Parents who study a child’s report card this month might be surprised to see new information. Commonly called a “weight grade,” an increased number of schools are including a child’s BMI, or body mass index, on end of the year reports.
Research shows that parents typically underestimate their child’s weight, a heavy issue in the childhood obesity epidemic. Some experts believe a parent who knows a child’s BMI will be more aware of health needs. Others feel posting the weight grade is intrusive and an invasion of privacy.
Whatever the feelings, the issue won’t be resolved anytime soon.
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