate your BMI.

http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/tl/cl/bmi/bmi.jsp?UserSource=g...