A school anthropometric record card: what should be measured and why measure it?

Resumen

The objective of this study is to propose a model for a School Anthropometric Record Card (SARD), based on the criteria and protocols used in anthropometry. This model aims to answer questions such as: what to measure and why measure, aiming to contribute to the implementation of a proposal that would be coherent with current tendencies, which aim at educating students to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In order to construct this model, note was taken of the Brazilian educational context, in order to offer alternatives for expansion and inclusion within a multidisciplinary perspective. The implementation in schools of a system for anthropometric assessment is of fundamental importance since it would allow for growth to be monitored and risk factors for the detection of the development of diseases, which have onset at ever younger ages. Therefore, topics were discussed relating to anthropometric measurements in a school environment and the proposal of a SARD model, in addition to the procedures for measurement, interpretation and recommendation. The SARD is aimed at Physical Education teachers and other health professionals, researchers and all educators with an interest in promoting a healthy lifestyle, with emphasis on features of growth and on risk factors for diseases, particularly those related to overweight and eating disorders. It is believed that the support of educational institutions is a determinant factor for the success of implementing a SARD as an integral part of schools’ educational policy projects.