#fatletters

[vidaverme]

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[vidaverme]

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[proud2bmeus]

Presumed Guilty: The Public’s Perception of Childhood Obesity

By Bailey Webber--They are mocked by their peers, scolded by their parents, lectured by doctors, and even judged by their government. Again and again, overweight kids are in the line of fire.  The message is clear, “If you are overweight, you have done something wrong. It’s your fault.”  But, is it really?

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about this while filming the documentary The Student Body, which is about the government's attempt to solve childhood obesity through state mandated “fat letters" based on BMI (Body Mass Index).  Over the past three years I’ve been immersed in this issue, speaking with medical experts, government officials, parents and student all across the country. This has led me to a deeper understanding of this complicated issue. But it has also led me to a particular thought that keeps me up at night.  

What if our concept of the cause of obesity in some kids is wrong?  What if for those kids, it’s not as simple as poor diet and exercise?  What if there are other forces at play, outside of the control of the child, that are just as impactful?  If this is the case, then we can also assume that the treatment is doomed to fail too, which seems to be happening so much of the time.  Worse yet, the child who is already struggling with obesity, now must deal the judgment, even punishment, that comes along with “doing something wrong.”

Some of the professionals I’ve interviewed seem to be wondering the same thing.  For instance, one physician and university professor suspects there is a disease process in the bodies of this new generation of kids, causing an abnormal weight issue.  She points out that this can even be seen in our most active students, our athletes.  But where is it coming from?  Could it be environmental?  Could it actually be something in our food?

Others who specialize in the field of nutrition and eating disorders have commented that we have to take into account the significant impact of genetics, economic issues and cultural influences. But if we have an attitude of treating all people with obesity the same way, addressing mostly diet and exercise, we are likely not to lose weight, but instead lose the battle! In fact, the past 50 years of this mindset has only caused us to become a more obese and unhealthy nation.

And of all the possibilities mentioned, none of them are within the control of the overweight child.  Still, our lawmakers (like the general public) are only hyper-focused on BMI and blaming the child for their poor diet and exercise when they have no idea of the individuals’ lifestyles. Similar to the way we may have treated kids who suffered from dyslexia, prior to understanding that there was such a thing, I wonder if a deeper understanding of obesity in the future will look the same way.  

As a society, we've come a long way in our understanding of other diseases and disorders.  Look at how we once treated people with learning disabilities, depression, and other diseases, prior to knowing that they even existed. Today, with more science and understanding, we have changed our attitudes and our methods of treatment. So, my question is, will obesity be the same way?  Experts I've talked to say that the science and research has come a long way in understanding this disease.  And yet the public recognition, understanding and perception of those suffering from obesity is lagging behind the science.

My hope is that in the near future, people will finally change their perception about the causes of obesity, stop pointing a judging finger at the kids who suffer from this disease and encourage more research into developing better cures.  Because, after all this time of shaming and blaming… what if we were wrong?

About this blogger: Bailey Webber is a student investigative journalist, writer and co-director of The Student Body - an inspiring new film being released this spring that explores the controversial issue of government mandated BMI testing of students and the ensuing 'Fat Letters'.

For more on BMI, fat-shaming, and education:

Weighing Kids at School: Bad Idea

Bryn Mawr's BMI Backlash

Body Peace of Body Wars: Seventeen's BMI Calculator Says Underweight is "Healthy"

Victory! Seventeen Removes BMI Calculator from Its Website

[bethanybusche]

Top of March Sevens!

1.   Lusting After:

The LivFit Hooded Jacket in Hot Pink/Rose.  Yeah, I have a thing for hoodies - especially ones with thumb holes and that are long in the length.  My PINK Victoria's Secret hoodies are all stretched out (I guess that is what  happens when you wear them during pregnancy) and worn out in the sleeves, so I am on the hunt for a new one.... or two.

-Source

The nice thing about this one:

"The Fit: This Jacket is designed with longer sleeves to make it possible to have you hand in the thumb holes and still be able to reach on your top shelf. With most jackets the shorter length leaves your waistline cold and bare, we have fixed that problem by making it 2 inches longer! It is made with a thick weight fabric than our other items to keep you warm and comfortable, but also still a 4 way stretch material." -Source

Sold.  Done.  Wrap it up.  If only it were not $60.   :(  I guess you get what you pay for, right?

2.  Reading:

...About 'fat letters' that are being sent home from schools in North Andover, Massachusetts.  Apparently, these letters give the childrens' BMI and indicate whether they are underweight, a healthy weight, or overweight.

-Source

"BMI screenings are intended to raise parents' awareness about this issue. Parents and guardians are given the opportunity to waive their child’s BMI screening at school by submitting a written request. The results of the screening are directly and confidentially communicated to the parents or guardians of each student." -Source

First of all, these letters got the name 'fat letters' from the parents or the news - I am sure.  I remember taking physical challenge tests in school that measured my athletic aptitude.  Bravo to these schools for measuring BMI as well and letting the parents know!  You cannot put all of the blame on the children that are overweight - it is mainly the parents' fault.  They bring the food in the house, they introduce the kids to vegetables/fruits/lean meats, they teach them what is healthy and what is not, they are responsible.  The schools are just trying to help.  

If the parents take offense - good - at least it means they care.  Now, do something about it.  If they laugh it off (which apparently one reported having do so) then you better step back and look in the mirror.  You send your child to public school - be happy that they have your child's best interest (health) in mind.

3.  Watching:

The hubby and I started watching Red Widow last night (Sunday) since it premiered on ABC.  At first the hubby was like this to the idea:

Then he was like this:

I am pretty sure it is because his best friend was excited to watch it too.  :)  I had a reminder in my iPhone to set up a recording a month ago when I saw the preview.  A woman in control?  Violence?  Crime?  Yeah, I got this.

"A riveting new thriller that takes you inside the world of crime and intrigue and shows you just how far one woman will go to protect her family."  -Source

-Source

At least, I thought I would like it.  It was a 2 hour premier and I literally passed out (fell asleep) after 'part 1' (the first hour) and was unimpressed.  Hopefully, it gets better.  The thing that irks me - a wife would know when her husband has a 'side job' dealing cocaine.  These women are basically clueless.  Oh - and I wish the lead female was someone else with a more femme fetale look.

4.  Drooling Over:

The Armour39 'monitoring system for athletes'.  This is available for pre-order and is supposed to be released during the Spring of this year (2013).  THE WHAT?!  A friend of mine showed me this contraption and I got so excited by what the heck monitoring 'WILLpower' could be that I watched the video.

"Armour39™ tracks heart rate, calories burned, real-time intensity, and WILLpower™."

I want to snap a cool yellow thing into my heart rate band and then transform into a fighting machine.  It would be like I was a Transformer.  Then, I was thinking, I want to do sit ups while hanging from a punching bag.  Where can I get a punching bag?  Obviously, video advertising is lost upon me... not.

Could I let go of Garmin Connect for an iPhone app?  I do not think so.  :)

5.  Baby/Toddler-Friendly Restaurant Ratings (out of 5 pacifiers):

The Classic Cup Cafe is a restaurant 'on the plaza' and reminds me of a restaurant that would be in NYC (but slightly wider).  You can see the Sunday Brunch menu here and my mother is a big fan of this place.  :)  I appreciate the Dutch Babies (sans bacon), but that is about it.

I stole someone's photo of a Dutch Baby:

-Source

The downfall here is that it is not baby/toddler friendly.  Yet, there are kids at some of the tables when I have gone inside.  There are white tablecloths on each of the tables which is screaming for a toddler to lift it, push it, pull it, and play with it.  Oh hey, you made a Bop It out of the table?  Awesome.  Trust me - we were fighting this the whole time with my daughter and trying to hang onto our plates.

It is usually always very busy (at least on the weekends) and there is not a lot of waiting room so you better hope it is not cold/hot outside.  The wait yesterday would have been 30 minutes, and since my daughter cannot hold still for 20 seconds, we moved on to The Cheesecake Factory (old faithful).

The bathroom is not baby-friendly - it is one or two stalls (I cannot remember) that stand alone in the back (which you have to maneuver the tables like Pac Man to get to them).

Therefore, if you are without a child I recommend this place since the food is good and the atmosphere is 'mature'.  However, if you are looking for a toddler-friendly restaurant - keep on walking.  I give this one one pacifier (out of 5) for friendliness.

6.  Favorite Toddler Item (at the moment):

My mother, daughter and I were shopping at T.J. Maxx last weekend and my daughter screamed at the book section.  A few shoppers laughed at her.  She can spot Elmo from a mile away.

We got two Elmo books (at a good price) and this is one of her current favorites before bedtime!  It is called Sesame Street: Elmo Look and Find and it is like Where's Waldo but is Elmo!  She loves it.  She can find Elmo on every page and there is a page of ducks.  She screams 'duc duc duc duc'!

This book will grow with her.  For now, it is a look at the pictures and tell the story book.  Later, it will be a 'find the other objects' book.  Elmo success.  Or, as she calls him, 'Elm'.

7.  Random Thought(s):

Check out my awesome new makeup brush holders that I made (using mason jars, beads, and ribbon):

My daughter got a chocolate milk with her 'kids meal' when we were grabbing some food one evening with my mother.  She thought the carton was hilarious and loved it.  Move over toddlers - we are ready for school!  (By the way - she only ate green beans and dipped a fry in ketchup several times to lick it off).

Ridin' dirty:

My little girl is getting big.

Makeover week is on The Biggest Loser tonight!  The hubby is excited to watch with me (for once) because Tim Gunn is guest staring!  You cannot have a makeover without the Gunn, apparently.