Week 124 :: Should Schools Intervene With Students With Low Or High BMI?

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TOPIC: Should Schools Intervene With Students With Low Or High BMI?

For the week of: May 23th - May 29th
Tuesday @ Midnight Is The Final Cut (Mountain Time, US & Canada).

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Schools are filled with kids who have an extremely low or high body mass index. A very low BMI may mean that a student could be suffering from anorexia or bulimia. A very high BMI could show that a student is obese, resulting in other possible future problems, such as diabetes.

Should schools intervene with students with low or high BMI? Why or why not?

Should schools send these students to gym even at the expense of their math, science and reading classes?

Where is the line that the schools should not be able to cross?

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[vican20]

well some schools like say mine...small school but very serious when it comes too football and weve been struggleing cuz all we have is small fast kids...we need some big lineman...soo the school is prolly doin all they can to get some beffy kids...

[FrankNBeans]

I believe the school should not single out individual students as being too large or two skinny. I was skinny growing up and it wasn't anyones fault I just couldn't eat enough. There are also some people who can not help being overweight.

In Illinois they require 4 years of gym and even though I didn't notice that people there were any more healthy than anywhere else in the world I think that should be the case everywhere. They say there isn't time for gym with how much needs to be taught but I believe that is a failure of the school system to eliminate or reduce outdated curriculum.

I also believe that schools need to do more to encourage after school physical activities. I think many schools have grown too large that the traditional varsity sports only allows a small percentage of the students to participate in those activities. I think they need to offer more intermural sports that are open to everyone. I also believe they should open up the gyms and weight rooms at night and on the weekend for students and possibly even thier parents.

[burtonflow]

Well, in a sense, that would actually be somewhat of a good idea.

Kids who actually are anorexic or are going through an "under-eating" disorder definetely can afford to miss some of their classes in order to be talked to by consolers as a group or maybe even like a class of their own where they can go and talk to people who have the same issues as they do and learn to curb their bad habits. It could potentially save their lives, right?

And for the kids who have horrible eating habits and are inactive and/or obese, they could have a "class" of their own. Exercise, healthy foods, good habits, etc. could be taught. Sounds a little too much like a health class but in a sense it really isn't, only because it would be much more personal and directed at the kids who need it most. This could potentially save lives as well.

After school workout groups could be held for the overweight kids who are worried about working out with the fit kids in the weightroom, pool, track, etc.

The kids can always find a little extra time to do their homework that they missed and things from while they were in their classes, but they aren't always going to be able to find the confidence or self esteem to get out there and try to improve their body and overall health.

Something like this actually really needs to be done, especially here in the States...as we have so many obese people in the country. My generation will be probably be even worse, too.

Great topic.

Thanks.

[flactor13]

Burtonflow is on the right track with his thinking:

"to be talked to by conselors as a group or maybe even like a class of their own where they can go and talk to people who have the same issues as they do and learn to curb their bad habits. It could potentially save their lives, right?"


This is an issue where the school should intervene. Today is an age where more and more kids are staying home playing video games on their play station and or X-box. They are into the Yu-gi-oh, Magic: the gathering, and/or other trading card games. Exercise is seen to kids today as too much work.

As stated in a previous reply, Burtonflow was on the right track when he mentioned intervention with the use of counselors and/or advisors to help educate the kids. Physical Education is a requirement for graduation and this is a prime time to teach the students the a,b,c's of important health and exercise.

During a course of P.E., you may have a class of students have different BMIs. The course will teach it's general information that everyone needs to know to the entire class. Then, as projects for the students, it will place the underweight kids together and the obese kids together. It is in these groups they will learn the inportance of maintaining a reasonable BMI and exercising regularly. They will set goals and assist each other to meet those goals. It is easier to attain a goal if someone that is built simarlarly to yourself is working with you.

Alot of the overweight students in P.E. classes do not care because they get teased at by the skinnier kids. In the pre-mentioned set groups there will be nothing but encouragements being given. They will be coming from other students trying for the same goal. The same is done for the under-weight kids. They have goals to try to meet and they help each other get there.

When the students are given a project and work at it in groups, you will get better results than forcing them to do something, because then you get the couch potatoe!

Great Topic!

[FrankNBeans]

I agree with your thinking but singling out any kid because he is big or underweight isn't going to be the solution. It will make them feel like an outcast. I agree with educating all kids about fitness and giving them the opportunity to stay fit. I do not agree though that you should force it on any kid.

[Dexter Martinez]

Schools are filled with kids who have an extremely low or high body mass index. A very low BMI may mean that a student could be suffering from anorexia or bulimia. A very high BMI could show that a student is obese, resulting in other possible future problems, such as diabetes.

Should schools intervene with students with low or high BMI? Why or why not?

No, because students have a right to do what they want. However, schools can encourage kids without "intervening". Schools should focus on changing their formats to ensure kids are eating all the right foods and getting time to exercise. If the school are doing all they can to provide the activities, then there is no other option than for the students to follow through and do them.

A high body mass index is simply when a student is fatter than what they should be for their height and age group. Its important students stay at their healthy weight range as it is indication that their overall health is in good nick. If not, they put themselves of risk of becoming obese, and even heart desease and type 2 diabetes later on in life.

Obesity is a serious problem in our society, and it is the main contributor to to the deseases above. Therefore, its important we do all to ensure this does not occur, with a focus on doing so at a young age.

Should schools send these students to gym even at the expense of their math, science and reading classes?

No, it wouldn't be at the expense of other classes, all it takes is a simply 15 minute session in the morning. This time is a small price to pay for positive health. When one is in good health, we work harder anyway, meaning more productive math, science and reading class.

Exercise increases brain chemicals that relax kids, which is a nice changne from the hyped-up, ADD student you see so often. Exercise also increases mental energy, concentration and clarity of thought. What more could a teacher ask for?

Where is the line that the schools should not be able to cross?

Schools should never individualise. Everyone should be involved, and picking on fat students is not only un-ethical, but will only decrease their motivation and inactivity.

Teachers should teach their students the reason they are doing exercise, and let them feel the benifets for themselves. Overall, a student has a certain degree of freedom to do what they want in life, but by providing them with the environment that ensues they partake in proper, healthy activity will encourage them to make the right choices in their own time.

[spikedout]

I agree with the majority of everything that the members have said on this thread. I think that FrankNBeans was right on the money by suggesting that a school should start more intramural/fun sports and recreational activities for kids to play after school while still offering the competitive varsity sports. Thats an excellent idea, alot of kids probably do not have enough confidence in their abilities to even try out, so if they know they wont get cut and they are just there for fun, more and more students would probably get involved.

As for Flactor13, I like the idea of putting similar body types together in groups to work towards similar fitness goals etc, but my question is, What kind of impact would that have on the kids with already low self esteem? Or imagine if the kid felt good about him/herself and was then put in a group with obese kids? What kind of consequences do you foresee on their self-esteem?

Should schools send these students to gym even at the expense of their math, science and reading classes?

- I definately think that Physical Education (Phys Ed) should be a mandatory credit throughout all 4 years of highschool. Students should be educated about health and wellness and what they can do to get in better shape. I dont think that it would take away from other students classes b/c gym has no homework really... And the grading of a gym class should be based upon how well they do in class lectures, as well as progress made in their own fitness levels with fitness testing 4 times a year.

Where is the line that the schools should not be able to cross?
- Schools should not be allowed to single out kids publicly. I think that is one of the worst things possible. If it is done discretely without anyone knowing, then it is permissable and gives the student the choice to confront the situation and take the advice from either their PE teacher, or a counselor.

[flactor13]

FrankNBeans: I think you missed the point I was making. Students work in groups all the time for projects, reports, etc. By placing like students in groups, they can work together at the subject at hand. Even if a student in the group is happy with the way they look, the world's opinion and views don't change because you accept yourself. It is an important step, but still pierces like a knife when comments are hurled.

again, you are not forcing the students, but educating them on ways to maintain a good health with the type of body they have. If you were to mix everyone together, you do not have a set goal establish. The obese students in the group are achieving one goal, and the skinny students are trying to achieve a seperate goal. With this mentality, no one in the group can care about helping another student unless they are working towards a common goals. That other person has now become a motivator.

Spikedout: Students usually have low self esteem because of they way they look. If a low self esteem student is in a group and is being encouraged by others, it helps give them a drive. Normally students with low self esteem don't get encouraged by anyone but their parents and that's expected. WHen everyone is helping each other out they start to feel better about themselves because they start to believe that other people care. They will begin to feel as if they are a part of a special group.

As far as placing a student who feels good about they way he looks in with other "down" obese kids: They still need to know their options on having a healthier body. "You can block a bullet with a bulletproof vest, but you will still get bruised." They may not let the cruel comments of other kids ruin their life, but those comments will ALWAYS effect the person.

Consequences: There will be some students who may walk out of that experience and learn a lot and start a change. There will be some students that won't do anything about it. You can't change the world overnite but you can change it little by little. Those few students that will take what they learned and live a healthier life will be very thankfull. They will teach others what they know and so on. As for the kids that do nothing about their weight, they will come to a point where they want to change. And when they do, they will have been properly trained!

"You can give a man a fish and feed him for the day or you can teach him how to fish and feed him for the rest of his life"

Amen!

[ManInTheBox]

lol, my BMI puts me at nearly obese for my height/weight. I obviously don't need intervention

[SGMD1]

There is only so much the schools can do. Ultimately it's about personal drive and willpower. My high school required us to participate in a sport the entire year our freshman and sophomore years, and 2/3 of the year our junior and senior years. This forced me to stay in decent shape, even though I still ate horribly. Had I eaten better, I probably could have been in amazing shape. Regardless, when college came, the activity stopped but the diet remained the same and the alcohol was introduced...and subsequently I gained my college 30ish, which I'm only NOW making an attempt to reverse - with no outside intervention.

If anything, schools should revamp their meal programs and options, since we know that proper diet is the foundation of achieving healthy weight.

[Wtf?]

They should be taught about general nutrition, right food choices, what is BAD about fast food, good carbs and bad carbs, good fat and bad fat, etc. Have the students keep journals of what they eat and how they felt after that meal and how they felt throughout the day. Maybe even have them set up Fitday accounts and plug everything in they ate for the week. Teach them why it's important to eat breakfast and how it kick starts your metabolism. It's NOT uncommon for kids to not eat all day and go home and pig out. Then when they write it in their journal, they can be asked which breakfast made you feel better? Fruit and oats for breakfast or a bowl of sugar covered Frosted Flakes? Which one made you so tired and sluggish that you had to lay your head down on your arm as you wrote with the other hand and which made you able to concentrate in class? etc. So kid is sick? Have that kid look at his journal and see if he's eating too many unhealthy foods and maybe not enough nutrients. Do they emotionally eat? Do they notice that they always eat ice cream after hearing their parents fight or not being invited to a party? I bet any kid would be surprised to see the connection between how they felt that day and what they ate. I know on Nickelodeon they have an early morning "school" type show that was teaching the kids how to make healthy, great tasting fruit smootheis and the kids love it. Imagine a 12yrold asking his mom to buy more fruit for his "breakfast smoothie" rather than another box of donuts. Schools could do that rather than making Kool-Aid or baking brownies for special occasions.

They shouldn't force them to go to the gym, that's unfair and embarrassing. Could you picture explaining that you're leaving math class because you're forced to go to "fat camp class"? That would be crossing the line and would only help boost the teen suicide and drop out rates. Instead, give kids the information and the tools about how easy it is to get exercise and it's up to the kids to do it. Hand out free jump ropes because it's something cheap and easy they can do in the privacy of their own room. Make a copy of a "fun" exercise video (well, if that's legal..) and give it to all the kids. In grade school, they could have kids do Tae-Bo or something kid appealing after lunch instead of regular "Recess" where they sit around and talk or play games. Weight tracking could be an optional and a private thing, depending on the ages. Having the students know each other's weight would never work and turn into a competition. But maybe the teacher could offer to talk to anyone privately and help them figure out some changes and set up a plan.

They shouldn't single any kid out. It's embarrassing and the kid would get tortured for it and way to kill their self esteem. There's more to health and life then who is fat and who isn't. "Normal" "healthy" weight kid could just be lucky enough to have a super fast metabolism and their health could be suffering in other ways from all the junk they eat.

School is about learning. It should be about learning things that are useful and that will get them somewhere in life. (I still have no use for Algebra..) The parents sucked at teaching their kids sex education and the schools stepped up. They also used D.A.R.E to teach them about drugs because parents weren't doing a great job there either. Now the parents suck at feeding their kids a healthy diet and not giving a damn that their 10ryold weighs 125lbs so it's time for the school to step up on this as well. Kids don't know any better, they just know they're fat and don't understand why and have got to be embarrassed about it and self conscious about it on a daily basis. I'm sure most of us have parents who eat like **** and we had to teach ourselves through the internet and other sources. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who wishes I knew what I knew now in highschool and if I did..I wouldn't have gone the eating disorder route and starved myself trying to lose weight.

[Shiz Its A Bear]

Firstly, supervising a student's health is an obligatory requirement by a teacher by law. For instance, if an instructor were to see a pupil with emotional problems, rather it be cutting themselves or suicide notes or whatnot, they are mandated by law to report them either to a counselor or to someone who can help them. This is what is called a "mandated reporter."

If a student's emotional or mental health is under supervision, I hardly see why their physical deficiencies shouldn't be either. Thus, I do think that schools should take steps to combat adolescent and childhood obesity. However, there are a variety of venues in which to apply such a reprimand. Would the best solution be to hold required general nutrition classes so that students are educated on this topic? Or perhaps holding mandatory classes in which students of either high BMI would be forced to get in better shape while the lower BMIs have "pig-out" sessions?

How effective would these solutions be anyway? Holding nutrition classes would educate some, but how many would actually listen and take to heart what is being taught? Mandatory classes forcing students to either gain or lose weight is crossing the line I would imagine.

Which brings up another point: some students are genetically at a disadvantage to others. Some gain weight extremely rapidly and easily, one meal can alter their weight drastically, while others can eat monstrous amounts and not gain any weight whatsoever, simply because of their fast metabolism. Are you going to pick on a child for their genetic faults? If a kid has an abnormally large brain, are you going to hammer it into the same shape as all the other children? If a child is extremely tall, are you going to make him wear 100 lb. weights on his shoulders everyday to keep him from growing?

How people look define a part of who they are. So am I saying that schools shouldn't do anything? No. If a student is massively obese or extremely skinny, it should definitely be brought to a counselor and handled thusly. However, mandating some kind of universal rule to all students despite a little higher BMI than usual is simply uncalled for.

Additionally, how would a school even pay for all this? Schools across the nation are squeezed on budgets, teachers are getting laid off in waves. Fitting it a program to get all the students in shape would take much too much money.

I guess in the end the best solution would be to leave students be as long as they are happy and remain in an acceptable condition. If however, their eating lifestyle is life-threatening, i.e. extremely skinny people with eating disorders or the massively obese, they need to be helped in every way by their counselors, with discretion of course.

[Rambo26]

Originally Posted by FrankNBeans

I agree with your thinking but singling out any kid because he is big or underweight isn't going to be the solution. It will make them feel like an outcast. I agree with educating all kids about fitness and giving them the opportunity to stay fit. I do not agree though that you should force it on any kid.

sums up my thoughts

[Djanvk]

Should schools intervene with overweight kids?

To a certain extent they should. How you ask, well I'm all for notifying child protection services to check into the health of the child and how the parents are raising this child. Some of these overweight kids in Grade schools is horrible, its not the child's fault, its the parents who are not making good choices for their children. Why would a parent want to put the health of a child in jeopardy, not to mention they are setting this child up to be ridiculed by the other children in the school which in turn could in turn cause mental issues on the child. This needs to start at earlier levels than in Highschool which then the child should be old enough to know if they are out of shape.

[big stud steve]

heres mine

[Dallas68]

-----------------------------------------------------------
* Note: How can I win? 1. Answer all questions in the order that they are asked. 2. Go over reviews (located at the bottom of past TOTW articles) and see what was said about those that did not win. Good Luck!
------------------------------------------------------------

TOPIC: Should Schools Intervene With Students With Low Or High BMI?

For the week of: May 23th - May 29th
Tuesday @ Midnight Is The Final Cut (Mountain Time, US & Canada).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schools are filled with kids who have an extremely low or high body mass index. A very low BMI may mean that a student could be suffering from anorexia or bulimia. A very high BMI could show that a student is obese, resulting in other possible future problems, such as diabetes.

Should schools intervene with students with low or high BMI? Why or why not?

yes, because these problems lead them into adult life and depending on which careers they intend to follow through into, their weight will be a factor in their proficiency and choice as a candidate. Looking at where they are now, there are most certainly disabilities tending towards the higher BMI person than a low BMI individual, yet they both carry their own individual issues.
someone who is either obese or tending towards that side will at times be ostracized in class, because of the issue of simply not fitting to the "standard" seating provided by educational facilities. At the food hall, they will be looked at for what they eat and will be made fun of at times, which leads to a lower self esteem.These are all major factors in a student being successful at school. so this is definitely not a choice but a ultimatum to doing something to boost the situation and get the student on a better track, due to the fact that they may not be the best they can be academically. Certainly as a person they may be gracious and cool, yet you need a well rounded individual to have a clean society.
exercise is the solution and their environment should carry this in mind and put in the needed duties to make things right.

the lower BMI group will be prone to being more sick and will not be as strong as an individual around this age should be. they are subject to bullies and other modes of harm. They should be encouraged in the food halls more of the time.

Should schools send these students to gym even at the expense of their math, science and reading classes?

No, but time management is the key here, you are able to lead a healthy lifestyle while carrying out academic and extra-curricular activities with some effort.Your mind must simply be up to it. i know for myself that I have something after school everyday of the week except Tuesday and have had the duty of keeping my mind and body healthy. You become more proficient leading under these factors of having to be busy. lending you towards being more of a success. so go and study, and when you have a break, please go and train.

Where is the line that the schools should not be able to cross?

I feel that these programs should be known, I.E the students are notified that there are the correct facilities and guidance counselors to help out with any health related issue. Yet that those who "enroll" in the programs should not be identified or "mocked" in any terms by the faculty nor students. The truth is that we all have Freedom to our rights and that means that no one can Force you to do anything which you do not want to do. That is the line which should not be crossed, where it becomes forced on the student. there should be more of a kind, considerate emotional level to it, than a physical or mental hardship.

[Mr Rogers]

There is no reason to be more than 50 lbs overweight. It it pure laziness and lack of knowledge.

[gth699x]

Schools should not force any student into one thing or another because of there condition. However they should at least confidentially pull students into the office to speak with a counselor and depending upon their age also have the parents come in for a meeting with a counselor. They don't have to make it seem like it is a problem or something is wrong with their child, but they could offer help and ideas to bring the student back to a more normal body condition. Whether it is through diet planning, exercise or both.

[ctgblue]

Schools are filled with kids who have an extremely low or high body mass index. A very low BMI may mean that a student could be suffering from anorexia or bulimia. A very high BMI could show that a student is obese, resulting in other possible future problems, such as diabetes.

Should schools intervene with students with low or high BMI? Why or why not?

Intervene is the questionable phrase. Should they take some steps to address the issue? Yes. SEVERELY underweight while growing up (sure sign of malnutrition, undereating) is a perfect way for females to develop risks of osteoperosis, menstrual cycle problems, and abnormal, underdevelopment of the sexual organs and slowed maturity of overall development and growth. Severely overweight leads to heart disease, diabetes, break down of joint tissues, back problems, foot problems, etc.. (hence the adult fat people in the powered cart at the store). But to what degree do the schools become involved. This is the sticky situation. Bad parenting is bad parenting. Letting your 13yr old weight 285lbs is bordering on the criminal, but if the schools try to help, these "bad parents" are likely to sue and possibly win.
Offering education, nutritional advice, exercise programs to help are all good ways, but cannot be forced. The schools can offer, but unless they see signs of serious unaddressed health problems, they are at a disadvantage to make any kind of real impact.

Should schools send these students to gym even at the expense of their math, science and reading classes?

The fact is that active students do better in class, so offering a program to help with physical fitness will help lead to better energy levels and possibly better grades.

Where is the line that the schools should not be able to cross?

Unless the student is showing signs of emotional or physical abuse, the schools cannot force the students to take part in anything. If these signs are present, the school needs to bring in the appropriate authorities to help with the situation. Overall, it is not the schools job to raise these kids, it is the PARENTS job. Unfortunately, any idiot can have a kid. Nowadays they dump them on the schools to raise. Schools are designed to educate kids, not raise them.
Helping out with a few special programs for those who want to participate is one thing, but taking it upon themselves to try and raise these kids who don't want help is not their place.

[TinyMan]

I completely forgot to post this last night. It is being posted on the 30th, so technically I am a day late. Either way, maybe it's a decent piece for people to read anyways . Either way, cheers.

[Myrdek]

No because the BMI index is highly flawed. If your talking actual bodyfat percentage then yes, it would be better.


Personally I've been at 24-25 BMI all my life but I played tons of sports and was actually eating healthy home cooked meal (my moms a great cook) lots of time. I was very healthly although I had a kind of beer belly


I think the BMI index has to go and be replaced by bodyfat percentage instead, and even then a Fat active person is healthier than a Fit lazy person with a fast metabolism.


Activity is the key word, making them move is the most important aspect. Nutrition is secondary

[Kmill217]

YES..Here is what is going to happen. If we allow highschool and middleschool etc, kids to continue to become obese rather than educate them; cost of federal health insurance will spike. We the fit and healthy are going to end up paying more in FICA tax. If we can begin to educate kids about healthier options or type I or II diabetes...people might begin to understand that todays society of DINING...isn't acceptable in the long run.

Not Good. We need to change something!

[ccs77]

I'm not sure BMI is a perfect measuring tool for fitness. My BMI puts me at the edge of being overweight and I am fairly fit.

I do think all students should be put through a physical of some sort that would inform them of where they are at on some sort of fitness scale or bodyfat %. If a student is approaching, or in a danger zone of being obese then they should be required to take a health course that would give them the knowledge they needed if they choose to lead a healthier lifestyle.

BUT, I think this can only be required by students if the school has done what it can to provide students with healthy food choices and even gone as far to remove un healthy items from the menu in the cafeteria. This includes getting rid of the vending machines that have ready available junk food and pop. How can a school require it's students to participate in a BMI or health program then turn around and sell pop and junk food on every floor and serve up un healthy food choices in the cafeteria? I also think PE needs to be a daily course. My daughter is in grade school and I think it's appauling that they only offer gym class or PE one day a week!

I live in Missouri and we are the 2nd or 3rd fattest state in the country for a reason. I think a program that evaluates student's fitness and requires action for those that are falling behind is a great idea, but only if the school is doing it's part first.