No.
What we measure becomes our target – and our target should be increasing children’s health, not reducing their body size.
Measuring weight and BMI is convenient data to monitor from a public health perspective. But it often means children’s weight becomes the focus of public health programs that use this data.
Research shows focusing on weight increases stigma, and stigma leads to weight gain
Focusing on health, rather than weight, is more effective for weight loss. Professional groups that represent child health experts have adjusted their recommendations around obesity management accordingly.
Weighing children in a semi-public setting such as a school may also contribute to body image issues, embarrassment or bullying. This could worsen mental health in vulnerable children, regardless of their actual weight. Shame around body weight paradoxically increases unhealthy eating behaviours in children.
Funding should instead be directed to evidence-based approaches that are holistic, de-stigmatising, empowering and that support the health of whole families.