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Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion  Legislation Targets Childhood Obesity Among Va. Children
 (Photo: AP)
01/15/2007 RICHMOND, Va. (AP)- State lawmakers are considering bills to regulate what children eat at schools.
The legislation targeting childhood obesity would empower school administrators to measure Body Mass Indexes among their youngest students.
Other lawmakers have urged a comprehensive study of obesity in Virginia's schools.
And Gov. Tim Kaine touched on the topic during a State of the Commonwealth address last week.
Democratic Sen. Yvonne Miller of Norfolk says healthy measures stumble most in less affluent school systems.
Miller's bill would require a BMI measurement for every first-time kindergarten or elementary student.
But eating disorders specialist Deb Burgard says such legislation "adds to the stigma against fat children."
She questions the emphasis on BMIs- which some critics say offer an oversimplified view of one's health. Childhood Obesity in Virginia |
I wish the government would get it in their heads that BMI is not always a good measurement of obesity
They need to get these kids body fat tested, not BMI tested. Regardless some parents will complain that this is an invasion of privacy.
