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Woman Plans on Giving out Letters Not Candy to Overweight Children on Halloween

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: Oct 30, 2013 11:06 AM EDT

A woman from Fargo, North Dakota, who has decided to remain anonymous, will be starting her own Halloween tradition this year. According to the woman, she will be handing out candy as usual but only to children who appear healthy. For any child that is overweight to obese who knocks on her door, expect to receive a letter. This letter will lecture parents about creating a healthy diet for their children.

"I just want to send a message to the parents of kids that are really overweight...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,'" she stated in a morning interview with the radio station, Y-24.

Over the past years, childhood obesity has developed into an epidemic. Obesity, which was redefined as a disease this year, can lead to many chronic health illnesses, such as high cholesterol and diabetes. These illnesses can then increase one's risk of suffering from fatal cardiovascular episodes and other dangerous conditions. Furthermore, treating obesity and the health problems that arise due to it can take a toll on the health care system.

However, despite the fact that obesity leads to even more complications, Katie Gordon, an assistant professor of clinical psychology at North Dakota State University, stated to Valley News Live that this type of letter could do more harm than good. Even if the woman feels like her letter was written with care, since weight is a very difficult subject to address, the letter could end up doing more emotional damage to the children.

"It's just the kind of thing that for some kids, if they're vulnerable, might trigger major problems," Gordon explained "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."

The letter reads:

"Happy Halloween and Happy Holidays Neighbor!

You are probably wondering why your child has this note; have you ever heard the saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child'? I am disappointed in 'the village' of Fargo Moorhead, West Fargo.

You 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.

Thank you."

If the woman does indeed give out this letter, it will be very interesting to see what parents think of it. 

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