G

People *shakes head*

Catarina

A controversial topic! However, I saw this article earlier today and got excited.

The truth is, along with obesity come a number of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, which has amounted to 26 million cases in the US. 26 million!

Guess what else has become a controversial topic? Healthcare, anyone? The best way we can lower our overall costs on the system is to do basic things like exercise and eat good food (the non-processed kind)to treat our bodies right.

So really, I think this school is ahead of the curve. Universities have long been known for their progressive nature, living at the forefront of major social movements for change. This is just another example of a school that has found another way to help its students help themselves– and the rest of the country. A holistic education that benefits us not only intellectually but also physically, psychologically, and emotionally can only lead to good things.

Yes I believe it’s fair– for all of us.

Laurenelle

While I understand the concern for fitness, I do feel that it’s unfair to discriminate against overweight students. It wouldn’t be such a bad thing, however, for all students to have to complete a physical education requirement. I know that I wish I had more designated time for exercise! Also, there are individuals with “healthy” BMIs who aren’t necessarily healthy and/or strong, and a fitness program could benefit them as well.

Jen.

I have mixed feelings. I think health should be a priority. I also think that as adults in a democratic society, we have a right to make choices and not be discriminated against.
I agree with Cat that the idea is ahead of the curve, but I think the implementation is flawed.
Like Laurenelle suggested, I believe every student should be required to participate. There are many, MANY people who are slender yet not “fit”. If schools required it, everyone would have to make the effort to live a healthier lifestyle, thus saving the healthcare system a lot of money in the long run.
It’s walking a fine line forcing adults to make better choices without encroaching on their freedom. But we do need solutions to end all of the issues associated not only with obesity, but also with a sedentary society. I say gym class for all!

G

If they had gym classes, I’d suggest they group people together that are at the same level. I know in school, there would always be the super athletes in gym and they would just ruin it for the rest of us haha. They would hog everything and the teachers would hold us up to their standard. It was rather discouraging, so I agree with Jen, gym class for all! However, I think that there should be two different levels, just like with academic studies.

JFo

i like that they are trying to promote exercising in a way. but BMIs are not a good indication of being overweight. My BMI is 1 point above the norm for my measurements, but i have very heavy and wide bones. Ive had one doctor yell at me to lose weight, while my other doctor told me im perfectly fine and dont need to lose weight. so that measurement itself is iffy.

i dont think students health should be tied to graduation. they should enforce health programs in a different manner. not everyone can lose weigh easily. thats just my thoughts.

<3
jess

Tabby

I think all students should be required to go through the same thing. Just because you’re not obese does not mean that you have a healthy mindset in terms of eating. A lot of people have issues with food in many different ways, and those people come in all shapes and sizes. It should be a requirement for all students.

Although my university, according to rumors that I have heard recently, require that if you’re gay you have to show that you are making steps to not be gay to continue going there. Sad. But it happens.

Jenipher

I agree with Jen and G.

But then, like Jen I’m having mixed feelings with all this. I just don’t think it’s fair that you’re unable to graduate because of your weight (BMI).

Why don’t they just promote the program they have and encourage students to join if they wish, but not deprive them from choosing, they have rights!

Anyways, that’s just me

Marilyne

extra credits, that would be good! a mention on the diploma lol

Animator

Wow, this is just flat out tyranny.

There’s nothing wrong with getting people inspired to lose weight to become healthy, but to not let somebody graduate because of it? What if they have bad genetics or can’t lose weight? There are so many factors tied into this, it’s ridiculous.

This just seems like a form of control to me…

Kathy

Just wanted to chime in on what JFo said – the BMI, when used by itself, is indeed not the best indicator of whether or not you’re at a healthy weight. It’s not completely off, but it’s not designed to account for individual variations, like the one JFo mentioned. Other people who wouldn’t fit the BMI scale very well are bodybuilders, who have a lot of muscle mass and would seem overweight based on their BMI when they’re not.

Currently, researchers are saying that a more accurate indicator would be to use the BMI in combination with waist circumference (waist size). This appears to do a better job than just using the BMI alone because studies have shown that the amount of abdominal fat a person has is strongly correlated with a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The BMI isn’t completely useless though. BMIs above 30 are considered obese, so if you have a BMI above that, you’re probably at an unhealthy weight, regardless of your waist size.

Uriel

BMI is not a perfect rule but it is better than nothing, the problem is some governments/institutions/organizations tend to take it too literally.

Obesity is generally not good for health and it is always good to excerise (regardless of body mass), making obese students taking up additional fitness programmes is not a bad idea to at least attempt to lose some fats.

Saying they cannot graduate if they don’t pass the fitness program “standards” after going thru it would be totally wrong as whose “standard” or “requirements” is it based on? Navy seals or their grandma?

But again there are some people with a waist line of 26 yet considering themselve “obese”….. :p