Introduce the program to parents guardians students and school staff. Body mass index bmi is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. To reduce the risk of stigmatizing students letters can be sent to all parents. Body mass index bmi measurement in schools safeguard 7. There are two types of bmi measurement programs and each serves a specific purpose. As the united states continues to search for answers to the growing problem of obesity among children and adolescents much attention has focused on body mass index bmi measurement programs in schools.
To help minimize negative response from the public programs need to involve parents or guardians early in the planning stages. Body mass index bmi measurement in schools safeguard 2. Body mass index bmi at school gathering students bmis in the aggregate can help schools monitor the success of obesity prevention efforts. Ensure that there is an appropriate process in place for obtaining parental consent for measuring students height and weight. Abstract backgroundschool based body mass index bmi measurement has attracted much attention across the nation from researchers school officials legislators and the media as a potential approach to address obesity among youth. 12 before the program begins.
Screening students bmis for individual health assessment purposes is more controversial and requires schools to address privacy and parent communication among other issues. Student bmi results can be sent to parents by secure means such as by mail and not brought home by students. Select compute bmi and your bmi will appear below. Do not use the actual bmi for age percentiles of the students as a basis for evaluating student or teacher performance eg in physical education or health education class. Body mass index bmi measurement in schools across the country some states and districts require that schools regularly assess students heights and weights. Ensure that staff members who measure height and weight have the appropriate expertise and training to obtain accurate and reliable results and minimize the potential for stigmatization.
Provide all parents with a clear and respectful explanation of the bmi results and a list of appropriate follow up actions. Body mass index bmi measurement in schools safeguard 1. Accurate measurements are those that correspond to the youths actual height and weight while reliable measurements are those that produce consistent results when they are repeated. 12 to avoid giving the impression that a diagnosis has been made the letters to parents about students. 1 measurements are more likely to be accurate and. Calculate your body mass index.
The bmi is the ratio of weight to height squared. School nurses are usually. Enter your weight and height using standard or metric measures. States measure students body mass index bmi with many communicating that information to parents through a bmi report card or notification letter. Body mass index bmi measurement in schools safeguard 10.