A Fargo, N.D. woman recently reported that for "moderately obese" children who come to her door this Halloween, she'll be handing them a letter for them and their parents instead of a candy treat, USA Today reports.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told radio station Y94 of her unconvential plans this morning. "I just want to send a message to the parents of kids that are really overweight," she said. "I think it's just really irresponsible of parents to send them out looking for free candy just 'cause all the other kids are doing it."
According to the woman, the letter for any child she seems "moderately obese" will read, "Your child is, in my opinion, moderately obese and should not be consuming sugar and treats to the extent of some children this Halloween season. My hope is that you will step up as a parent and ration candy this Halloween and not allow your child to continue these unhealthy eating habits." She also adds in the letter that she's "disappointed" with the village of West Fargo as so many children are overweight, mentioning the old adage, "It takes a village to raise a child."
As the U.S. continues to battle an ongoing obesity epidemic, many experts are torn over the best way to approach the delicate subject of weight, especially when it comes to young children who are still developing their self-esteems.
North Dakota State University assistant professor of clinical psychology, Katie Gordon, who studies eating disorders and the way in which children struggle to fit in with their peers, feels that the Fargo woman's approach will do more harm than good.
"It's just that kind of thing that for some kids, if they're vulnerable, might trigger major problems," she told Valley News Live. "That's not something that someone can judge - the health of someone- just by looking at them. I think that's the main thing. Even if a child is overweight, they might be very healthy because of what they eat and how they exercise. It's ineffective anyway because it's not likely to help the kid."
Others, however, feel that the Fargo woman's gesture is a form of tough love that may be necessary for some children.
"Eating disorders are a problem but the magnitude of that risk just pales in comparison to obesity. Obesity in the last decade has taken over smoking as the leading health problem we face today," David Smith, a cardiologist in Doylestown, Pa., told USA Today. "Giving candy to an obese child is like giving a cigarette to a person with emphysema. It is giving a drink to an alcoholic. It is giving heroin to a drug addict."
Scary new statistics reveal that about 4 percent of the nation's candy are consumed on Halloween, and 73 percent of children aged two to five-year-old will be consuming candy, while 87 percent of six to eight-year-olds will be chomping down on sugary treats, according to Harry Balzer, chief industry analyst for the NPD Group which does market research on eating trends.
Do you agree with this woman's tactic, or do you think she's overstepping her boundaries? Share in the comments below!
