I watched with interest today as the First Lady discussed her "Let's Move" initiative to overcome childhood obesity. Mrs. Obama solicitied questions via Facebook in advance and live during the 30 minute "chat" via web.
BEDA submitted a question about how the task force would address weight-bias as part of the task force, but unfortunately it was not selected.
This said, I am thrilled that the First Lady IS getting the message the eating disorders community is putting forth. In response to a question about being teased as an overweight child, Mrs. Obama advised to make the conversation with children about health, not weight. She also spoke to the fact that it is important that we do not create eating disorders by how we approach obesity. Check out the joint letter to Mrs. Obama from AED, EDC, BEDA, NEDA, and iaedp at Eating Disorders Organization's Letter to Mrs. Obama sent earlier this year.
My disappointment comes around the fact that despite this good advice (right out of the eating disorders community's talking points), she is still recommending BMI as a helpful tool, which I believe sends a mixed message. She doesn't fully "get it." If we are truly taking the focus off of weight and putting it on health, then the BMI should not be necessary. It is a flawed tool and puts the focus (and resulting anxiety, depression, etc) right back squarely on the shoulder of the child being measured.
I realize its a difficult argument to conceptualize and it will take some time for the First Lady and the general public to understand why many of us are so adament about keeping it out of the hands of school districts, etc. At a minimum it should be used with a pediatrician who understands how to present it accurately to parents and cause a child to obsess about his/her weight.
Baby steps...baby steps.
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