North Dakota woman shames 'moderately obese' kids with letters instead of Halloween candy

A North Dakota woman reportedly will be the one handing out the tricks instead of treats like candy this Halloween when she gives letters to children if she deems them "moderately obese."

Earlier this week, a woman named Cheryl called in to radio station WRIG and explained her plan.

"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," the woman said.

She also provided a copy of the letter to the station.

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

"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," the note continues. "My hope is that you will step up and parent and ration candy this Halloween and not allow your child to continue these unhealthy eating habits."

After the news spread on social media, KVLY asked NDSU Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology Dr. Katie Gordon, who studies eating disorders, if the woman was doing more harm than good to self-conscious children.

"It's just that kind of thing that for some kids, if they're vulnerable, might trigger major problems," Gordon pointed out, adding that it was wrong to judge a person's health based on appearance alone.

"That's not something that someone can judge- the health of someone- just by looking at them. I think that's the main thing. Even if a child is overweight, they might be very healthy because of what they eat and how they exercise," Gordon said. "It's ineffective anyway because it's not likely to help the kid."

Watch this video from KVLY, broadcast Oct. 29, 2013.

Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

[Photo credit: Sad autumn baby boy holding basket with grapes via Shutterstock]