The article in your May 29 issue, “Bronx Schools Lacking in P.E. Department,” implies that schools are responsible for keeping its students in shape, and by not having sufficient physical education facilities, the obese from losing weight. The article further notes that New York state physical education requirements say that elementary students must get 120 minutes of physical education each week. This equals to two hours for a seven-day period.

Are we to believe that the obese become less obese on two hours of exercise per week? Chances are at home they’ll continue on whatever diet they had been on which caused their obesity in the first place.

How could obesity possibly be blamed, even partially, on the school system’s lack of a P.E. program, or any lack of after-school programs? If kids, other than those with glandular problems, are obese when they enter school, the fault lies with their having overeaten at home.

Of course, it would be great for kids to have P.E in school. It can provide a respite from their academic subjects. But to even think that this would cut back on obesity is a lesson in futility.

Judy Noy

Norwood