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Showing 5 comments
Erika on
I think the ad featuring overweight kids goes too far. While children need to know that obesity is not okay, I feel like this ad encourages bullying. I don’t believe in sugarcoating things for kids. Telling them straight up facts, like that obese people tend to die younger and are at risk for many diseases is more effective than just telling them that it is healthier to be a normal weight. It may be harsh, but it is reality and kids need to know that, and should be aware that it is *not* okay to be overweight. However, the ad is ridiculing the children themselves, and not the real issue which is poor nutrition and lack of exercise. The ad is implying that there is something wrong with the kids themselves, and that, to me, is promoting bullying of overweight people. If the ad targeted McDonalds and promoted playing sports, rather than video games, I would be in agreement with it. But the slogan “My fat may be funny to you, but it’s killing me?” Obesity isn’t funny, and people shouldn’t be laughing and fat people at all.
Sarah on
I agree. The anti-obesity movement in this country is so poorly executed. All it does is lead to bullying and emotional distress for kids and adults who are overweight. If you want children to lose weight, lead by example. Teach them what it is to live a healthy lifestyle and why you should do it (health/living longer). Don’t attack their physical appearance. I spent my childhood as someone who was slightly overweight (never unhealthy, just took a while for me to grow into my baby fat, I guess), but comments about it from the adults in my life led to an eating disorder.
J on
Ericka what do you not get about “My fat may be funny to you but it’s killing me.” It’s not meant to be a funny ad, they are meant to get you talking and working with your kid
What would you two prefer people do then, because sugar coating it so kid’s feelings aren’t hurt isn’t working and tiptoeing around in fear of upsetting a child who obviously needs help isn’t solvign anything. Programs that try to get kids to eat healthy aren’t working because people complain abut price and how boring healthy food is and way too many parents just don’t care if a TV is a babysitter now.
Telling kids to put down the remote isn’t exactly explaining to kids what is happening to their bodies when they are morbidly obese at 12 and have hypertension, diabetes and other illnesses due to being morbidly obese.
Erika on
J- I understand that the slogan itself wasn’t meant to be funny. However, saying “my fat may be funny to you” is bizarre, and in my opinion is targeting the child as if they are some kind of outcast. Obesity isn’t something that is cute or funny and it isn’t something to be made fun of. I know that the ad is saying that obesity is a serious problem, but there are other ways to do it. Obesity is a real problem. As I said before, I have no problem with ads targeting obesity. I have a problem with the ads targeting the children as if *they* are the problem rather than poor nutrition and lack of exercise.
Jillian on
Erika, I totally agree with you. It’s how it’s being done. There is no reason to be so harsh. Children need to know they will be loved and accepted regardless of their size. What I don’t understand is that if a child is obese, the parent should be schooled/lectured, not the child. They should teach their children. I feel horrible for the children in the ads known as the obese kids. No doubt they are being bullied. A child’s size at 10, doesn’t determine their health for life. Many grow out of it, after puberty.
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