Thursday, February 4, 2010

I'm not Mad at You, Michelle Obama

I read an article this morning about how Michelle Obama has used the example of her own children to talk about childhood obesity in America. There has been a bit of outrage that she would speak about her children's weight to the American public and many have written that she has set her children up with an increased chance for eating disorders.

I, for one, think it is good to acknowledge it publicly and educate grownups on how they can effect their children. Really, what is better for her kids, that she acknowledge it, help them make better choices so they can live with less ridicule, or not talk about it and instead let the American public loudly gossip about how the Obama girls are getting chubby? (I for one do not think they are) One of my biggest gripes about my weight is why on earth did the adults in my life let it get so bad? Seriously, I was fat by the time I was 5. I weighed 200 lbs by high school. I wore polyester grandma pants because in the 70's and early 80's there were no cute, trendy plus sized junior clothes. Perhaps, somewhere if one of the adults in my life had spoken up, took the extra time to help me, then I wouldn't be battling the bulge today.

And really - these girls, for the next 20 years of their lives will be criticized by the media and the public, because of their hair, their makeup, the weight. I don't think their mother's comment that the doctor told her she needed to watch their BMI and make adjustments to their diet are going to cause an eating disorder. The ever watchful, ever criticizing American press might. With 1/3 of America's children overweight, it's time for parents to be honest about and with their kids. My self esteem is a lot worse now than it would have been if an adult had intervened on my behalf 30 years ago. There is far too much emphasis these days on self esteem over health, over education. Yes, I believe we need to love ourselves, but not at the expense of our mind and our bodies because I believe if those two things are nurtured, we would have no choice but to love ourselves.

Have a nice day!

3 comments:

  1. Amen, I think that there are so many overweight americns, people don't know what healthy looks like anymore.
    I hope she is able to teach her kids good habits.
    But really, in the end...it's up to each one of us individually to do what is the best for our bodies.
    I wish someone had given me the simple formula, calories in/ calories out earlier.
    thats for sure.

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  2. I think we have a lot more to criticize in the media that bombards us that influences real eating disorders amongst young women and men, than a real mom talking about the reality of her parenting and her real kids and real concerns.

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  3. I agree with you. Education is important. Hiding it/Avoiding it is bad for us all.

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