Children sent home with 'fat report cards'

In an attempt to combat the growing problem  of childhood obesity in America,  schools in 19 US states are weighing children and measuring their body mass index.

 

Pupils are being sent home with report cards informing their parents whether they are “healthy” or “overweight”.

 

While officials say the measurements are useful in tackling obesity, many parents have criticised the practice, claiming the “fat report cards” harm children’s self-esteem and could trigger eating disorders.

 

Parents currently have the option to request that their child is left out of the weigh-ins, but there are campaigns to have the programme abolished completely.

 

What do you think? Would a weigh-in programme in UK schools be beneficial? Would it do more harm than good?