Latest news with #BodyMassIndex
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
My five year old boy was called FAT by school – he plays tons of football and goes swimming… it's got to be a joke
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FURIOUS mum has slammed the NHS for branding her five-year-old boy overweight despite him regularly playing football and swimming. Laura Atherton had given permission for slim son Jack Atherton to take part in the National Child Measurement Programme at his primary school last month. 9 Laura Atherton with her five-year-old son Jack Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 Jack was branded overweight Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 He goes swimming and plays football regularly Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 The letter in question branding him 'overweight' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media However, the 34-year-old laughed when she received a results letter from Halton Borough Council, Cheshire, last Wednesday declaring Jack as "overweight". The mum-of-two insists her "sporty" son plays football once a week and has been going swimming since he was two months old. Angry Laura says Jack "isn't chubby at all" and blames the 'outdated' BMI (Body Mass Index) system for not understanding how kids grow at different rates. Jack is 3ft 5in and weighs 3.5st, which puts him in the 97th percentile for his age and in the "overweight" bracket (91 and above). Tech complaints manager Laura posted an explainer video to TikTok, including a picture of her "'regular" son with viewers left gobsmacked. Laura, from Widnes, Cheshire, said: "I laughed when I saw it and said 'it's got to be a joke'. "Once it settled I thought classifying him as that was really bad. It's barbaric and horrendous. "He's very active and he's always been active. He's been swimming since he was a couple of months old. "He still goes swimming every week on a Saturday and he goes to football every Monday. "He's a normal-build five-year-old and he's wearing age 4-5 clothes. I've got washboard abs & weigh 13 stone at 5ft10 but I'm 'obese' by BMI standards "It angers me because what more can we be doing? I don't think he's overweight and everyone we know is outraged." She added: "People might think I've got rose-tinted glasses on and 'maybe he's a bit chubby but she doesn't see it' but he isn't chubby at all. There's nothing to him. "If I fed him less he'd be hungry. He's a growing lad and that's obviously not something I'm going to do. "From the checks online, I think if he was 3-4cm taller then he'd be in the healthy weight bracket, which is mental because they all grow at different rates at that age. "When Jack came home last night and asked for a biscuit I wondered if he should, but why was I thinking that? It's impacted me as well, it's ridiculous. "I don't want him to be overweight and that's a choice we make every day through his meals and making sure we get fruit and veg down him. "Jack doesn't know about it and he won't know about it either, he doesn't need to." 9 Jack with his mum Laura Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 He was described as 'sporty' by his mum Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 Sam's dad also gave his thoughts on the matter Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Laura, who also lives with hubby Sam, 36, and their other son George, one, insists Jack's weight hasn't been brought up by medical professionals before. The National Child Measurement Programme measures the height and weight of children in reception class (aged 4-5) and year six (aged 10-11) to assess overweight and obesity levels in primary school children. The programme uses BMI for the programme, which is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height, and includes a QR code on the results letter to advise parents. Laura believes such tests should be done at clinics rather than schools but doesn't feel BMI is fit for purpose anyway. 'DANGEROUS & OUTDATED' Laura said: "I'm not a doctor but I don't think BMI is fit for purpose. I think it's dangerous and outdated. "Some parents are really impressionable and if they didn't feel as strongly as I did then their kids might be going on a diet unnecessarily. "If you're a child and you're told you're overweight then that could have a real detrimental impact on their confidence and their relationship with food. "I think it's a terrible idea [to weigh kids in school]. The next check is when they go into high school and that's such an impressionable age and they'll be talking about it. "I agree with it in the correct environment for children that need help so I think these checks need to be through the doctors and school isn't the right setting." Laura's TikTok video, captioned 'I'm fuming', has been viewed almost half a million times with many comments in support of her. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'The National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) is vital to inform action to improve the health of all children and promote a healthier weight. 'We recognise that weight and growth can be very sensitive for some children, and their wellbeing is our priority. The privacy and dignity of children must be safeguarded at all times, and no child is forced to take part. 'School nursing teams and NCMP delivery staff measure children in a sensitive way, in private and away from other children, with weight and height information shared only with the parent or carer in a feedback letter. 'This government is shifting focus from sickness to prevention under our 10 Year Health Plan to meet our ambition of raising the healthiest generation of children ever.' 9 Jack with his happy family Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
My five year old boy was called FAT by school – he plays tons of football and goes swimming… it's got to be a joke
A FURIOUS mum has slammed the NHS for branding her five-year-old boy overweight despite him regularly playing football and swimming. Laura Atherton had given permission for slim son Jack Atherton to take part in the National Child Measurement Programme at his primary school last month. Advertisement 9 Laura Atherton with her five-year-old son Jack Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 Jack was branded overweight Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 He goes swimming and plays football regularly Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 The letter in question branding him 'overweight' Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media However, the 34-year-old laughed when she received a results letter from Halton Borough Council, Cheshire, last Wednesday declaring Jack as "overweight". The mum-of-two insists her "sporty" son plays football once a week and has been going swimming since he was two months old. Angry Laura says Jack "isn't chubby at all" and blames the 'outdated' BMI (Body Mass Index) system for not understanding how kids grow at different rates. Jack is 3ft 5in and weighs 3.5st, which puts him in the 97th percentile for his age and in the "overweight" bracket (91 and above). Advertisement Read More in UK News Tech complaints manager Laura posted an explainer video to TikTok, including a picture of her "'regular" son with viewers left gobsmacked. Laura, from Widnes, Cheshire, said: "I laughed when I saw it and said 'it's got to be a joke'. "Once it settled I thought classifying him as that was really bad. It's barbaric and horrendous. "He's very active and he's always been active. He's been swimming since he was a couple of months old. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive "He still goes swimming every week on a Saturday and he goes to football every Monday. "He's a normal-build five-year-old and he's wearing age 4-5 clothes. I've got washboard abs & weigh 13 stone at 5ft10 but I'm 'obese' by BMI standards "It angers me because what more can we be doing? I don't think he's overweight and everyone we know is outraged." She added: "People might think I've got rose-tinted glasses on and 'maybe he's a bit chubby but she doesn't see it' but he isn't chubby at all. There's nothing to him. Advertisement "If I fed him less he'd be hungry. He's a growing lad and that's obviously not something I'm going to do. "From the checks online, I think if he was 3-4cm taller then he'd be in the healthy weight bracket, which is mental because they all grow at different rates at that age. "When Jack came home last night and asked for a biscuit I wondered if he should, but why was I thinking that? It's impacted me as well, it's ridiculous. "I don't want him to be overweight and that's a choice we make every day through his meals and making sure we get fruit and veg down him. Advertisement "Jack doesn't know about it and he won't know about it either, he doesn't need to." 9 Jack with his mum Laura Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 He was described as 'sporty' by his mum Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 Sam's dad also gave his thoughts on the matter Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement Laura, who also lives with hubby Sam, 36, and their other son George, one, insists Jack's weight hasn't been brought up by medical professionals before. The National Child Measurement Programme measures the height and weight of children in reception class (aged 4-5) and year six (aged 10-11) to assess overweight and obesity levels in primary school children. The programme uses BMI for the programme, which is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height, and includes a QR code on the results letter to advise parents. Laura believes such tests should be done at clinics rather than schools but doesn't feel BMI is fit for purpose anyway. Advertisement 'DANGEROUS & OUTDATED' Laura said: "I'm not a doctor but I don't think BMI is fit for purpose. I think it's dangerous and outdated. "Some parents are really impressionable and if they didn't feel as strongly as I did then their kids might be going on a diet unnecessarily. "If you're a child and you're told you're overweight then that could have a real detrimental impact on their confidence and their relationship with food. "I think it's a terrible idea [to weigh kids in school]. The next check is when they go into high school and that's such an impressionable age and they'll be talking about it. Advertisement "I agree with it in the correct environment for children that need help so I think these checks need to be through the doctors and school isn't the right setting." Laura's TikTok video, captioned 'I'm fuming', has been viewed almost half a million times with many comments in support of her. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'The National Childhood Measurement Programme (NCMP) is vital to inform action to improve the health of all children and promote a healthier weight. 'We recognise that weight and growth can be very sensitive for some children, and their wellbeing is our priority. The privacy and dignity of children must be safeguarded at all times, and no child is forced to take part. Advertisement 'School nursing teams and NCMP delivery staff measure children in a sensitive way, in private and away from other children, with weight and height information shared only with the parent or carer in a feedback letter. 'This government is shifting focus from sickness to prevention under our 10 Year Health Plan to meet our ambition of raising the healthiest generation of children ever.' 9 Jack with his happy family Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media 9 Jack enjoys playing sports outside Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media Advertisement
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
VUT hosts successful Wellness Day together with with 4D Healthcare Consulting
VUT hosts successful Wellness Day together with with 4D Healthcare Consulting VANDERBIJLPARK – The Human Resources Department at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), in collaboration with 4D Healthcare Consulting (Pty) Ltd, recently hosted Wellness Day 2025, an event aimed at enhancing staff awareness of health and wellbeing. The day commenced with an energising fun walk led by Sakhile Cele (Director of HR Operations), Tshimangadzo Tambani (Remuneration and Benefits Manager), and the HR team. Starting at the university's main gate and winding through the campus to the Desmond Tutu Building, symbolising a step towards healthier living. The central feature was the Wellness Experience, where staff underwent comprehensive health screenings lasting 20 to 30 minutes, receiving personalised wellness reports to inform them about their health status and lifestyle risks. Cele and Tambani led by example, being the first to participate in the screenings, reinforcing VUT's commitment to employee wellness. In partnership with 4D Healthcare Consulting, the university provided expert-guided screenings, including Glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure tests (assessing cardiovascular and metabolic health), Weight, height, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements (evaluating physical health and obesity risk), Confidential HIV testing (ensuring privacy and discretion). Staff were encouraged to dress comfortably for assessments and bring their medical aid membership cards or driver's licenses for registration. Wellness Day 2025 highlighted the importance of regular health checks and reminded everyone that wellness is a journey: one step, one screening, and one choice at a time. This initiative reflects VUT's ongoing dedication to fostering a supportive, health-conscious workplace. By prioritising early detection and informed health decisions, the university empowers its staff to lead healthier, more productive lives. T hese screenings are critical as they help individuals understand potential health risks early and take the necessary steps to address them. VUT fosters a workplace culture rooted in care, awareness, and proactive health management by investing in staff well-being. This initiative builds on previous wellness programmes at VUT, reinforcing the institution's vision of a thriving, health-aware community. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
CBSE Sugar Boards to help students, parents make informed choices on sugar intake, feel experts
New Delhi: With the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) directing schools to set up dedicated 'Sugar Boards' to underline the importance of limiting sugar consumption, experts feel the move will encourage both students and parents to make informed choices on sugar intake. The initiative targets a growing public health concern: the silent but significant rise in childhood obesity , Type-2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders. As part of the move, which has stirred up enthusiasm among health experts, educators and nutritionists, schools across India have been directed to prominently display sugar awareness boards on their campuses to encourage both students and parents to recognise the "hidden" sugars in their daily diets. Dr R Goswami, professor of endocrinology at AIIMS Delhi, called the move a good initiative. "Carbohydrates, especially those with excess of free sugar such as cold drinks and maida-rich food, are relatively cheaper sources of energy and calories when compared to protein-rich foods. "So, one gets more quantity of carbohydrate-rich food as compared to protein-rich food in the same amount of money spent," Goswami said. "As a result, when a person starts consuming more of such carbohydrate-rich food, coupled with lack of exercise, obesity develops. However, there is no data that show taking sweets in moderation when the Body Mass Index (BMI) is maintained leads to diabetes. So one can take sweets, but in moderation. "Excess sugar consumption leads to childhood obesity, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes at a later stage. Children should also avoid refined carbohydrates such as maida, which increases calorie intake and can later lead to obesity. Taking sugar in limitation is very important as it directly affects the BMI." With over 250 million school-aged children in India, the potential impact of this initiative can be significant. According to data, Indian children consume far above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 5 per cent of daily calories from added sugars -- a trend that is deeply concerning to health professionals. Dr Ritika Samaddar, regional head of dietetics at Max Healthcare, Delhi, said, "It's a great initiative by the CBSE to establish Sugar Boards and educate students about the informed choices on sugar intake and the hidden sources of it. "Excess sugar and sweetened beverage intake is just empty calories and in children, it poses a significant public health concern. Increased intake can cause obesity, metabolic syndrome, dental cavities, behaviour and cognitive effects. "The WHO recommends children should consume less than 10 per cent of daily calories from added sugars' -- ideally under 5 per cent for added health benefits." The Sugar Board initiative is not just about cutting back on sweets, it's about raising awareness on the hidden sugars lurking in processed foods, flavoured yogurts, packaged juices, and in the even so-called "healthy" breakfast cereals. The sugar boards will serve as real-time nutrition educators, displaying sugar content in common snacks, drinks, and meals consumed by children on a daily basis, Samaddar said. Isha Vashisht, a wellness expert and founder of the Forever Healthy India campaign, praised the CBSE's vision, calling it a "national movement in the making". "As a nutritionist dedicated to preventive healthcare and addressing the root causes of lifestyle diseases, I strongly endorse CBSE's visionary move to introduce sugar boards in schools. "This initiative is both timely and essential in combating the alarming rise in childhood obesity, early-onset of Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders," Vashisht said. Data reveals that children aged 4- 10 consume about 13 per cent and those aged 11- 18 nearly 15 per cent of their daily calories from added sugars -- nearly three times the WHO's recommended limit of 5 per cent. The initiative marks more than just a symbolic gesture, it signifies the integration of health literacy into school culture, Vashisht said. The boards are expected to include simple infographics, comparison charts, and weekly updates that show how sugar is hiding in foods kids regularly consume. Workshops and interactive activities will reinforce these lessons, making them both fun and memorable. With over 27,000 CBSE-affiliated schools across India, the move has the power to shift the dietary habits of millions of children and families, Vashisht said.
The Print
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Print
CBSE Sugar Boards to help students, parents make informed choices on sugar intake, feel experts
As part of the move, which has stirred up enthusiasm among health experts, educators and nutritionists, schools across India have been directed to prominently display sugar awareness boards on their campuses to encourage both students and parents to recognise the 'hidden' sugars in their daily diets. The initiative targets a growing public health concern: the silent but significant rise in childhood obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders. New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) With the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) directing schools to set up dedicated 'Sugar Boards' to underline the importance of limiting sugar consumption, experts feel the move will encourage both students and parents to make informed choices on sugar intake. Dr R Goswami, professor of endocrinology at AIIMS Delhi, called the move a good initiative. 'Carbohydrates, especially those with excess of free sugar such as cold drinks and maida-rich food, are relatively cheaper sources of energy and calories when compared to protein-rich foods. 'So, one gets more quantity of carbohydrate-rich food as compared to protein-rich food in the same amount of money spent,' Goswami said. 'As a result, when a person starts consuming more of such carbohydrate-rich food, coupled with lack of exercise, obesity develops. However, there is no data that show taking sweets in moderation when the Body Mass Index (BMI) is maintained leads to diabetes. So one can take sweets, but in moderation. 'Excess sugar consumption leads to childhood obesity, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes at a later stage. Children should also avoid refined carbohydrates such as maida, which increases calorie intake and can later lead to obesity. Taking sugar in limitation is very important as it directly affects the BMI.' With over 250 million school-aged children in India, the potential impact of this initiative can be significant. According to data, Indian children consume far above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit of 5 per cent of daily calories from added sugars — a trend that is deeply concerning to health professionals. Dr Ritika Samaddar, regional head of dietetics at Max Healthcare, Delhi, said, 'It's a great initiative by the CBSE to establish Sugar Boards and educate students about the informed choices on sugar intake and the hidden sources of it. 'Excess sugar and sweetened beverage intake is just empty calories and in children, it poses a significant public health concern. Increased intake can cause obesity, metabolic syndrome, dental cavities, behaviour and cognitive effects. 'The WHO recommends children should consume less than 10 per cent of daily calories from added sugars' — ideally under 5 per cent for added health benefits.' The Sugar Board initiative is not just about cutting back on sweets, it's about raising awareness on the hidden sugars lurking in processed foods, flavoured yogurts, packaged juices, and in the even so-called 'healthy' breakfast cereals. The sugar boards will serve as real-time nutrition educators, displaying sugar content in common snacks, drinks, and meals consumed by children on a daily basis, Samaddar said. Isha Vashisht, a wellness expert and founder of the Forever Healthy India campaign, praised the CBSE's vision, calling it a 'national movement in the making'. 'As a nutritionist dedicated to preventive healthcare and addressing the root causes of lifestyle diseases, I strongly endorse CBSE's visionary move to introduce sugar boards in schools. 'This initiative is both timely and essential in combating the alarming rise in childhood obesity, early-onset of Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders,' Vashisht said. Data reveals that children aged 4-10 consume about 13 per cent and those aged 11-18 nearly 15 per cent of their daily calories from added sugars — nearly three times the WHO's recommended limit of 5 per cent. The initiative marks more than just a symbolic gesture, it signifies the integration of health literacy into school culture, Vashisht said. The boards are expected to include simple infographics, comparison charts, and weekly updates that show how sugar is hiding in foods kids regularly consume. Workshops and interactive activities will reinforce these lessons, making them both fun and memorable. With over 27,000 CBSE-affiliated schools across India, the move has the power to shift the dietary habits of millions of children and families, Vashisht said. PTI PLB ARI ARI This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
