Two Massachusetts lawmakers are fighting to reverse a 2009 legislative mandate ordering public schools to perform body mass index screenings and sending “fat letters” to parents of overweight children.
The North Andover Patch reports that many parents have complained, saying government is intruding on their parenting and invading privacy.
“I have come across many parents whose children are perfectly fit, healthy and active in sports, but muscular in build and are reporting that they’ve received letters stating their child is obese or at risk for obesity,” Bridget Martin told North Andover Patch. “Some of these children laughed at these letters stating that they are obese because they know it is ridiculous, while others become upset, depressed and ashamed, even though they are far from obese.”
Massachusetts State Rep. Jim Lyons and State Sen. Kathleen O’Connor Ives have filed legislation to stop the “fat letters.”
“I think [the letters] are an overreaching by the Department of Public Health,” Mr. Lyons told the New York Daily News. “I’ve had numerous complaints from parents considering the impact ot has on children being ostracized for being too thin or too fat. Parents are really concerned.”
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Jessica Chasmar is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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