22/05/2026
Kids in Australia and NZ are being routinely weighed in schools*. And the way it’s being handled really worries us 😭😭
The most common scenario? A phone call to say that your child’s BMI is “too high”. And then maybe a flyer about healthy eating and exercise for kids 🙄
For lots of parents, this starts a cycle of doubt and worry. It feels like you’re not doing enough for your child. You start to second guess every lunchbox. You’re worrying about dessert. But this does nothing to actually help you!
Maybe you could go and see someone, but who? There aren’t any paediatric dietitians near you and the GP says they’re fine. So what are your options? Is it a diet? (spoiler alert, it’s most definitely NOT a diet)
Sadly, there isn’t a lot available for families presented with this worry. And most of the “programs” out there do more harm than good (a post for another day!)
With this in mind, paediatric dietitians Dr Kyla and Rachael Wilson created a new Masterclass- Beyond BMI: Understanding Growth, Weight, and Your Child’s Health.
In this evidence-based, non-judgemental conversation, Rachael and Kyla unpack what BMI does and does not tell us, how growth actually works in children, and why well-meaning advice can sometimes do harm.
We will explore how to support your child’s health without creating fear, food struggles, or body shame, and give you practical, grounded steps you can start with immediately.
We’d love you to join us!
Https://www.thefoodtree.co/events/are-we-helping-or-harming-how-we-talk-about-childrens-weight-matters
Ps. we know that the people doing the weighing are just doing their jobs- often they’re caught in a really tricky position.
*In some parts of Australia this happens at dental appointments or allied health therapy sessions rather than at school.
