A woman is taking up the fight against child obesity by handing out letters instead of candy to young Halloween trick-or-treaters she thinks are too fat.
The Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota woman, identified as “Cheryl” told local radio station Y-94 that she had decided to hand out warning letters to the parents of costumed trick-or-treaters whom she believes are “moderately obese”, reports Valleynewslive.com
“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,” she writes.
“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.”
The letter also urges parents to lift their game and ensure their already overweight children don’t binge on sweets.
“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.”
The woman told the radio station that parents of chubby children are being “irresponsible” by sending them out trick-or-treating to collect lollies and chocolates door-to-door.
“I just want to send a message to the parents of kids that are really overweight,” Cheryl told the radio station. “I think it’s just really irresponsible of parents to send them out looking for free candy just because all the other kids are doing it.”
Giving overweight children more treats is “contributing to their health problems and really, their kids are everybody’s kids.”
However, the letter could trigger eating disorders in children who feel ashamed of their weight, North Dakota State University assistant professor of clinical psychology Katie Gordon told Valleynewslive.com.
“It’s just the kind of thing that for some kids, if they’re vulnerable, might trigger major problems,” said Dr Gordon.
This story originally appeared on News.com.au.