Does my daughter really look overweight to you?

Emma Lee’s daughter Katie was measured at her primary school for The National Child Measurement Programme.

But Mrs Lee, 34, was shocked to receive a letter telling her the 5ft 5ins girl – who weighs 9st 10lbs – was classed as “overweight”.

Mrs Lee, of Harrogate, says the programme is leaving girls feeling sensitive about their weight and prone to eating disorders.

“It’s just ridiculous.” she added. “She’s tall and slim, far from overweight.

“She is very athletic. I was so cross when I got the letter, it basically said at Katie’s height and weight she was overweight.

“They also sent me a healthy eating leaflet like I couldn’t look after my children. They hadn’t even seen my daughter.

“This is the sort of thing that gives young girls eating disorders. She is at a vulnerable, impressionable age, getting ready to leave primary school.

“The first thing she said when she saw the letter is ‘I’m not fat’. She is very fit and active, she takes the dogs out for a walk in the mornings and walks to meet 
her friends.

“She is also in the Scouts and hikes for miles at the weekend. Katie also plays hockey, rounders, touch rugby and does gymnastics.”

The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) measures the weight and height of children in reception class and year six to assess the numbers of overweight and obese children within primary schools.

Children’s heights and weights are measured and used to calculate a Body Mass Index (BMI) centile.