"Assessing the Impact of Arkansas' School Letters on Obesity"
Arkansas was the first state to send home BMI reports about all students as part of an anti-obesity initiative, but its childhood obesity rates have continued to rise. Multiple studies have shown that these reports, or "fat letters," have had no effect on weight loss and have been criticized for potentially leading to weight stigma and eating disorders. While the BMI data serves an important purpose in illuminating population-level trends, it has not been helpful to individuals. Parents generally support weighing children in school, but few have followed up with healthcare providers or made changes to their child's diet or physical activity after receiving a BMI letter. The letters have also raised concerns about cultural nuances and the lack of practical suggestions for parents on what to do with the information.
