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State Reconsiders Body Mass Index Testing In Schools

BOSTON (CBS) -- Screening for kids' Body Mass Index became standard practice in schools across the state in 2010 and 2011.

But it hasn't been a smooth process, there's been some push back, enough that some legislators have considered dumping the regulation altogether.

On Wednesday, the state's public health commission met to talk about some possible revisions.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports

State Reconsiders Body Mass Index Testing In Schools

One proposed revision would end a letter typically sent to parents telling them about their child's BMI.

According to DPH, they have seen reports coming back to their office that show the BMI findings have been mishandled and have been used to bully obese children.

DPH's Cheryl Bartlett said they are considering keeping the testing but doing away with the letter to parents.

"A lot of parents are saying it's their personal family business between them and their doctors," Bartlett said. "They don't really want the public health or government telling them how to eat and maintain their health."

A final decision will be made in the fall.

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