The ongoing obesity epidemic in Australia has sparked a heated debate about weighing children in schools.
With two-thirds of Australian adults classified as overweight or obese, the Australian College of Nursing has proposed regular weigh-ins for school-aged children to identify those at risk.
Is weighing kids at school problematic?
On today’s The Briefing, we are joined by Dr Nick Fuller, an obesity researcher and author of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids, to explain the pros and cons of weighing children at school.
Dr Fuller stated that 26 per cent of Australian children are considered above a healthy weight.
“If you have a weight problem during adolescence, you’re 80 per cent more likely to carry that into adulthood,” he said.
However, critics raise significant concerns. Many believe that such practices could worsen stigma, bullying, and mental health problems among vulnerable children.
Being weighed in front of peers might lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and eating disorders, especially for those struggling with body image.
“Obesity is a science, and often healthcare professionals, GPs in particular, aren’t given that education during their tertiary training to know how to advise on this very problem,” he added.
Dr Fuller also encourages parents to establish healthy habits at home to help children achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
“So what we need to be doing is reacting to the problem in that instance by teaching the parents.”
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