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DoDEA School Health Services Manual 2942.0 Volume 1 Revised: 2016 DRAFT
measure body fat directly but is an inexpensive method of screening for weight
categories that may lead to health problems.
BMI is usually measured as a percentile and used to indicate a weight status
category (underweight, healthy weigh, overweight, and obese).
Weight Status Category
Percentile Range
Underweight
Less than the 5
th
percentile
Healthy Weight
5
th
to the 85
th
percentile
Overweight
85
th
to the 95
th
percentile
Obese
95
th
percentile or greater
BMI screening is not a diagnostic tool. Should a school screening indicate that a
student’s BMI is outside the healthy weight status category; a referral to the primary
health care provider for further assessment is warranted. Additional assessment might
include skinfold thickness measurements, evaluation of diet, physical activity, family
activity and other health screenings.
Once height and weight data is entered in the approved DoDEA SIS, the SIS will
perform the BMI calculation. A report can be printed from the SIS for the
sponsor/parent/guardian to inform them of their dependent’s BMI weight status
category. The preferred method of notification is to mail the BMI report to the
sponsor/parent/guardian. Prior notification that the school will perform growth
measurements (height and weight) should be sent to the sponsor/parent/guardian.
Notification should include that all results are confidential and offer an explanation of
BMI.
Assessment Tools for Height/Weight Screening
•
Stadiometer, preferably one that has been installed on a wall-over a flat
surface, not over a carpeted area. Height attachments on a beam balance
scale are often inaccurate for measuring height.
•
Beam balance or electronic scales that can be easily calculated and has a
platform large enough to support the student.
•
Each student should be screened in private, in a separate room or behind
a screen, in lightweight clothes and stocking feet.
•
Students waiting their turn should not have visual or auditory access to
the screening of a classmate.
•
The space must include a writing area where the screener can record
information as the physical findings are observed.
Screening
1.
Student should remove shoes and any heavy outer clothing.