Is DNA Testing of College Freshman a Good Idea?

Posted on | May 20, 2010 | Comments Off on Is DNA Testing of College Freshman a Good Idea?

Mike Magee MD

In 2005, I examined the issues of eating disorders in college bound women. (1) I had the following advise for parents, students and the colleges themselves:

” For parents, begin early by examining your own prejudices and biases regarding food, nutrition, weight, and body image. What behaviors are you modeling for your children? Parents need to manage and advance good nutrition as part of a healthy inheritance. Eating should be encouraged in response to hunger. Self-worth and self-esteem should be constantly reinforced, as should open communication and critical thinking about human values. Finally, exploring nutrition during college campus visits and raising the topic of nutrition early and often places the issue on everyone’s radar screen.”

“For students, particularly females, recognize you are vulnerable, and, through discussion with family and peers, come up with a realistic nutrition plan. Choose a college that will support your needs. Do not abuse substances. Do not smoke. Focus on balance, self-worth, and reaching your full potential.”

“For colleges: understand you have a responsibility to your students. Recognize publicly the seriousness of eating disorders. Consider formally monitoring BMI each semester through student health services. Offer full nutritional counseling with registered dieticians who will personalize nutrition plans when it’s necessary – if BMI is outside the 20-30 corridor. Integrate mental health support where appropriate. Create a preventive, programmatic focus and consider making nutrition leadership a center of excellence for your institution.”

Now dial ahead five years and consider the new voluntary program for incoming freshmen at the University of California, Berkeley entering this September. (CONTINUE….)