Woman Handing Out 'Fat' Letters For Halloween

Evidently, a woman in North Dakota will not be handing out treats this Halloween. Well, at least she won't be handing out treats to some kids this Halloween. Believe it or not, what she is handing out to some unlucky children isn't a trick. This year, she will be handing out sealed envelopes containing letters to parents of children she considers "moderately obese."

The woman in question called into a local radio show in Fargo, N.D., called "Y94," to let them know of her plan, because frankly, she is pretty proud of it.

"I'm being very neighborly," she said during the broadcast.

In her opinion, the "it takes a village" to raise a child mentality is essential. So in her letter, she tells parents:

"Happy Halloween and Happy Holidays Neighbor!

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

You [sic] child is, in my opinion, moderately obese and should not be consuming sugar and treats to the extent of some children this Halloween season.

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

While she goes on to say she doesn't want to "deny kids candy" or "be the mean lady in town," she feels that it is her responsibility to keep these "little fat kids" healthy.

North Dakota State University assistant professor of clinical psychology Dr. Katie Gordon, who studies eating disorders, told Valley News Live, that the letter could harm more than help.

"It's just that kind of thing that for some kids, if they're vulnerable, might trigger major problems," she says.

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