In a controversial move the UK Government has announced the introduction of obesity tests in schools all over the country. The testing and weighing of children will be limited to those between the ages of 4 and 10  and will be conducted in all schools in the country. While it may seem that this is a good initiative, there has been much opposition to the move from people concerned that the testing could mean that overweight and obese children will be bullied and teased about their weight even more now.

The idea is that all school children will be measured and weighed when they begin their schooling at primary level and then again just before leaving primary school at the age of 10. The figures of the weight and height of children will be given to the parents and also to health authorities in the area. The information will not be used to single out children for help but will be utilised to enable the health authorities to get a better understanding and knowledge of the obesity problem in the United Kingdom and to know exactly where the problem is located.

The information that is to be sent to the parents will also have a letter accompanying it warning them that if they persist in allowing their children to be overweight there could be long term health implications and a higher risk of many different illnesses.

Anticipating objections from some parents the government has allowed an opt out specifically for parents who don't want their children tested and don't want to be sent the results. The government has also issued guidelines on how the tests should be conducted specifying that the children should wear light clothing and that the nurses must be concious of the possibility of bullying.

Many different groups have been warning of the health risks connected with obesity and have been more than generous in the praise of this initiative that will highlight the obesity levels in the U.K. Health groups also said that it is especially important that parents are made aware of the obesity of their children and that these tests should help to drive the message home and encouarge them to do something about it.