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Article Mum Angered After School Advises That Her Four-Year-Old is ‘Overweight’

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A UK mum was left outraged after she was told her four-year-old son was ‘overweight’.

Mica Pullen, 29, took to Facebook to complain after she received a letter from Harley’s school stating that, at 106.68cm (three foot six inches) and weighing 19.65kg (three stone and five ounces), Harley was overweight for his age, sex and height.

Harley was weighed as part of the NHS National Child Measurement Programme, which ranks children’s weight in the UK based on their body mass index (BMI).

The mother-of-two shared the letter with her followers, together with a picture of Harley in a pair of shorts.

Mica explained to the Lancashire Post the incident had left her ‘insecure’.

“A healthy diet is part of our lives and I make sure he eats healthily,” she told the publication.

“I started to doubt myself when I read the letter and I felt like I needed reassurance that I wasn’t doing something wrong. But I am angry that I have been made to feel that way.

“I was pleased to get the support of so many parents on the Facebook page but I shouldn’t have to be looking for reassurance and made to feel insecure.

“The effect on me and my family has been ridiculous. My son is a very happy boy and is in good health.”

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  • He looks like a happy healthy 4yr old.

    Reply

  • This has happened before – I have read a similar article about this happening to other families.

    Reply

  • Did they even bother to look at him? Stupid, stupid, stupid..

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  • He is definitely NOT fat or owerweight.
    I can’t believe they use BMI. It can be so inacurate. I know a lady who supossedly registered a high BMI. and was told to go n a weight loss program. If anything she might actually be underweight. She is tall and very slim. Definitely no fat to “cushion” her bones if she had a fall.

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  • They’re just working off standard measurements.

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  • Thats why I hate BMI measurements. According to bmi my 3.5yr old is overweight, but like this boy, you wouldnt think so by looking at her. She is quite active, eats healthily 99% of the time. The Dr made a note of it at her last check up but after giving her a once over, obviously decided against saying anything.

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  • It looks like something very automatic. They find out a BMI is too high, a letter of concern is sent immediately without checking the specific situation. Not nice of course.

    • Yep! I agree – often letters and information are generated and sent out.

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  • My son was 104th per centile for both height and weight. Then at 18mths his weight was 104th and his height dropped down to 100th. I was told he was heavy and was given a long lecture on childhood obesity. The health nurse even said I will need to look at putting him on a diet etc. obviously I ignored her! But I bought it up with another health nurse at the same clinic just b4 he turned 2. She was shocked by her colleagues conversation with me. Her main point was 1. He was still really young and very well proportioned 2. He was way too active for there to be even the slightest concerns. Basically some people just have zero idea what they are talking about, even if they are deemed “professionals “. And clearly looking at that boy there is no way he has any weight issues

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  • Definitely looks fine I don’t think sending a letter out based solely on BMI is in any way helpful.

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  • He looks pretty average to me. If it is an issue perhaps they should actually speak to the parents instead of just sending a letter home?

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