One woman's attempt to fight childhood obesity in her neighborhood may upset both children and parents this Halloween.
A woman from Fargo, North Dakota, identified as Cheryl, plans to give trick-or-treaters who she deems "moderately obese" a letter instead of candy this Halloween.
The letter, which was obtained by Y.94 radio, states: "You [sic] 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."
On Tuesday, Cheryl went on The Y94 Morning Playhouse radio show to explain her further explain her strategy.
"Well really, I just want to send a message to the parents of kids that are really overweight," she said.
"It's just, these kids, I can see them and they're struggling to stay healthy and they want to play with the other kids, and I think it's really irresponsible for parents to send them out looking for free candy just because all the other kids are doing it," she added.
In response, North Dakota State University assistant professor of clinical psychology Katie Gordon told Valley News Live that the letter could be more emotionally tramatizing for children.
"It's just that kind of thing that for some kids, if they're vulnerable, might trigger major problems," Gordon said. "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."
However, others applauded the Cheryl's efforts. David Smith, a cardiologist in Doylestown, Pa., says that he thinks the woman is doing a public service.
"I think it's a tough-love letter," Smith said according to USA Today. "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."
"Giving candy to an obese child is like giving a cigarette to a person with emphysema," Smith says. "It is giving a drink to an alcoholic. It is giving heroin to a drug addict."
Listen to Cheryl's radio interview below:
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