Prevention better than child weighing

I fully support the arguments against the proposed introduction of measuring the height and weight of primary-school-aged children because of the claimed obesity epidemic (Cat Rodie, “A weigh-in a danger?”, July 28–August 3). NAPLAN already causes undue stress on many children. Adding another invasive procedure will only increase the distress experienced by children. Prevention is better than treatment. Deal with the causes by limiting the use of high-kilojoule corn syrup in products and taxing products with a high sugar content – often disguised by using different types of sweeteners such as fructose, dextrose and sugar in the one product – not by adding to the burdens placed on children. It is more cost effective to put a fence at the top of a cliff than an ambulance beneath.

– Meg Pickup, Ballina, NSW