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 are conducting 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 will be randomly assigned to study groups. In November 2014, we will randomly assign participating schools to Group A or Group B. Study activities will vary by group.
Who will participate in The Fit Study?
Third through eighth grade students at enrolled schools will participate in The Fit Study. Teachers who conduct height and weight measurements and a subset of parents will also participate in study activities.
What data will be collected?
Student survey: Each fall, we will conduct a student survey with 4th-8th grade students. The survey will ask 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 will have their height and weight measured at school. Classroom teachers, PE teachers, or school nurses will conduct these measurements. Students in Group B schools will only have their heights and weights measured in the spring of 2017.
Fitness testing: Each spring, 5th-8th grade students in Group A schools will participate 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 will participate in these tests each year, as required by California Education Code.
Teacher survey: Each spring, teachers who conduct height and weight measurements with their students will participate in a brief online survey. This survey will ask 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) will complete a mailed survey. This survey will ask parents about their behaviors related to their child's nutrition and physical activity and their perceptions of BMI screening in schools.
What will happen when The Fit Study is done?
When the study is complete, we will share our research findings with all study schools and districts. We will also share 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 will publish our findings in reputable scientific journals and share our findings at scientific conferences. We will strive to disseminate our findings widely so that districts and schools can make informed decisions about the practice of BMI screening and reporting in schools.