A Comprehensive Review of School‐Based Body Mass Index Screening Programs and Their Implications for School Health: Do the Controversies Accurately Reflect the Research?

Abstract

Despite the controversies surrounding these programs, this review shows that they can be valuable for all parties and demonstrates BMI screening programs to be vital to the development of robust school-based obesity prevention programs and promotion of healthy lifestyles in schools.

School-Based Body Mass Index Screening and Parental Notification in Late Adolescence: Evidence From Arkansas's Act 1220

“…As previously mentioned, eight other states screen for BMI and report the information to parents and guardians; however, though BMI screening and reporting programs are increasingly commonplace, they are often implemented alongside other school-based interventions such as altering school nutrition and physical activity environments [14]. Given the multi-pronged nature of schoolbased obesity prevention efforts, the challenge for researchers is how to isolate and evaluate the effect of BMI screening apart from other interventions.…”

“…These costs were not definitive as estimates reported in 2009 suggested that the per school cost of screening and reporting in Arkansas could have been as low as $60 per school or as high as $500 per school [13]. Since Arkansas implemented its statewide BMI screening and reporting policy in 2003, eight other states have adopted similar BMI screening and parental reporting policies including Alabama, Massachusetts, and Ohio [14]. However, the justification for such programs and, more broadly, community-based strategies aimed at preventing obesity among adolescents, lacks a comprehensive and rigorous empirical basis [15,16].…”

Massachusetts Pediatricians’ Views Toward Body Mass Index Screening in Schools

“…Although specific program goals may vary, school-based BMI screening broadly aims to (1) prevent and reduce obesity in a target population, (2) correct parents' misperceptions about children's weight status, (3) motivate healthy lifestyle changes, (4) encourage parents to follow-up with a health care provider, and (5) increase awareness of the school's commitment to fighting childhood obesity. 1,5 Debate persists about the role of school-based BMI screening programs, including from within the medical community. The Institute of Medicine has recommended that schools measure students' BMI annually and make this information available to parents.…”

Body Mass Index Screening and Follow-Up: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study of Pennsylvania School Nurses (Preprint)

“…[11][12][13] Currently, 25 states across the United States mandate BMI screenings or weight related assessments in their public schools in which only 44% of those states require parental notification. [14] The inconsistency in additional follow-up by schools for parent inquiries may prevent affected children from receiving treatment.…”

“…[19] Pennsylvania (PA) is 1 out of 11 states requiring BMI screening and BMI result reporting to parents/guardians. [14] Therefore, this study, focusing on PA school nurse BMI screenings, will provide insight into the efficacy and follow through of the school's role in childhood obesity prevention. The current study conducted a state-wide survey of school nurses in PA to understand current areas of care, ways to address child health through school BMI screenings and follow-up, and identify current educational gaps to assist school nurses with providing whole child care within the realm of weight management and education.…”