Frequently Asked Questions
Why study BMI screening and reporting in schools?
The practice of BMI screening and reporting in schools is highly debated by teachers, parents, researchers, and medical experts. Some argue that BMI screening and reporting provides parents with valuable information about their child's health that they might not otherwise receive, while others believe that addressing weight concerns should be left to parents and doctors. Additionally, some worry that BMI screening stigmatizes overweight children and may lead to unhealthy weight-control behaviors. To date, however, little research exists about the impact of BMI screening and reporting on childhood obesity or stigmatization. We conducted The Fit Study to help schools and districts make evidence-based decisions about the practice of BMI screening and reporting in schools. For more information, read our fact sheet.
What is the design of The Fit Study?
The Fit Study is a randomized controlled trial, meaning that schools were randomly assigned to study groups. In November 2014, we randomly assigned participating schools to Group A or Group B. Study activities varied by group.
Who participated in The Fit Study?
Third through eighth grade students at enrolled schools participated in The Fit Study. Teachers who conduct height and weight measurements and a subset of parents also participated in study activities.
What data was collected?
Student survey: Each fall, we conducted a student survey with 4th-8th grade students. The survey asked students about their nutrition and physical activity behaviors, their experiences having height and weight measured at school, and their perceptions of weight-based stigmatization.
Height and weight measurements: Each spring, students in Group A schools had their height and weight measured at school. Classroom teachers, PE teachers, or school nurses conducted these measurements. Students in Group B schools only had their heights and weights measured in the spring of 2017.
Fitness testing: Each spring, 5th-8th grade students in Group A schools participated in the five fitness tests that make up the California Physical Fitness Test. These tests include sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, sit and reach, and a measure of aerobic capacity (the mile run or the PACER test). In Group B schools, only 5th and 7th grade students participated in these tests each year, as required by California Education Code.
Teacher survey: Each spring, teachers who conducted height and weight measurements with their students participated in a brief online survey. This survey asked teachers about their experience conducting height and weight measurements with their students.
Parent survey: In the fall of 2014 and 2016, a subset of parents from each school (no more than 50) completed a mailed survey. This survey asked parents about their behaviors related to their child's nutrition and physical activity and their perceptions of BMI screening in schools.
What happened when The Fit Study was done?
When the study was completed, we shared our research findings with all study schools and districts. We also shared our findings with the California Department of Education and national health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Medicine. We published our findings in reputable scientific journals and shared our findings at scientific conferences. We will continue to strive and disseminate our findings widely so that districts and schools can make informed decisions about the practice of BMI screening and reporting in schools.