Obesity is a major problem nationwide, but at Lincoln University it could actually prevent some seniors from graduating.
Lincoln, a historically black university in Pennsylvania, requires students with a body mass index higher than 30 to take an extra health class, called Fitness for Life. The new mandate has drawn fire from students and some health educators.
BMI measures a person’s weight against their height to set an acceptable weight range. A person at a healthy weight will have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A person with a BMI of more than 30 is considered obese.
What is Body Mass Index?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is ameasure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.
BMI categories:
Underweight = < 18.5
Normal weight = 18.5 - 24.9
Overweight = 25 - 29.9
Obesity = 30 or greater
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
