Body Mass IndexBy: Rosalind Anderson RN
The state of IL has implemented policies requiring mandatory physical exam including BMI screening upon entering 1st, 5th and 9th grades. However data indicates that annual screening may be preferable. Despite the intentions of state required BMI screening programs, screening lacking follow-up with a child who is identified as obese/overweight or at risk, is futile.
Parents may be motivated to take action after receiving their child’s BMI results, but their community might lack the appropriate medical care service, access to healthy and affordable food choices, safe locations for physical activity, or other resources needed to address the problem. BMI screening programs cannot help young people achieve a healthy weight if adequate school or community services do not exist for appropriate follow-up (Nihiser, A. et al, 2007).
Because BMI screening programs are not intended to diagnose weight status, schools should refer students who need follow-up to appropriate local medical care providers. Before initiating a screening program, schools should work with the local medical community to ensure that adequate diagnostic and treatment services are available, staffed by employees with appropriate training, and accessible to all students, including those with low family incomes or without insurance. Schools should also identify school- or community-based health promotion programs that encourage physical activity and healthy eating. School nurses should be educated, trained, and equipped with the appropriate resources to respond to parents requesting guidance. School nurses can be a valuable resource during the follow-up period because they can provide parents with a clear explanation of the results and health risks associated with obesity, develop an action plan for behavior change, and connect the family to medical care in the community (Nihiser, A. et al, 2007).
References
Nihiser, A., Lee, S., Weschler, H., McKenna, M., Odom, E., Reinhold, E., Thompson, D.,
Grummer-Strawn, L. (2007, Dec.). Body mass index measurement in schools.
Journal of School Health, 77(10), 651-674.
Parents may be motivated to take action after receiving their child’s BMI results, but their community might lack the appropriate medical care service, access to healthy and affordable food choices, safe locations for physical activity, or other resources needed to address the problem. BMI screening programs cannot help young people achieve a healthy weight if adequate school or community services do not exist for appropriate follow-up (Nihiser, A. et al, 2007).
Because BMI screening programs are not intended to diagnose weight status, schools should refer students who need follow-up to appropriate local medical care providers. Before initiating a screening program, schools should work with the local medical community to ensure that adequate diagnostic and treatment services are available, staffed by employees with appropriate training, and accessible to all students, including those with low family incomes or without insurance. Schools should also identify school- or community-based health promotion programs that encourage physical activity and healthy eating. School nurses should be educated, trained, and equipped with the appropriate resources to respond to parents requesting guidance. School nurses can be a valuable resource during the follow-up period because they can provide parents with a clear explanation of the results and health risks associated with obesity, develop an action plan for behavior change, and connect the family to medical care in the community (Nihiser, A. et al, 2007).
References
Nihiser, A., Lee, S., Weschler, H., McKenna, M., Odom, E., Reinhold, E., Thompson, D.,
Grummer-Strawn, L. (2007, Dec.). Body mass index measurement in schools.
Journal of School Health, 77(10), 651-674.
Note: This blog post reflects the work of Rosalind Anderson RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.
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