Maine: School's body-fat test causes uproar

Press Herald ^ | 10-23-03

[HEY4QDEMS]

You mentioned bone structure, that was what the article said was the main reason that the BMI gradually runs amiss as people get taller.

Also the article did say that the best test for body fat was the water immersion test.

[twigs]

But they have to know what the number means. I remember when I was much younger and I barely weighed 100 lbs (sigh! that was awhile ago). My fat ratio was actually high. These numbers can be useful, but teachers need to teach when they give students data.

[11th Earl of Mar]

I agree it is not accurate, especially for people like me. I am 5'8" and weigh 195 pounds, which by that scale makes me obese. But I also have a 32 inch waist and 12 percent body fat.

The BMI, however, is accurate for most people who are not bodybuilders. And I doubt there were many bodybuilders in this teacher's gym class.

[Jonah Hex]

"I told you guys already, dammit! I'm not fat, I'm just big-boned!"

[Boxsford]

If I had wanted it done I would have had it done at the doctor's office."

Could this be? A parent who gets it?

[ladyjane]

We're a nation of victims. Years ago we'd all line up and the school nurse would weigh us. We didn't even know we were victims.

[Boxsford]

Can you see where this could be headed? If they can test now for body fat what next? It's plain and simple intrusive behaviour by the government schools. This same situation has been posted concerning another school doing this in another state. It's a larger crack in the door by our government to gain access to personal information.

[verity]

Dear Sir/Madam:
You are hereby advised that your child is too short for his/her weight. :~)

[krb]

Why do they need a "laser" to calculate the BMI? The BMI is a ratio of the weight to the height. A scale and a tape measure are all you need.

[Boxsford]

I'm curious, how do you do that?

[krb]

how do you do that

The BMI is a mathematical calculation invented by the MetLife corp. in the 1950's (or sometime around that time) for determining life insurance premiums based on longevity.

Using data from 100 years or so, their actuarials came up with a remarkable highly correlated predictor using height and weight as the inputs that predict lifespan.

The formula is your weight in pounds multiplied by 703, divided by the square of your height in inches. (The reason for the 703 multiplier is that the formula is really your weight in kilos divided by the square of your height in meters).

[SheLion]

Why do they need a "laser" to calculate the BMI? The BMI is a ratio of the weight to the height. A scale and a tape measure are all you need.

Gawd! I have NO idea. I have never had this procedure done on me.

[RoughDobermann]

Just go buy one of these

[RoughDobermann]

See 33

[SheLion]

Ok! Thanks!!

[RoughDobermann]

You're most welcome! FYI, if you get one, some say that the body fat percentage readings are a little higher than actual; I've seen reports of 8% high for females. Great scale though. It's weight measurements are highly accurate.

[Viva Le Dissention]

You're fat or your not,"

This is a professional journalist? My God, I weep...

[ladylib]

Arkansas too.

[timm22]

The furor began about two weeks ago when gym teacher Mary Jo Hodgkin measured students' body mass index, or body fat compared to height and weight, using new laser equipment that the school system had purchased through a grant.

I thought school was supposed to be about educating students, not wasting money on laser machines and evaluating the fat content of the kids like they are a cut of pork at the store.

Just one more reason to stay away from public schools.

[Boxsford]

It's weight measurements are highly accurate.

I hate those kinds of scales! :)