Carnie Wilson Says Daughter Is ‘Sensitive’ About Weight

Michael Buckner/WireImage

Raising girls with a healthy body image is a challenge, and it’s one Carnie Wilson is facing right now with daughter Lola Sofia, 5.

In an interview with Babble, the singer and Newlywed Game host — also mom to Luciana Bella, 10 months, with husband Rob Bonfiglio — suggests that parents shower their children with “love and praise” while also working hard to build self-esteem.

“There are people of all different shapes and sizes, and I try to teach Lola that people aren’t as sensitive as she is,” Wilson, 41, reveals.

“She’s almost five, and that’s the age kids in school start to tease each other. It hurts her. I try to teach her that you can have thick skin, but still be sensitive.”

Talking to her daughters about weight is a priority for Wilson, who “take[s] it from a health angle.”

“I tell them our bodies are sacred, and we have to take care of them,” she says. “They’re fully aware I’m overweight.”

When Lola discovered pictures of mom 50 pounds lighter, Wilson admits she had some explaining to do.

“She’s learning what that means, and that what you put in your body makes you bigger or smaller, and what it means if your body is too big,” Wilson continues. “I never look at [weight] like someone is less of a person or a bad person.”

“When the day comes that she sees people who are thinner, I’ll tell her she has beautiful eyes, hair, smile. She’s Lola, and we have to celebrate that she was a gift from God,” Wilson adds.

Comments

Lacey on April 29th, 2010

I think Kindergarten age is way too young to have to worry about weight and appearance.

Jaye on April 29th, 2010

IF her daughter is having weight issues, then Carnie can lay that problem at her own door. The woman is obsessed with losing weight; I doubt her daughter has seen anything positive in that regard from Carnie. Giving her daughter love and praise isn’t going to do any good if Carnier herself is obsessed with weight issues. Children learn more from what you DO than what you say. If her daughter is over-weight whose fault is it? Doesn’t sound like she has a medical problem; quit stuffing the kid with anything she wants. Good grief she’s doing more to hurt the kid than help her. Who has weight issue talks with a 5 year old?

Amy on April 29th, 2010

I agree with Jaye. The only reason a five year old would be sensitive to body image is because she is seeing the issues her mom has with it. Children don’t miss much.

Lorelei on April 29th, 2010

I agree with Amy, Jaye and Lacey. The following line concerned me. ““When the day comes that she sees people who are thinner, I’ll tell her she has beautiful eyes, hair, smile.” Thinner does not necessarily equate to healthy and certainly not to happy. What if your body is “too small” I also don’t believe that healthy food and food choices need to be discussed constantly with a five year old. As a parent you can determine what is in your home to eat and teach by example. Also exercise can play a huge role-playing outside, hikes and walks, bike ride, etc.

lis on April 29th, 2010

I fear her daughters will have an equally difficult relationship with weight as their mother…that’s terrible.

She makes it sound like the children are never around thin people? What’s up with that?

Lolabean on April 29th, 2010

I was an overweight child and am now an overweight adult. My parents blew it off as just growing pains, but food is my crutch. Carnie clearly has the same problem and now instead of teaching her daughter healthy eating and exercise habits (when it’s easy to learn those things as second nature), she’s buliding her daughter up to be happy fat. Being fat isn’t as fun as being skinny (clothes shopping, eating around your skinny friends, being ignored by guys). Being obsessed with weight whether you’re fat or skinny isn’t fun either so she should stop projecting her fat issues on Lola and teach that poor child how to be healthy.

Then again Carnie lost her weight because she had drastic surgery, not because she made any real lifestyle changes. It’s why she’s fat again and why she can’t lose the weight now. I watched her show a few times and for Carnie nothing is her responsiblity – apparently she feels the same about raising her daughter healthy.

dani on April 29th, 2010

From the pictures I saw of Lola, she does look chubby. To me, it sounds like Carnie is simply resigned to Lola being over-weight, instead of being proactive about preventing it in the first place.

I agree with the other posters that it is alarming Lola is concerned with weight at such a young age.

Laura on April 29th, 2010

To be honest, I don’t think it necessarily has to be Carnie’s fault about Lola’s worry about weight. I have seen many VERY young girls question their bodies. (I don’t know exact ages but before 10 for sure) It is not always the parents’ fault. They can hear other people talking about it, see it in the media, etc. That isn’t to say the parents never contribute to it. But it is a very sad reality that girls (especially cuz I’m sure some boys too) are worrying about body image at a very very young age.

RKE on April 29th, 2010

Truly, I don’t understand why she is having a conversation about “what you put in your body makes you bigger or smaller” period! At that age, in my opinion, a parent should be concerned with making healthy food available to their child and just making sure they eat! There is no need to introduce any level of body image at that age. It sounds to me like this poor 5-year-old is parroting the “sensitivity to weight” that she has picked up from her mother, and is seeking her mother’s approval, like any child would do.

nana on April 29th, 2010

you all seem people who actually never had weight problems. If you are overweight you dont go to the corner of your house withou someone making a joke, or say a comment or touch in the subject… and from my own experience this happens more and more since young age.. Is not her or her daughter who have problems of being sensitive to the subject.. the problem comes from the others looking at a overweight person and think they have a problem- even if their intention is the most pure one, in the end they end up treating overweight people like they have some rare desease

Emily on April 29th, 2010

I am not disagreeing with what anyone has said about Carnie and her discussions with her daughters, but there is something else I would like to address here.

I am a preschool teacher and I have 5-year-olds in my class who will go to kindergarten this fall… and there are a few of them who already associate the word “fat” as a negative attribute. I have a small group of children in my class who… how can I put this… act like snobs? Like they’re above everyone else… Although, really, it’s more like ONE child who put his ideas into his friends’ minds… but I digress… the point I’m trying to make here is that even at five they ALREADY use fat as a negative adjective and I’ve even had one little girl in my class CALL another child in my class fat.

Not only that, but another teacher was just telling me today that her 6-year-old daughter who is in kindergarten has been called a “stick” because she is tall and skinny.

I don’t disagree with what anyone said about Carnie or her self-image or what she’s putting into her daughter’s head, but I do want to address that these things ARE happening in schools even at this young of an age. I try and talk to my students about this issue, but when they are hearing things at home, it’s hard to tell them that their parents are “wrong.”

Anyway! Off my soapbox now. I don’t think I’ve ever left a comment so long before!

Bonnie on April 29th, 2010

I have a cousin who is extremely overweight. When her daughter was 5 she worried (aloud) she would soon grow fat like her mama. My cousin never talked to her at that age about body image before her comment. Kids grow up faster these days. They put two and two together at young ages and worry they will grow up to look like mommy. I don’t think it is right that Carnie is talking about “what you put in your body” with her at 5, but her child may be like my cousin’s, in which case, you are gonna have to have talks with them to help their self esteem.

McKenzie on April 29th, 2010

My Mom worried about her weight until she died of cancer; even when on chemo she was still always worried about getting fat, when she was never really “fat” to begin with. She was bulemic when I was growing up and I didn’t like it when she got too skinny and lost her boobs and thought for a long time that throwing up was normal. I have a friend who is overweight and gets teased by customers even though she is really good at giving service. I feel sorry for the kid growing up in the shadow of her mothers weight issues.

Lisa on April 29th, 2010

People learn what they live. Period.

Ana on April 29th, 2010

If her daughter is already a little chubby, Carnie has only herself to blame. As other readers have commented, it’s more about what you DO as oppposed to what you SAY with a child this young. Unfortunately, it looks like she is raising a little clone of herself.

Anna on April 29th, 2010

A five year old should have no worries about body image. Her parents don’t need to teach her anything about how you get fat or stay thin yet, just feed her healthy food and there won’t be a problem.

LC on April 29th, 2010

Yeah, I’m going to have to agree– this whole thing is weird, including the fact that she’s talking to Babble about her own weight issues and now her daughter’s. Yuck.

bo-peep on April 29th, 2010

wow. this is a tough crowd.

ss on April 29th, 2010

i have a 3 year old and a 20 year old from my first marriage. when my 20 year old daughter was 5 and started school she all the sudden only wanted to eat chicken and salad. she didnt want anything else. finally i got her to tell me why. she said she didnt want to be fat like he 3 year old stepsister. i dont know where that came from. her 3 year old stepsister was not fat but apparently she thought she was and i couldnt get her to eat anything else. eventually she got sick of eating that everyday and got over it. my daughter was very tall and thin so i told her to just eat healthy and exercise and she would grow up and be a healthy weight and dont worry about what other people say. high school was worse. girls are mean. my daughter was thin at 5’9 and started starving herself and fit into a size 4-5 jeans and looked way too thin. some of her friends were bulimic. its ridiculous the pressure other kids put on kids that arent even overweight. the overweight kids get it worse. i was one of them and it was awful

aimee on April 29th, 2010

I don’t agree with the people saying 5 years old is too young to have the concept of being fat. I was three years old when I started saying I didn’t want to be fat like my cousin or my aunt, who were (and my cousin still is) overweight.

mamabear on April 30th, 2010

@ dani

Thank you for stating that…because I thought I was the only one who thought her daughter, Lola, appeared to be on the chubby side.

This always bothered me and struck me as strange that a mother who had such a public and private battle with her weight, would allow her daughter to become even a little on the heavy side.

And yes, I said ALLOWED. The parents control what their children eat. Period. Genetics play a role in deciding how tall our children will be, what color their eyes are, etc. but WE CAN control this one aspect.

I grew up overweight as a child but my children have always been slim, and when I saw them gaining too much weight one summer, I looked at their diet and realized my husband was taking them out to eat every night I worked. He agreed to cook for them instead, and they lost the weight without ever realizing there was a problem – I never mentioned it to them.

lila on April 30th, 2010

it shockes me people think is mainly parents fault that a young kid is chubby.. no wonder a five years old is aware of this fact if parents of slim children have this notion, imagine what they teach their kids and imagine how these same kids reacts to someone who is out of the norm… just SAD

Lorus on April 30th, 2010

When I was younger my Mother was always trying to “lose those last 5 pounds”. She was gorgeous in my eyes and all of my friends thought so too. It really brought me down because I was actually overweight and if my Mom’s being thin wasn’t good enough for her then what was I? She was always on one diet or another and by the age of 7 I was put on diets as well. My parents never clued in that maybe more exercise was needed and it wasn’t what I was eating (two sisters who were both average sizes).
Now that I have two girls of my own I make sure that they understand healthy choices. We eat well but do eat junk in moderation. They are constantly active be it at home or in organized sports. I went through years and years of being teased when I was younger and there’s no way I’m letting it happen to them.

SL on April 30th, 2010

MamaBear is so right. Young children do not need food issues. Parents provide food for their children. Make sure only healthy, good food is available and they will be fine. I also like the fact that MamaBear never discussed this with her young children when they got a little chubby. No need to start issues. Just control the food, take a 30-40 minute family walk everyday and the kids will be fine.

When I was in grade school, my Mom wanted our whole family to drop weight and one summer we all walked together everyday. By fall, we were slim and healthy. We also cut fast food completely. Still had some treats, but not everyday.

Carnie is doing this to her daughter because she wants her in the same overweight boat as she is. It is so offensive. Her child eats and moves around probably as much as Carnie. I remember one interview when Carnie said she liked to sit on the couch all day and eat. I’m not kidding. I was really shocked. But then I guess that is the behavior that makes gastric bypass surgery needed.

I just find it very sad. I remember being that chubby child before our “summer of walking” as we called it. It is shameful and so embarrassing as a child. Chubby kids have a hard time doing all the running, playing, etc. slender kids can do.

I hope Carnie gets her head screwed on straight and stops this madness!!

By the way, where is the father? He allows this? Shameful!

One more thing, if your child is chubby, be supportive and not critical. Be their cheerleader. Losing weight is hard, even for adults. Encourage them. Let them know that you are in this with them. Twenty pounds sounds like nothing to drop for an adult, but for a child that is a mountain. Don’t ever make fun of them or be mean in any way. They get that enough from their own negative thoughts and the world around them, school, etc… Be their supportive safe haven and help them. Also remember, that kids need some treats even when losing weight. They are still kids!

Steph on April 30th, 2010

mamabear actually how chubby a child is does have to do with genetics, to say it doesn’t at all is irresponsible. I do agree with you about parental control over healthy food, however its not right to say that a chubby child is only that way cos they’re eating poor food.

Angie on April 30th, 2010

I find most comments to be really harsh. Weight is not only determined by food or exercise, but also genetics. I know of several people who were born chubby, and stayed chubby even though they exercise and are on a healthy diet. We don’t all have the same metabolism, nor do we have the same bone structure. I am aware that many children are obese because they are fed junk food. All I am trying to say is that some parents do provide their kids with healthy food and exercise, but the kids are still chubby. I don’t know what Carnie feeds her kids, and I doubt any of you know.
I believe the “what you put in your body makes you bigger or smaller” comment was in regard to Lola seeing a picture of a slimmer Carnie. This was probably Carnie’s way of answering Lola’s question of why she looks so different on the photo. I think there is a big difference between constantly talking about diet and appearance to your young children, and trying to answer your kids questions or dealing with your kids receiving hurtful comments about their weight.

kelsey on April 30th, 2010

Lolabean, I found your comment about having surgery and therefore not having to make life changes to be ignorant… as someone who has had successful weightloss surgery I can tell you your kidding yourself if you think its the easy way out and that it doesn’t come with choices and sacrifices.

As a formerly obese person, I could only stand her show for about five minutes b/c not only does she obsess about food and the food her daughter eats, it seems as though her family does as well. I found it to be the concept of the show. It drove me batty and I changed the channel. Genetics contributes to more than just height and eye color, it CONTRIBUTES TO WEIGHT! Until you’ve walked in her shoes you don’t know what she’s been through, you shouldn’t judge.

JessicaC on April 30th, 2010

You cant blame it on genetics, studies have been done that indicate that genes make you susceptible to obesity but when it comes down to it, IT IS what you eat. The “well its my genetics” excuse is just that-an excuse. Childhood obesity is a serious issue, its not funny, and excuses shouldnt be made. Carnie got to be over 300 lbs for a reason, do you think shes cooking her family heathly meals, while she’s pigging out on fast food (like she said she does)? Yes self esteem is important, and you can tell yourself being overweight is ok if you love yourself, but it’s not healthy-period.

Mira on April 30th, 2010

Children SHOULD have negative associations with being too fat. Just like they should have negative associations with smoking, drugs, alcohol, and anything else that is bad for your health.

Cynsational on April 30th, 2010

I think many of you are being hateful and judgemental. Carnie has been overweight all her life (which could be genetic) and had gastric bypass surgery and still gained weight. Her daughter could be plump not because of what she’s eating but because of genetics and it’s better to start talking to her now about good eating habits and being healthy instead of waiting until she’s an overweight teenager. She has probably seen her mother’s struggles and she’s being teased in school so she’s more sensitive than the average child. Why is society so eager to pass judgement and be so negative? They both need to be encouraged. I was always skinny growing up and was teased all the time and hid my body until I was in highschool when a boyfriend complimented my on my body and asked why I always wore sweaters and hid my body. Words do hurt and have a lasting affect on you especially when it’s negative. Life & Death is in the power of the tongue!

charlotte on April 30th, 2010

lila im confused – what exactly do you mean when you say ‘it shockes me people think is mainly parents fault that a young kid is chubby’????

Erm…hate to break it to you….but it IS mainly the parents fault. I’m confused as to what you believe?

dani on April 30th, 2010

JessicaC hit the nail on the head! Genetics plays a role in one’s propensity for being obese, but genetics don’t make you stuff your face with junk food.

Furthermore, there are photos of Carnie and Lola baking (and Lola eating) some kind of cookie/cake on the the Unstapled show’s website:
http://tv.gsn.com/shows/unstapled/photos.jsp

Ashandra on April 30th, 2010

This makes me really sad. Obviously Lola is a heavy/chubby little girl and is aware of that fact. Heavy children are often teased and are much more aware of their body size at a young age. It makes me angry when I see very chubby children with obese parents. Being extremely obese in *generally* not a hereditary condition- it is generally the environment that the child grows up in (sweets, fast foods, overeating, sedentary lifestyle).

The other day I was at a restaurant. There was a morbidly obese grandma who was so heavy she could barely walk, a huge mother, who could hardly walk either, and these two chubby little children. They were so big. And what did the children get? They each had two XL sodas, a few bites of their dinner, and a large piece of chocolate cake each. I was so angry at this woman I could have screamed. That is the child abuse, in my opinion. How could someone ever allow their child to get too big to move, like this mother basically was?

Instead of consoling our children for their bad body images, we need to take them hiking and biking with us and eat well, with them. The obesity epidemic has got to stop. I feel sorry for little children who do not have the knowledge that adults do about health lifestyles.

Ashandra on April 30th, 2010

I am going to teach my child that being obese is not okay. I do not, in any way, advocate teasing/ humiliating heavy people. Never. However, it is, IMO, not okay to be sedentary and eat bad foods. I know it may seem rude but I want my child to be happy, healthy and live a long and disease free life, if possible.

michelle on April 30th, 2010

Maybe it has something to do with a little thing called genetics? I do believe some people are more prone to put on weight faster then others. Just like some people never really gain weight no matter what they eat. I was overweight as a child and now as an adult also. I wished someone had taught me about eating right, drinking water, exercise etc. But at 5 years old that’s a little early for children to be making fun of each other.

They most likely got it from the parents. Some children don’t even know what they are saying, they only repeat what they have heard which is sad. I didn’t know what thin and fat was at 5 and I’m sure I didn’t care. At that age all you do is play and draw and whatever else 5 year olds do.

She does need to talk about it though and work with her daughter if she is going to have weight issues but she shouldn’t base her daughters worth on what number a scale says and especially shouldn’t emphasize so much on it. That’s how eating disorders start and being self conscious all the time. The best thing to do is to incorparate healthy eating and fun exercise into her daughters life so that it becomes like second nature. It will be more like a lifestyle and not “I need to be in a size 2″ type of thing. She won’t then think that something is “wrong” with her that she has to constantly work on.

Kira on April 30th, 2010

All a parent can do to create a healthy body image and lifestyle for their child is to lead by example. Try not to talk negatively about yourself in front of your child. Provide healthy food and make sure you AND your child get enough exercise. The child does NOT have to focus on the weight aspect of things. Just tell the child the reason you eat the way you do and do the things you do is so that you can be healthy and strong. Not so that you won’t get fat.

Jayme on April 30th, 2010

Sorry folks, but it’s not genetics. Our genetic pool has not magically changed in the last fifty years – it doesn’t work like that. Just cut out anything with the words ‘fructose’ or ‘sucrose’ in your diet (harder than it sounds!), and eat real food (not from a box).

SL on April 30th, 2010

Genetics? Please. So say she is more predisposed to being overweight. But, what about personal responsibility? What about saying, “I have this problem in my family and I need to be careful.” Also, have people read about her eating habits that she openly talks about? Anyone eating like that would be fat. She has also talked before about being into drugs, although I think she no longer does drugs. There is a real disconnect with this woman about how she takes care of her body.

I have many extended family members who are overweight. And they blame genetics. When I was younger my whole family lost weight by walking together and stopping fast food. It can be done with the right attitude and the will to never stop trying.

The anger on this site at Carnie is because she is doing this to her daughter. She is harnessing her with an issue that will affect her the rest of her life. It is abusive. Love your child enough to stop your selfish, irresponsible ways.

By the way, people use “genetics” as an excuse for multiple things. Part of being an adult is growing up and taking control. Sometimes you have to work harder at certain things. So what? It is worth. And she isn’t 20-30 lbs. overweight. She is huge. This is a medical issue. People die from being this overweight. And she is setting her daughter up for a future that looks just like her past.

I would like People to do an article with Carnie about this issue and why she is doing this her child. I’m sure it would sell well and it is a very important topic.

Niko on April 30th, 2010

A dose of brutal honesty: Genetics my butt. That has nothing to do with it. The reason Carnie Wilson struggles so much with her weight is simply because she eats too much, period. She not only eats too much, she eats all the wrong foods(high in trans fat, cholesterol, sugar and sodium). I don’t even think she eats much fruits and vegetables. She loves fatty foods and feeds it to her kids. She has a poor, POOR eating habit, and she doesn’t seem to care. Dr. Oz tried to talk some sense into her(he tells her, “you have to lose weight, Carnie. You’re borderline diabetic”) when she appeared on his show, but he went nowhere. Its her fault her child is overweight. I wholeheartedly agree with people saying that here.

bo-peep on May 1st, 2010

nobody has said that genetics makes you obese… they have said that some children are stockier/chubbier than others because of genetics and that is 100% correct. If they are eating healthy food this normally tapers off by school age and these are the kids that often end up being tall and athletic.

of course TODAY a lot of children are chubby because they have a terrible diet but i wouldn’t assume chubby kid = unhealthy kid.

i understand concern about childhood obesity but i do not understand the BURN THE FAT MOTHER AT THE STAKE hysteria i read here.

francesca on May 1st, 2010

i struggled with my weight as well as cruel comments from people who ‘meant well’ when they said something. food is a addiction that many people don’t recognize as well as somebody who drinks or does drugs. OUR society always stressed how important it is to be skinny and beautiful .I KNOW HOW CARNIE FEELS BECAUSE EVERYDAY IS A STRUGGLE FOR ME TO CONTROL MY OVEREATING. I WISH HER AND LOLA LUCK AND KNOW SHE TO WORKS EVERYDAY TO OVERCOME THIS ADDICTION.

michelle on May 1st, 2010

I didn’t say use genetics as an excuse you need to reread my comment. I said DIET and EXERCISE will need to be incorporated but genetics could be a reason why she puts on weight FASTER. I know plenty of thin people who can eat anything and won’t put on weight.

Its called metabolism which you can inherit from your parents just like something like eye color.

You are mistaken if you don’t believe genetics plays a part. It plays a part in everything. Unless she is feeding her daughter doritos and fried chicken, if she isn’t feeding her daughter those things then something else is involved. This of course we don’t know. But like I said with exercise she can change all that.

FYI people have always been fat. Maybe more NOW but to say in the last 50 years is wrong. I’m sure there were fat folk 100 years ago also.

Julie on May 1st, 2010

“I love how people around here always blame the mother and never the father. She has a father too in case you didn’t know that while you were making disgusting comments about her mother. I can already tell all of you were major bullies in school and have never changed your ways. How sad.”

- Lee on April 29th, 2010

Oh, Lee, you poor thing. For you to say “I can…tell ALL of you were major bullies i school…” indicates you have some serious issues. We all realize that the child has a father; however, the MOTHER is the one who is overweight and having discussions with her 5-year-old about weight, which is simply inappropriate. That’s what everyone is saying. No one’s blaming Carnie just because. The truth is SHE IS the problem.

Chris on May 2nd, 2010

This is heartbreaking. I hope she and her daughter get help.

Kat on May 2nd, 2010

I would like to say that I find the fact that Lola is suffering issues with her appearance already is HORRIFIC. My daughter is 6, my sons are 8.5yrs, and 10yrs old. The only things they have ever questioned about their appearance were about height… and when they’ll be big enough to do something… reach something, etc.

Now grant you, I’m also overweight, much more so than Carnie… and yes, I’m trying to lose weight… but I don’t advertise it to my kids… when they see me exercise… when they see me eat a salad when they’re having the rare batch of chicken nuggets and they ask why… I say, because Mommy is trying to take care of herself and be healthy… we talk about how they exercise… and good food choices…

They have noticed that I’m “squishier” than other mommies… and I’ve always kept it simple… we all come in different shapes and sizes… and there’s no one right way to be, and that all that matters is that you try to be as healthy as you can be.

Now, my older two are starting (barely) to understand that I’m battling my weight and have for awhile… but only because they’ve asked more questions and they’re ready… which means that they aren’t questioning their appearance. They also understand very well that it isn’t about numbers (size or weight)… it’s about me trying to be able to do more and take care of myself… whether that means I never lose more than I already have, or whether I get down to what society says my ideal weight should be.

Honestly, I feel if a kid is having body issues this early (aka… before puberty hits and starts messing things up by getting you smelly, pimply, and all that), then there is a problem… a big one… and it starts with Mom and Dad…. both of them.

And genetics is such a small part. My husband and I are both big people… and I have three very active slim kids… it’s a matter of changing habits, whether they actually help the size of you or not… and setting good habits for your kids. It is so easy to raise a skinny kid if you let their natural ability to know when they are full go along with healthy foods and lots of physical activity.

Lioness on May 3rd, 2010

Whether it’s genetics or diet that’s the cause of her daughter chubbiness doesn’t matter. It’s all about how Lola handles it, and quite frankly, with Carnie having so many issues with her own image, is it really a shock to her that her daughter has them too? The only time I hear from this woman is when she is talking about her weight journey/issues/whatever else. You’d forget she had a singing career at one point, the way she goes on. The constant focus on it- one way or the other- is causing enough damage to her own psyche (I’m guessing)- exactly how does she think to prepare Lola? She can tell Lola she’s beautiful all day long- but when Lola sees her mom disliking herself because she’s overweight, that’s the message that will sink in. Actions speak way louder than words. When Carnie stops focusing so much on her own body image, her daughter will too.

Not to be super-judgmental, because I know I sound it- we all have our struggles, myself included- but this woman just irritates the hell out of me. I’m tired of hearing about her weight. It’s OKAY, Carnie, you’re beautiful, fat or skinny- for the love of God, leave us alone about it already!!

SL on May 3rd, 2010

I have seen Lola in different pictures as she has gotten older. She is 5 now. When she was younger and Carnie was thinner, Lola was thinner. I recently saw a picture of them walking together in People and Carnie could barely move. And there was poor Lola, gaining weight by the second. I had an overweight Mom as a child. It was very hard to see my Mom heavy. She couldn’t do what other parents did and I constantly worried about her health.

Carnie’s lifestyle choices are rubbing off on her child and it is truly a shame. Sentencing little Lola to a life of struggle, health problems, emotional pain, etc., is abusive.

My family was lucky to escape overweight family syndrome (that’s what I call it) because my Mom took control and didn’t allow her “issues” to affect her kids anymore.

Is losing weight one of the hardest things to do? D8mn straight it is. But, living as a fat person, dying of related health problems, not fitting into airline seats, huffing and puffing everywhere you walk, etc., etc.,… is even harder. Doing that to your child…. leaves me speechless.

By the way, I remember when Carnie had her gastric bypass and People did an article about it when she was done. Carnie had to have massive amounts of skin removed after she lost all her weight. Massive amounts of skin removed. Is that what she wants for her daughter?

And I do fault the father too. Where the h8ll is he? Stop Carnie from this craziness.

Again I say, People needs to do a article about Carnie and this issue. Readers would buy it and the issue is very timely.

Stacey on May 4th, 2010

Unfortunately it’s starting earlier and earlier. My daughter was in tears coming out of JK last year (She was FOUR at the time) because someone called her fat and told her she should cover her “ugly freckles” with make up. FOUR YEARS OLD.

Seriously. I feel bad for Lola.