
Lincoln University requires fat students to take a fitness class in order to graduate:
The mandate, which took effect for freshmen entering in fall 2006, requires students to get tested for their body mass index, a measure of weight to height.
A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Students with one that’s 30 or above — considered obese — are required to take a class called “Fitness for Life,” which meets three hours a week.
The course involves walking, aerobics, weight training and other physical activities, as well as information on nutrition, stress and sleep…
“We know we’re in the midst of an obesity epidemic,” said James L. DeBoy, chairman of Lincoln’s department of health, physical education and recreation. “We have an obligation to address this head on, knowing full well there’s going to be some fallout.”
I realize that Lincoln University is not the government, but its actions here are in line with the direction of public health arguments. Some people have been warning about the totalitarian implications of using public health terms, like “epidemic,” to describe personal health issues, like obesity. [Read more →]
Tags: Pitney patrol, politics & government by Scott Stein
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