Will someone please think of the children?

We often use fat children as the reason we must do something about this Great Obesity Epidemic (I'm not using the word American today as I have international stories to share as well).  When you promote size acceptance, someone, usually opportunist MeMe Roth will complain about those poor fat children who will all die of heart disease, diabetes and will be forever be a couch potato. And that even encouraging them to accept and love themselves (like offering them hip clothing that fits) will make them superfat.

If they only had good food and exercise, they would be fine.  Growing up I had terrible food but lots of exercise (Not in school, I was uncoordinated and hated gym class.  I rode my bike everywhere)   My food was highly processed, most of it came out of a box.  I also ate pizza, coke and candy.  Naysayers will say I would be super svelte had I not eaten pizza, coke and candy.  Except that my classmates all ate the same crap. Most of them stayed slim while a handful of us got fat. 

So we judge our children as on flawed numbers, not taking into account  genetics, growth spurts (My niece was chubby when she was nine, hit puberty and now very curvy.  And yes, I am ready to buy shotgun) This insanity is shown in this article about a thin child in the UK who got a letter stating he was at risk for horrible diseases because he was an entire one pound over the acceptable range for his age.  In Australia, a study has discovered that eating disorders are even hitting children as young as five.  We need to stop this crazy neurotic ways with our kids and occasionally have a cupcake sale. 

Kids of all sizes need healthy whole meals (that includes fats, protein and carbs) and fun movement.  (Also we aren't moving less now than the 1980's, what we are doing is dieting more).  Telling fat kids they are too fat or scaring thin kids that being fat will cause them to die of horrible diseases will cause eating disorders.  Sure we can remove candy and soda from schools (how about processed food as well?), but children need to trust their own intitive eating and movement.  They need simple advice: Eat your vegetables and go out to play.

Comments

[carly]

It seems like you have a reasonable argument. However, how do you account for the recent increase in obesity?

[Carla Cunningham]

Would you like to read an amazing and inspirational story about an overweight woman based on real life events? Then read my book `Alone in the Storm’ which has recently been published - http://www.eloquentbooks.com/AloneInTheStorm.html 

I'm on Facebook, MySpace, and Bebo. I am happy to accept friend requests.

Carla Cunningham, Leeds UK
Published Author of Alone in the Storm

[Moe]

I had good food and exercise growing up. Lots of exercise. I'm still fat. This woman urks me. If anything she is making more bulimics and anorexics.