Watson, Son Testify on Beacon Hill About 'Fat Letters'

Months after those controversial BMI notifications -- sometimes called the "fat letters" -- made their way into the spotlight with the help of Selectman Tracy Watson and her son Cameron, Cameron went to Beacon Hill with his mom to testify about the notifications.

"I didn't really have to do much," Cameron said. "Mom did most of the talking."

The Joint Committee on Public Health held a public hearing Tuesday at the State House, "Sports Injuries, Concussions, and School Health." Part of the hearing was to examine the BMI notifications, which have been part of a state initiative to fight childhood obesity since 2009.

Earlier this year, Selectman Watson raised concerns about the notifications after her Cameron received a letter saying he was obese. Cameron is an athlete who plays football, wrestles and excels in martial arts.

Watson discussed the issue with Lyons, who then filed legislation to stop the the notifications, which have caused outrage among parents who say the program violates privacy, causes bullying and is ineffective since pediatricians already discuss weight issues with parents.

Cameron said he thinks he and his mother made their point, "that the letters are mean and kind of pointless."

So with his mother in politics, did Tuesday's hearing spark an interest in entering politics for Cameron?

"NO WAY! Today was long and most of it was kind of boring. But I am glad we let them know the letters are the wrong thing to do," Cameron replied.

The topic gained national attention this year, culminating with a mention on Saturday Night Live.

Recently, Gov. Patrick's administration proposed a new rule that would lift requirements of schools to notify parents of their children's BMI. Lyons' legislation would go further, prohibiting schools from gathering BMI data from students.