In 2011, all Massachusetts public schools began measuring the height and weight of students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10 and using those figures to calculate their Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a screening tool used to help school nurses assess if a child has a healthy weight compared to other children of the same age and sex. These results are communicated to the parents or guardians of each student screened.
Children with a high BMI are more likely to become overweight or obese adults and be at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Helping children maintain a healthy weight may prevent serious illness later in life.
View the current results from the Body Mass Index Screening in Massachusetts Public School Districts:
- The Status of Childhood Weight in Massachusetts, 2011 (Doc)
- BMI Success Story 2012: Mass in Motion Communities Show Significant Decreases in Childhood Obesity Rates (Doc)
For more information about BMI screening in schools please visit our School Health Screening page.