Reviewer-1 Comments
Response: Spelled out BMI and put in parentheses: Body Mass Index (BMI). Did not want to put specifically where [Atlanta Public School System (APS)], so identified by type and relevance to manuscript by stating “Urban School System”.
IMPACT OF BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) AND PERCEIVED WEIGHT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS IN AN URBAN SCHOOL SYSTEM
2. Abstract: The abstract is explicit. Note that except as prescribed by the publisher, abstracts are not written in sections. All the constituent structures should flow as a piece of prose.
Response:
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between BMI, perceived weight and academic performance in African American students (N=78) attending a majority-minority school. Assessments were performed during a summer academic enrichment program. Perceived weight determined from responses to a data collection questionnaire. Height and weight were measured to determine BMI. Standardized test scores and grade point averages were collected from students’ respective schools. Perceived weight and actual BMI were positively correlated (rpb = .72; p < .01). There was a positive relationship between perceived weight and reading (rpb = .345, p < .05) and English/language arts (ELA rpb = .323, p <.05)) for female participants. Results indicated no relationship between BMI, perceived weight and academic performance. As perception of weight increased, reading and ELA standardized test scores increased for female participants. Further research is warranted to ascertain whether perceived weight is a protective factor for African-American females.
3. Introduction: The second sentence of the introduction needs attribution to support the claim that the effect of obesity is prominent in middle-school years and puberty. In other words, the author should cite a source. Mention why you focused on that population.
Response: This effect is especially prevalent during adolescence where studies show that negative self-perception of weight is associated with aberrant and suicidal behavior, depression, and low self-esteem.4-6
4. Method: The method is appropriate and relevant for measuring the variables measured. However, no mention of the sampling technique. How were the participants selected? It seems obvious that the purposive sampling method was applied; the author should include it.
Response: The purposive sampling method was applied to select study participants. One hundred fifty middle school students (aged 10-14 years) were given the option to participate in the study upon enrollment into a summer academic enrichment program. Seventy-two students were excluded from the final analysis as a result of incomplete data (e.g., such as missing standardized test scores and/or grades). All subjects self-identified as African-American and qualified, under federal guidelines, for free or reduced-price lunch program (used as a marker for low socioeconomic status). The sample included 45 (57%) females and 33 (41.8%) males. The urban school system consists of approximately 75.5% African-American students, 14.7% Caucasian, 6.8% Hispanic, 1.6% multiracial, and 1.2% Asian, American Indian, Alaskan, and other21.
5. Conclusion/Implications: The conclusion and implications can be improved as it focuses on only two recommendations for now.
Response: Additional implication has been added to the text:
Additionally, school nutritionists and counselors should ideally collaborate to provide race and gender specific guidelines that will insist in achieving healthy lifestyle modification and improve quality of life.
6. Language: Language needs editing
Response: Various edits have been made to the text to increase readability of the article. The authors completed a thorough re-review of each section and have made corrections as necessary.
Reviewer-2 Comments
1. IMPACT OF BMI AND PERCEIVED WEIGHT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN AFRICAN AMERICAN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Review of comment JW1 on page 10 as regards Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Response: changed wording regarding IRB approval.
HUMAN SUBJECTS APPROVAL STATEMENT
The university Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this study prior to data collection. Participation was voluntary and written informed consent was obtained from all subjects and their parents prior to testing.