School Fat Letter Angers Florida Mom Due To BMI Result

One mother, Kristen Grasso, is fighting back, after her daughter, 11-year-old Lily, came home from school with a body mass index letter labeling her as overweight. Lily is on the school volleyball team and eats healthy foods.

“This whole thing is stupid. It can hurt people. It can break their courage,” Lily said.

“First, I was hurt. Then, I was angry. Then, I just was concerned,” Kristen said.

The so-called school fat letter is the result of a body mass index, BMI, screening, given to Lily by officials at school.

“To give a kid a letter telling that the rest of their life they may be overweight or obese because of a measurement you took one day, it’s not fair,” Kristen added.

Similar screening programs have been embraced by schools. “They’re a great idea. I hope that all parents can become aware,” said Dr. Stephen Pont, Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Provisional Section on Obesity.

But eating disorder is what experts worry. The screenings could do more harm than good.

As for Lily, she says she hasn’t let the letter affect her and has learned an important lesson. “I’m confident in everything that I do. And never give up.”