Children's book 'Maggie Goes on a Diet' sparks outrage

A pediatrician says it's not appropriate to talk about diet at such a young age. He says the focus should be on getting excercise and staying active, as opposed to depriving a child of calories or helping a child lose weight with a diet.

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'Maggie Goes on a Diet,' tells the story of teenaged Maggie and how her life is 'transformed' after she goes on a diet, starts exercising and loses weight.

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CTV News.ca Staff

Date: Wed. Aug. 24 2011 7:45 AM ET

A children's book that doesn't go on sale for another two months has sparked a flurry of outrage online from critics who say the tale promotes eating disorders and teaches kids to self-hate.

The book, entitled "Maggie Goes on a Diet," tells the story of teenaged Maggie and how her life is "transformed" after she goes on a diet, starts exercising and loses weight.

According to a description of the book at Amazon.com, Maggie "is transformed from being extremely overweight and insecure to a normal sized girl who becomes the school soccer star. Through time, exercise and hard work, Maggie becomes more and more confident and develops a positive self image."

The book's cover art depicts a heavyset girl holding up a pink dress as she looks in the mirror. The image reflected back shows a thinner version of herself.

The book, which will be available in October, is aimed at children as young as four, and the blogosphere has exploded with criticism for author Paul M. Kramer.

The Guardian's "The Women's Blog" asked in its headline if the book is "the worst idea ever?"

"Perhaps in Hawaii it's perfectly OK to read a book to your highly impressionable six-year-old daughter about a teenage girl, at the prime age for developing anorexia," sniped writer Laura Barnett.

Over at "Bitch" magazine, blogger Ashley McAllister introduced her piece on the book with, "In this week's douchey children's lit news…".

McAllister went on: "The message behind this book is clearly telling young girls that they'll only be happy and "normal" if they're thin, AS IF THEY AREN'T FED THAT MESSAGE OFTEN ENOUGH ALREADY."

At BabyCenter.com, blogger Lindsay Weiss questions the book's title, saying the word diet "should never be a key word in a child's picture book. And the cover illustration is downright scary -- it clearly implies it's all about fitting into the dress."

The book is available for pre-order at several online booksellers, including Amazon.com, where customers have tagged the book with the expressions, "teaching kids to self-hate," "give your children neuroses," "anorexia bait," "if you hate your daughter," and "sexist drivel."

Dr. Peter Neiman, who deals with children at the Pediatric Weight Clinic in Calgary concedes the book is riddled with "red flags," but hesitates to dismiss it entirely.

"The book is well intended, the execution is not good," Neiman told CTV News, explaining that a more carefully chosen title might have made a big difference to its reception.

"I can see some of my colleagues in the field of eating disorders just cringe when they see the title of the book," he said, suggesting that substituting a refence to "healthy lifestyle" would send a more positive message.

"If you focus just on food you may spread eating disoders rather than lifestyle which is not focusing as much on the word diet."

On his website, the book's author says his passion "is writing children's books that deal with the issues that kids face today." Other books he has written include "Bullies Beware!" and "Do Not Dread Wetting the Bed."

On Tuesday, he appeared on ABC's "Good Morning America" to defend the book, saying Maggie's story will help children make healthier lifestyle choices.

"My intentions were just to write a story to entice and to have children feel better about themselves, discover a new way of eating, learn to do exercise, try to emulate Maggie and learn from Maggie's experience," Kramer said. "Children are pretty smart ... and they will make a good choice if you give them that opportunity."

Kramer also argued that critics are judging the book by its cover, rather than waiting to read it when it is available in the fall.

Kramer has at least one woman on his side. Over at "The Frisky," blogger Jessica Wakeman tells readers to "stick a donut in your mouth and shut up for a second."

While she acknowledges that the book can "be used by fat-hating and fat-shaming parents and grandparents to mess up their kids," she said the blame for that sort of behaviour rests with those adults.

She also defends Kramer, saying, "Not every person who cares about encouraging an obese child to eat more healthfully and to exercise more has terrible intentions."

Wakeman points out Kramer's previous books that are designed to help children through awkward or painful experiences.

"Like anything else involving what parents expose their children to," she says, "whether this book helps or harms a child depends on how the parents use it."

With a report from CTV's medical specialist Avis Favaro and producer Elizabeth St. Philip

Comments are now closed for this story

michtay
said
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Wow.....some of these comments are unbelieveable. It sounds like a lot of people have already placed negative judgement on a child or person based on their size....And yes this book promotes children to have a healthy lifestyle but it also strongly says you will not be happy, popular or accepted unless you're thin. So what does the obese/overweight child do when they read this....feel awful about themselves and some will hate themselves or even hurt themselves. Reading this book will not make the pounds vanish instead it will reinforce to them and others that they are set apart from society like a blemish. And "Diets" do not work, however heatlhy eating habits and exercise do. Practical tools/advocacy acceptance/ love are required instead of teashing and harsh judgement in the matter of Obesity.

Observation
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As a certified NCCP coach I have to say that if your child is exhausted from a 30 to 40 minute aerobic workout for the rest of the day then your child is severely out of shape. Being thin does not mean you are an athlete or in shape.The promotion of fitness as a learned habit in school is a critical part of the solution to obesity and future health cost concerns to all of society. The fitness part of the curriculum needs to be mandatory. Physical literacy is similar to learning to read. If you don;t develop the skills early you may never develop the skills for you to enjoy the physical games.

Rachel
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Being fat as a child is tragic. Imagine if this story about a child who overcomes the problem can help another child. Also, a fat or obese child already has an eating disorder - a book about successful dieting didn't cause the problem.

Todd in BC
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Hmm, this is a tough one. Overweight and underactive kids are certainly an issue in society, and I'm stunned by the number of American shows that promote obesity in a positive way...just look at the line-up of shows on TLC. Some government groups are doing their part , like schools in BC. Everyday my girls at school do intense, aerobic activity for 30-40 minutes which takes time from traditional sports and active games, academic time, and interfers with their community sports activities because they're exhausted. And in reality the heavy-set kids really don't participate and HATE the routines and healthy kids lose out, which is typcially what happens when governments try to solve family issues. Not surprisingly these unhealthy kids (mostly boys) spend a lot of time on screens and have horrible eating habits. So I get where the author is coming from, but as much as I applaud the message of active lifestyle, healthy eating and hard work...I'm not sure this will be successful. Rather than becoming a really thin girl and soccer champ it would be better to have a BOY who gets off the couch and becomes a "husky" guy with more energy and new confidence.

Dom Mast
said
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Have you seen American kids lately? The only way most of them will come in contact with this book is by stacking it on their sandwiches. Of course they need this book, or at least the ideas in it.

Liz
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It's interesting how some people refer to 'diet' as a way of promoting eating disorders. Isn't being severly overweight an eating disorder? When I see overweight children at the age of 5 and up, only the parents can be to blame. Fast foods like burgers and fries, candies, cookies, ice-cream. I'm a single parent with 2 healthy children of ideal weights..why? because they take a sandwich, milk, fruit and maybe ONE treat to school, They tell me of children in their classes who only eat "Junk". And exercise? What's that? 12 hours a day of texting and video games?? Get smart people. You're setting your children up for heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Seems to me you should read this book too!

D. Vancouver
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Oh this is just so wrong. Families have to model healthy eating habits and exercise to encourage healthy lifestyles children. A book targetted at young children and creating the idea that weight loss will make you popular and the star of the soccer team is just so wrong. And the author pictures a girl. This will just be an impetus for children to develop eating disorders. Very sad.

reece
said
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Becoming fat and obese should NEVER become acceptable unless you want to sign a death warrant. 80% of people who are diabetic are obese. The excuse that its a medical reason relating to thyroidism is lame considering that the rate of thyroid disease is the same globally. It's our diet that is doing us in. In China and India they do not have upsized fast order food. Yes, being obese is BAD and children need to recognize that sitting at home watching tv and eating like mommy and daddy is absolutely unacceptable and dying from this life style should certainly be illustrated in childrens books because it wont' be at home.

P
said
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O please. Take a look at the lunches thes kids have brought to them at school. All junk, sodium, fillers.Obesity among children is on the rise. So is Autism.Keep filing our kids with unhealthy food and see where we are 10 more years. Cheers to the author.If anything, their parents should read it.

stormin_norm99
said
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The word "diet" is four letter word that does not belong in children's books. The title should be "Maggie gets healthier". I believe that this book has its merits, as some parents don't do enough to ensure that their children get enough of the good stuff... healthy foods and exercise. Obesity is an epidemic in North America, It's easier to buy fast or processed foods than to prepare a wholesome meal made up of vegetables and unprocessed meats. Parents have to lead by example.

Ray
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The book sounds as if it clearly depicts the success of a girl defeating one of life's problems.What is the trouble in that?It shows a good outcome for the efforts of the girl,and teaches no bad lessons whatsoever.How on earth do people see any negatives.Do we not have larger issues to worry about?No one went crazy in the 70's when we watched "Fat Albert"... The book should not be perceived as a stab at obese people in any way...thats not the intent!!

Michelle
said
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Honestly, this book holds a great message. As a kid, my parents didn't take control of my eating, and I was bullied. This book presents how children can eat healthy. I lost a lot of weight and I am so thankful for that. I feel more confident in myself when I eat better. This is the main idea of the story, and I believe it's a good message. Eat healthier, and you'll feel better about yourself.

jdudezzz
said
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Why can't parents just stop suck at parenting already?

k clark
said
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A book that encourages good eating habits and healthy exercise is to be commended, regardless of the weight of the intended readers.

J. Rohn
said
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My friend's grandson decided by himself to go on a diet and eat healthier. He accomplished this all by himself. He's still watching what he eats and has maintained his healthy weight. I think the book is a great idea. Overweight children can benefit from this book. We should stop coddling the kids. Face reality.

Sue
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Well, I have a 12 year old son who is over weight. (He has a skinny, small, underweight brother.) He always has been big since birtth. He has been teased, and yes it hurts him and I. The best thing we do to fight the problerm is see a dietician, and weigh- in twice a year. We read labels, eat properly, and exercise. A famlily treadmill was purchased last winter and he uses it faithfully. We is the key word. I ride a bike and walk with him, I don't just tell him to do it. He loves reading labels, and weighs himself weekly. He makes good food and lifestyle choices. Recognizing he is overweight has not hurt him, it has educated him, and taught him to care about his health and body. You don't have to hide a childs obiesity, they can see it, and learn from it. Encourage and teach them. They will be happier in the end. Through this battle, my son has developed life long good food and exercise choices.

on
said
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This sparks controversy only because obesity is the vast majority in the United States. People just don't have the courage to face the fact that obesity is the cause of multiple medical problems. These same people secretly envy everyone who is not obese and call them anorectic. I'm amazed by their warped reality.

ugotlisa
said
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If children are obese, it is likely due to poor lifestyle habits that are a mirror of their parents' poor lifestyle habits, or the parents inability to say 'no' to the social pressures of fast food chains and grocery store displays. Lose the word 'diet' as good lifestyle habits are forwever. And skinny = popular shouldn't be the dangling carrot in this book. So if they aren't skinny and active, they will have no friends (and therefore no worth)? And Ben - take all the perfect people with you to your perfect island and have a nice perfect life.

Lz in Edmonton
said
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Why not rename the book, "I'm fat because my parents and I eat garbage." We EAT far too much and excerise far TOO little. Truth hurts

Jade Nohels
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All I have to ask is............"What if the author used another word for diet, would it make the book any less different?"The answer is NO! It is a proven fact that children in North America are overweight, and the parents are to blame. Kids these days have so much technology available to them, that their parents give it to them and they become lazy and obsessed with it. All of it involves sitting on the behinds and only using their fingers.I for one want to get my hands on this book. I think the author is only trying to make children aware that a well balanced diet and physical exercise contribute to a better healthier body, and a bigger sense of self esteem. It�s a book with drawn pictures, and a great story about a young girl who changes her life for the better.I feel that parents who will not let their children read this book ( or read it to them) are denying their kids the chance for a healthier life.Jade Nohels

Been there...
said
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Fat kids have less fun, feel more isolated and shunned and carry their insecurities into adult life even if they drop the weight, I'm sure there are some exceptions but generally it's true. Take my word for it. My parents and our family doctor danced around the truth when I was a fat kid...it would have been better for me if they had dealt with it.

Douglas Brown (Newmarket)
said
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Yeah - we should just tell our kids to sit on their butts, and watch TV or play video games and eat whatever they feel like, cause at least they won't have a poor self-image.

carmen
said
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Something should be done to educate kids about healthy choices...it's obvious that some parents are not making the healthy choices for them! I see overweight kids regularly slurping on a giant pop drink. (toddlers too!) No way would my kids ever have such a huge amount of pop. Think about what your feeding your kids. Don't buy the junk! Don't be so lazy and go play some sports or go for a walk. (not just a walk at big box stores either)

Jonathan from Saskatoon
said
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Wow! Funny how people can't seem to make distinctions. Obesity is apparently the number one problem with kids today, and when a children's author writes a book about a girl choosing to make healthy changes in her life, all the nuts come out of the woodwork and say its a bad thing. She chooses to eat healthy and exercise, becomes the star soccer player. News Flash: Anorexics don't have the muscle tone or stamina to become star athletes. I will be getting this book for my niece because she does not get nearly enough exercise. She doesn't have a weight problem yet, but hopefully it will encourage her to be more active, which will be beneficial to her health down the road.

Schools and books need to spell this out!
said
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I am a single, health conscious Dad. During my son's visits, I insist he eats healthy and we exercise. Then he goes home with his mother for 25 days a month, and eats junk and gets little to no exercise. I have been in heated arguments with the mother about our overweight boy. Her solution was for him to wear a t shirt when he wanted to swim!Not all parents have the common sense to lead a child to a healthy lifestyle, so books like this will help, and should be read at all levels of school! Please let our children be educated and not coddled into a quick death of childhood diabetes.

Jonathan
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The subject / intent is good. That ends there in my opinion. Some of the images (and what they mean) are terribly cruel as well as being full of cliches: Couple of examples:When she is fat, she is very fat, her clothes are plain (no fashion), she's alone and other kids make fun of her.After she lost weight, we see her on a sport team, she's part of a team, smiling with her skinny team members. Another picture, she's buying a fancy little dress (just like the one that she put on her barbies a few years prior)A healthy lifestyle is paramount for a kid. Caring about the less fortunate(s), such as fat people is also paramount. This book does not teach this. This book teaches: if you are skinny, you can play sports, have friends, fit in a nice little dress (and all the rest of the "propaganda" that it subtlety promotes). If you opt in staying fat, you will be alone, laughed at, with not much hope. Not a quality educational book in my opinion. This should not be published. It will not help those who need help.Poorly produced.

NS
said
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Kids are overweight and have terrible eating habits today. Childhood diabetes is at an all-time high! If we do not tell them the difference, we are part of the problem, not the solution.

Mom of 5
said
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My daughter has always been a little "chubby" but not due to bad food choices or lack of exercise. Even as a teenager this child would walk 2.5km to school in the morning and same back after school by choice. There is almost always fruit in the house along with other healthy foods. My beautiful young lady has graduated college, is working full time and most importantly HAPPY with herself and always has been! I am very proud of my "chubby" little girl!Not everybody is "chubby" by choice. Please before you make comments about subjects you know nothing about learn a bit about it. I hold my head high, do you??

You can't be serious!!!!
said
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As a former anerexic teen, who starved herself until her hair fell out and her teeth became loose...I would suggest this book be banned, burned, and served back to who ever wrote it, on a plate of wtf are you thinking???

Katherine McLeod
said
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There are a large number of people that do eat healthy foods and exersise on a regular basis that are still "over weight" . HAPPINESS IS A STATE OF MIND NOT AN IMAGE IN THE MIRROR!! People CAN be happy, healthy and like what they see in the mirror no matter what size they wear if !

Carolyn
said
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Curious that it is a girl pictured on the cover and named in the title. Wouldn't it be better to call it Max goes on a Diet and show a boy ...if it really is about getting CHILDREN healthy. No boy will read a book with a girl on the cover.

quintusvansoap
said
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Kids will learn either to eat healthy and exercise and see the physical and emotional benefits of being healthy (not a specific size or weight) or they will learn to eat at, for example, those Fast Food restaurants that have ads showcasing how much fun they will have, how many friends they will have, and how much they will enjoy eating the "food". Which message is better to send our kids - eat fat-salt-chemical laden food because its ok to be whatever you become - or eat healthy and exercise because its ok to be you. Why do we teach our kids that its ok to eat and do whatever they want and not care about the consequences!

Ben, Edmonton
said
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Wait - someone is trying to find a new way for kids not to be obese and have diabetes and heart disease and die in their thirties? Stop the presses!Stop coddling your porky kids. Tell them the truth. They're fat and disgusting, and they need to eat healthy and exercise to be desirable to others. I know it's harsh to say, but everyone knows it's the truth. Some ADULTS like to delude themselves by thinking that their genetics or glands are to blame. They aren't. You're lazy and you eat too much.I also think that the parents of obese children should be charged with child abuse. It's ridiculous.

stu
said
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I'm neither a parent or psychologist but you don't have to be to know this book is warped. The author could've encouraged kids to not play video games and try to interact/socialize better. Any parent that would read this to their kid is a disgrace.

Fred Garvin
said
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Um, with respect, in 99% of cases obesity is NOT a child's natural state.

Madelaine C
said
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I think the author had a great idea that was not communicated correctly and while I don�t agree with the specifics of the book, I do believe that children do need to be made aware and taught the basics of healthy lifestyle choices at an earlier age. People are saying that the use of the word diet may spark eating disorders, yet it is only the media�s fascination with weight loss that has made �diet� a dirty word. Yes parents need to have input in this process, educating their kids on what a healthy diet is and yes a children�s book promoting weight loss is not suitable for young children, however educating children on the importance of exercise and food choices WILL provide them with the building blocks and thought patterns for a healthy lifestyle as they grow up, increasing their life expectancies and decreasing detrimental diseases and conditions.

Mr Fit
said
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I'd be more honest and call it, "You're fat. Don't sugarcoat it because you'll eat that too."

grizz
said
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i find some of the posts on this story far worse than the book itself. all the superior people blaming horrible, negligent parents for their fat lazy children obviously have no idea what it's like raising kids today while both hold down a job to make the mortgage payments. i suspect many of the posters are of an age where father knew best and mom stayed pregnant, barefoot and behind the stove. i can't imagine why else they'd be so disrespectful when they have no idea what caused the obesity in the first place

Diane Rogers
said
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How do you like this example of "politically correct" social engineering so far? This is exactly the same kind of social engineering from the McGuinty Liberals in Ontario when they try to force their "alternative sexual education" onto innocent grade one children in primary school. It's an affront to parents and they are overstepping their boundaries by trying to force an unwanted social agenda against the majority who don't want this kind of mind control over our children.

Danny Boy 28
said
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As much as I think promoting a healthy lifestyle is a good thing, it seems strange that the main character is a girl but the author is guy. I would be a little less suspiscious if the main character was dude. Diet is the wrong word too.. it's a lifestyle change and a huge responsibility lies with the parents. Clearly misses the mark on so many levels and, is it just me, or is the author kind of creepy?

Donald P Pollock
said
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Thanks for a wirter who had the courage to write the truth.. All one has to see in school yards and restaurants how overweight children are.. its not the kids, its the parents and the schools who need to get themselves educated, for their the ones feeding the children.. Check and see how high diabetics is in children and one would see quite clearly.. how many children need to be one a diet..

Tanya
said
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Everyone is so upset about the title of this book! I think it is perfect! If it had a more appropriate title all this needed attention for child obesity would not be happening! Plus who cares what the book is called as long as the information inside is good! People are way to sensitive! The title is meant to draw attention to the reader and make people what to buy the book! This author has done just that! If this book had a less conservation title no one would be talking about and no one would buy it and most importantly NO children would benefit from it!

Kitlope
said
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Teaching kids healthier lifestyles? Is the author in a fantasy world? Parents "supply" the lifestyle...if there's no apples or oranges in the fridge, whats a young child to do? Go to the nearest safeway and pick some up?The parent is responsible for the child. This book is a farce and going to promote some serious self image issues in young girls/young women.Anything to create controversey and make a quick buck

PVT
said
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Educating children on proper diet and exercise is always a good idea and this book helps to do just that. It's too bad the left wing, protest anything people can't wrap their minds about that. Obviously in North America and Europe parents have become increasingly ignorant or lazy when it comes to their children's health or we wouldn't have the obesity problem we have today.

Lola
said
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I've known people with eating disorders. From my experiences, I belive eating disorders develop because girls aren't given the chance to develop a healthy attitude about themselves, taught self-respect and self-worth. Solid lessons such as these would trump those media messages.I don't think this book is suddenly going to plunge a new generation of girls into the abyss of anorexia. It's probably a needed wake up call for parents too.Secondly, my step daughter was always plump as a child. Her mother strictly warned everyone in the family "not to mention her weight" while at the same time being very passive about teaching her kids about portion control or how to eat well. 15 years later, the step-daughter resents that no one ever said anything and that her mom didn't take more control.

Calgary Mom
said
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The best thing about this book in my opinion is that it has people talking! Obesity is becoming more and more of a problem in both the US and Canada and something must be done before it spirals completely out of control. Those who contend that this book will cause eating disorders to rise are seriously delusional...the obesity epidemic is a far more serious problem at present. Parents and children are still not getting the message when it comes to how important it is to excercise regularily and have healthy eating habits. The more that can be done to spread the word the better!

Ron
said
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Much to do about nothing- this idea about "self-image"Too much pressure by media and peer pressure groups about looking good physically rather than being good internally.Kids spend too much time playing computer games, texting, yaking on their cell phones or watching TV, that they find no time for physical activity- the end result is obesity and depression. It is a no brainer.

from this planet
said
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To Brandon... When someone says "I'm on a diet", do you assume they are trying to gain weight, lose weight, or that they have been referring to their daily consumption of calories as a 'diet' since they latched on to their first teet as an infant. When someone refers to a diet on this continent, providing they are not a nutritionist or healthcare professional, are are referring to REDUCING CALORIES TO PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS.

island girl
said
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So why wasn't it called "Maggie Gets Healthy" if it about being active, making good choices, blah, blah, blah. It's about FOOD DEPRIVATION. That's what dieting is to the general public. If the author intended something else, another title and illustration would be in order (children walking to school, riding bikes, playing ball, etc. Looking in a mirror is about IMAGE. Useless saying "you can't judge a book by it's cover", this cover has a clear message, and so does the title. So she wants 'don't judge the book by its cover, illustration, title, content'..........

Kitty
said
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I'm afraid Diet is an outdated term, and promotes losing weight too fast and not in a healthy way. Talking to a child about losing weight can be disasterous. It can definitely promote an eating disorder, especially if their peers think it's uncool to be overweight.

Kathy
said
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Wow, the premise behind this book is SO wrong. As others have mentioned, child obesity is more of a parental issue and not something that a child should be constantly thinking about. Also, medical issues can cause a child to be overweight as well. First of all, who's to say a child who is overweight can't have a good body image or self-esteem. In fact, if you feel better about yourself, you are more likely to lose weight, more than the other way around. I fear that children will be bullied about it in school. Books don't stay at home only and children often read books on their own. When we are trying to get kids to accept everyone and embrace differences, here comes a book that makes it even harder to be an overweight child.

Ivan
said
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I'd prefer the titles 'Maggie develops diabetes' or 'Maggie can only shop in the Husky Section'.

KJ in Kingston Ontario
said
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I can't imagine why anyone would protest given the health benefits involved in losing excessive weight -- so just how many would be screaming about the title if it was called "MAGGIE QUITS SMOKING"

Joe
said
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The book sounds like it is trying to teach kids how to make healthier choices which many parents do not know themselves. Overblown criticism here. If it was written by a woman would it have come under such fire?

Machikacha
said
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Nothing like watching the fanatics and idiot fringe get all worked up into a lather.Wake up morons, 'your obese fat lazy kids are gonna cost millions in health related expenses if you keep telling them it's okay to cram another cookie in thier faces and play with the 360 some more,' Parents who's kids are obese from obvious signs of moronic parenting and require related medical treatment should be forced to pay for it themselves. North American idiots....

Sam C
said
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Maybe people would like the book better if it was "Maggie Goes to KFC and Scarfs Down a Double-Down, Large Fries and a Large Coke." As an overweight Type-2 diabetic, I understand where this author is coming from. I may even order the book.

Elbows MTL
said
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Has no one heard about the obesity problem facing todays children? Maybe the book showing what exercise and a good diet can do for kids is something that is needed. It doesn't sound like it is promoting anorexia at all.

Sally
said
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What's the big deal? Sounds like this book is promoting a healthy way to lose weight through exercise and healthy eating. At least this will educate kids and parents how to properly lose weight instead of the alternative methods (eg. starvation, throwing up, etc).

Swarley
said
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The kid wouldn't need to "go on a diet" if her parents weren't useless in the first place. People; take your kids to the park, do something. I swear 9/10 people raising kids these days are too busy on their Blackberry or laptop to even notice they're there. Turn it off, and go play with your kids you useless bunch of morons.

Taryn
said
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I don't have a problem with the book itself, as it says it talks about dieting the healthy way, controlling what you eat and getting exercise. The problem may lye in what the illustration on the cover is suggesting. Maggie losses weight to fit into that dress? She should be losing weight for her health, and to live longer. Perhaps the people complaining about the book are only looking at the cover.

Lily
said
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I will read it before I judge it. Although I agree the cover is a little wrong (it does give the impression that the girl just wants to fit into the dress), I think the general message sound appropriate. It is important to encourage healthy eating and active lifestyles in children, and I find it a little ironic that it is being debated in a computer forum (ie, we are all sedentary as we are voicing our opinions here).

Witness
said
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A book like this is definitely needed, just open your eyes and look how many obesely overweight children and adults there are these days. Yes, in the 80's, there was a big concern over weight obsessing to the point of unsafe practices in some. Since then however, there been such a politically correct advocatcy towards accepting those over weight, that it's been taken as "it's OK to be Obese", and now the children really do need to go on a diet, thus a need for a book such as this.If parents object to a book like this, let them take responsibilty of their own children's eating and exercise habits, and thus not having a purpose to buy it. Otherwise, nobody is forcing them to buy it.

Worried Mom
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For those of you attacking "fat kids" and their "equally fat parents", maybe you'd like to re-visit your perfect chilhood where your parents gave you the perfect upbringing which resulted in your perfect little life you now live which you boast of having and think about those "fat parents" who now lack the tools to prevent this same tragedy for their kids. We need all the help we can get to break the cycle.Please comment appropriately and give this books it's due , but for the right reasons and without predjudice.Thanks you.

URU
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What doesn't spark outrage in today's world. You could be sitting on the toilet and doing your own thing in private and its an outrage!!!! Give me a break people, its just a book with ideas, its NOT FORCING anyone to do it. If you don't like it don't buy it and leave it alone!!!

Anne
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Wow, a lot of mean comments. I think this book is terrible. The immediate thought here is that if you are chubby you aren't normal, you aren't good enough. Yes, there is a problem with overweight kids, but I think that starts with the food provided to them by their parents. Target this kind of thing to parents. Stick this book in a school library and an already self conscious heavy child will likely be teased by other kids who decide that since the book is in the library it's provides a legitimate excuse to deride the 'fat kid'. And by the way, there are many kids who, between the ages of 8 and 14 chub out, just the way they grow, and then slim down as they get older. Stop giving a license to people to look down on others.

Phil
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Abdula: My comments are not aimed at bullying six-year-olds...but a wake-up call to parents. In all but a few rare cases, an obese child under the age of, say, 16 is 100% THE PARENTS' FAULT (either because they are willfully negligent in fostering a healthy lifestyle or disciplining their children, or because they shouldn't have had children in the first place). When young children are clearly overweight, it is the responsibility of society to tell the parents to smarten up and moderate the ice cream delivery. Hopefully this book will help to fill the poor parenting gap.

Anti-diet
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Take the focus off weight and shape. Take the focus off body image. Talk about intiutive eating, all foods can fit, and exercising to have fun. Youcan be healthy at any size. There's a reason why the "diet" indusrty is so profitable; because it doesn't work. Just an FYI; say you are 150(a) lb, lose the weight and get to 100 lb, then gain it all back and are 150 (b) lb again. You are more unhealthy at 150b than 150a. By dieting you've made yourself unhealthy due to the increased adipose tissue. Also, bringing back the family meal can do wonders.

Dave in BC
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Most Canadian parents need a book on healthy living and influencing their kids with healthy lifestyle. It seems Canadians are too busy driving their SUV's in suburbia to the corner store to buy slushies, only to drive back home to watch hours of "reality" TV.

leftwingpinko
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so many ignorant posters! the issue is the message. combined with all the other messages bombarding young girls, this is just one more way they are being taught that image is everything - basically, you must be sexy and please men. it's up to the parents to make sure their children exercise and eat healthily, not to the kids themselves.

Joe Canadian
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About time! There are so many little porkers in my son's school it is pathetic. This hsould serve as a wake up call to the parents - get your kid some exercise and feed them properly. Why do you people suppose diabetes and heart disease run rampant? it starts at an early age.

Janet
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We spend millions of dollars to find out there are too many obese children. As long as the book promotes healthy eating - not a fad diet; and an acceptable amount of excercise..why not? We need to find a way to help kids see how detrimental a life style of junk foods and video games and tv can be.

Gabi
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Wrong title maybe but great book. Obviously needed. I

James
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As someone said earlier, it really is up to the parents on how they use this book for and with their children. I really hope the parents don't just buy this book and throw it at their kids and say "here, read it". Try getting involved with your child and explain it to them and interact in a positive manner. On a side-note, stop packing your kids lunch with sugary snacks/milk/juice and pizza pockets! Seriously, not only is it harmful to your kid, it ruins it for the other kids and parents who take the time and effort to prep/pack a healthy meal for their child. You do know kids share their meals with each other as well.

Gregory Wollf
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It sounds like the fear is that this book will foster destructive messages that wreck female self-esteem. Maybe those very messages are addressed in this book in a healthy way, you know, reclaiming the words like 'diet' for the way they were supposed to be. Maybe his next book will be "Susan beats Anorexia" just to balance it out (if that would be necessary). The author's intention is obviously good, and grabbing your torches and pitchforks because he address a touchy topic WITHOUT ACTUALLY HEARING WHAT HE HAS TO SAY FIRST!!!!! is immature and silly.

Mae
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After our daughter listening to and being bombarded with the news about childhood obesity (very awkward moments at home) everywhere, she decided to get fit. Unfortunately, it went sour very quickly and she is now battling an eating disorder. Our family has been thrown into turmoil because of something that is in the news too much. Now a children's book? Seriously, when will this stop?

Butch
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The book is a very good idea, it promotes a healthy lifestyle. What is wrong with that? I notice the indignant outrage is from feminist groups. Their tendency to be over weight themselves is the likely root cause for them being so upset.

Mike in Mississauga
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The last time I checked, a 4 year olds diet was managed by the parents. My parents completely supervised my diet until I was a teenager at the very least. We were constantly told to go out side to play (I guess this also worked to get us out of their way). Being active and eating a healthy diet promoted a healthy weight. With that being said, I also realize that a person�s weight is sometimes influenced by many other factors beyond nutrition and physical activity. I believe that a book about nutrition for children would be better geared towards the parents, rather than the child. A book written for a child about accepting oneself and others regardless of what one looks like might be more conducive towards healthier attitudes of the child later on in life.

Brandon in NB
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Since when did diet mean eat less? Or eat healthy? If you eat ANYTHING, that is what your diet consists of! Maybe we should stop thinking diet means something it doesnt. If the title read "Maggie changes her diet" it would make more sense, and we would have a lot less "great" parents complaining about the title of a childrens book. For all of you who are tearing the author apart, I bet barely any of you have read one of the authors other books or the one you are berating! Grow up!

R.B.
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As a Physician, I know that childhood obesity is an epidemic of horrid proportions. This sounds like an excellent effort to promote healthy lifestyles for kids. Good for the publishers!!!!!!

dd
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I think the idea is great, but the title defiently gives the wrong message. Perhaps Maggie gets healthy, and it would be less likely to affect girls emotional well being if it were titled "Matthew gets healthy" As the mom of a 12 yr old who already has worries about her " thighs" but is really median weight, eats well and gets loads of physical activity (gymnastics) the fact that the story is tied to a girl is bothersom. Boys tend to have less emotional issues with their weight over girls.

Maggie
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umm what is wrong with exercise and eating healthy - - ??? the book is not about binge dieting and obsessive diets -- has anyone looked at kids today - they ARE obese - they ARE hermits - they areNOT particpating in sports - they ARE lackingin social skills... kids are cruel to those that are different in particular and especially if they are overweight .... ! - Maggie joins the soccer team ... that tells me she wants to be a team player ... a participant not an observer - kids today are tought to individualize instead or working with others.. whats wrong with promoting working together ?this little story is about a little girl who wants to be a member not an outsider - and through healthy foods, exercise and joining a team ...she is part of the community ! Nowhere does it say she will be a skinny minny.....Perhaps the title could be reworked to take the emphasis away from the diet to one of working on self esteem - healthy living and team playing !

Abdula fro Kana
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I wondered how long it would take the ignorant to start spewing names like "fat little faces. "... "6-year-old porkers." Obviously you see a child with a problem and you are back to high school lets pick on the fat kid mentality. Sorry but you are the problem you and your like are bullies that never grew up. That said this book might just help kids avoid bullies like you it would however be better if your types did not exist. We need to educate the bullies out of society with the bad eating habits.

Ty
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What's that old saying, oh yeah "Don't judge a book by it's cover." That's just pretty much what people are doing, basing the book on a title. It might encourage exercise and healthy eating habits without telling readers that starvation and diets are the only way. Eating healthy foods is a type of "diet" that promotes being a healthy weight. Yeah you can sit there and tell those who are over-weight they're beautiful and such, but if all they're doing is feeding on fatty foods then it's not healthy is it. Also I hate to sounds like an a-hole, but here's the reality. You, me, and everyone else in this world is judged, not only by weight, but by everything we do. There are winners and losers in this world. The next generation is going to find that out the hard way, when there parents are there to tell them otherwise.

schpid
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This is an outrage!!Young girls should have to wait until they are pre-teens and reading all the self help, fashion, and gossip magazines aimed at them and adults, to be told that they need to lose weight to look like those Hollywood starlets and models.If the book discuses the health advantages and talks about being physically active (not like the above mentioned magazines promoting sex tips and how to please your man though) then what is wrong with that?Eating right, exercising and watching your weight is GOOD for you.

A. P.
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The description from Amazon.com in the article clearly states that "through time, hard work and exercise". How is that promoting eating disorders and feelings of hate? I find the message positive telling children if they want to be fit they need to eat well, exercise and that it takes time. Not starve themselves like most stars do today and publicize. Society needs to screw their heads back on straight and stop lashing out at the wrong people. How about telling those girls on TV to eat more than 500 calories a day?

Phil
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Sounds fair to me. On vacation this summer, I saw child after child shovelling ice cream into their fat little faces. There is a difference between anorexia and leading a healthy lifestyle...and anything that teaches these 6-year-old porkers with giant boobs (male and female) to aspire to a different life is a step in the right direction!

Cheddar
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I agree. First off, fat kids and their equally large parents are already starting to be a big burden on the healthcare system and if they do not lose weight that will not change. Secondly, if you think this book is worse than the "advice" they get from their friends and peers in school, as a parent you are completely dilusional. the only people with a problem with this book are the politically correct. Im sorry, there is being offensive and then there is tough love. Quit taking your kids to mcdonalds, giving them pop and sugar snacks for lunch, and when they grow up healthy with no self esteem issues regarding weight and looks they will thank you for being a real parent and guiding them and not letting "kids do their own thing". Parents are so lackadaisical now it makes me sick. Its sad this book even has to be printed. Its sad joggin has been removed from the curriculum because larger kids cant do it anymore. Its sad i have to wait 3hrs in the hospital waiting room with with an unpreventable injury, while obese people are hogging the beds and the meds when thier problem could have been avoided all together if they just took care of themselves. Im sorry, but i will not pay for a system that supports unavoidable problems. Same goes for smoking...you get cancer from smoking, Im sorry, you can pay the bill. Im not trying to offend, but being realistic and sometimes blunt doesn't hurt as much as you think it does. Kids cant think for themselves as much as people like to believe.

RS
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People are in a tizzy about a book that essentially says you'll feel better if you exercise and eat right... ugh. The only thing I disagree with is the title of the book. It isn't about dieting, but rather a lifestyle change. Title should read "Maggie Gets Healthy"

Tanya
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This is our reality and I say good for him for writing this book! Some of the comments I have read are saying this book is sending the wrong message to our children? Who are we kidding that message is no secret our children live and breath skinny = popular! Thank goodness maggie decided on her own to exercise and change her diet in stead of suicide, a lot of our bullied children are so beaten down they don't have the strength to make that choice! I think this author has done two great things, bought attention to a problem in great need for attention, and has done a great job parenting a child with an eating disorder giving Maggie the power and strength to change on her own!!!

J from SK
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Lessons about healthy living and the results of dedicating yourself to a long-term goal: Good. Lessons about fitting into dresses, meeting society's "normal" expectations: Bad. So it has good and bad lessons, I just hope parents are smart enough to make sure their kids know which is which. Oh, who am I kidding.

Dixie from Alberta
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I have a problem with the word "diet". Yes you can 'diet', eat a lot less, drink shakes, only eat prepackaged meals, eat diet cookies, etc. but unless you change your eating habits permanently, dieting only results in temporary weight loss. I would prefer the term "life style change/choice", because you can never go back to way you ate before you decided to change. Yes you can have any kind of food, but now you must have everything in moderation. One piece of pizza - not the whole pie, 1 cookie - not the whole bag, fries as a treat - not a dietatary staple. So diet all you want but unless you make a permanent life style change, you are going to end up with a lot more sizes of clothes in your closet regardless of your age.

Abdula in Kanata
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Having not read the book I don't see how bad it is given what is said here. However if it does have overtones of superficiality you'll be a better person slim nonsense then I say flush it don't publish it. Fat is not good for you but it is not a crime. The problem is that this is putting the cart before the horse fix the self image problem first then the weight will fall away. The idea that you will be more popular (As if that is important NOT) or more valuable as a person is something that is wrong with society today.

Robert in Burnaby
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I approve of this book. We have too many couch potatoes that eat junk. If the theme of this book is to get exercise and live a healthy, active life, give it to every kid.

Lisa
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Eating healthy is great but using the word diet is wrong. My cousin was told she was too fat at the age of 8 and put on regular diets, she still has poor self esteem. And also dieting for kids is wrong because a lot of chunkier kids do have tall parents and when they go through major growth spurts their body fat disappears. So just because a kids appears bigger doesnt mean they are eating wrong. What are we teaching girls out there? that they only accepted body image is thin ? no wonder eating disorders are on the rise.

sng75
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so will be getting this book - along with the other contraversial book - lolIt can be used as a helpful tool to help children to see a healthy lifestyle will do some good - can be an eye opener for all parents.Eating disorders are there - and a book won't give anyone any more ideas then what we all came up with without one 20 years ago... starving, eat baby food, counting calories, over exercising...

William Raillant-CLark
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If the message is "you'll feel healthier and happier if you exercise and eat right," I see absolutely no problem. Furthermore, it's true! Childhood obesity is one of the largest problems facing our society (excuse the pun), and a greater cause of morbidity than hurt feelings. Let's get real.