State Requirements and Recommendations for School-Based Screenings for Body Mass Index or Body Composition, 2010
Authors:
Jennifer Linchey, Kristine Madsen
Tags:
state policy, adolescent obesity, adolescent overweight, BMI methodology, body composition, child health, childhood BMI screening, obesity prevalence
Journal:
Preventing Chronic Disease
Year Published:
2011
Policy Summary
This study presents a comprehensive picture of state requirements and recommendations for BMI and body composition screening of children and explores the association between pediatric obesity prevalence and state screening policies. This is the first study to examine the relationship between state policies related to body composition screening and obesity prevalence. The prevalence of adolescent obesity was higher in states that require BMI screening or fitness assessments with body composition than in states without requirements. Future research is needed to evaluate the effect and cost-effectiveness of BMI and body composition screening on childhood obesity.
