Debate: Are diet books healthy for kids?

A new children’s book has sparked a hot debate across the Internet over whether or not kids should be encouraged to diet. The book, Maggie Goes On A Diet, written by Paul Kramer, is about a 14-year-old girl who “is transformed from being overweight and insecure to a normal sized teen who becomes the school soccer star,” reports TIME.

Kramer has received a lot of backlash for the fact that his “diet” book is aimed at young children, and could foster a negative self-image. At the same time, some critics are praising Maggie Goes On A Diet for its emphasis on a healthy lifestyle and for creating a role model children can look up to.

Unfortunately, with the rise of childhood obesity, I don’t think Kramer’s book and it’s theme are completely unwarranted. According to the Childhood Obesity Foundation, approximately 26 percent of Canadian children are currently overweight and obese.

But is it really up to children to change their eating habits and watch their weight? Or is this something that parents should be held responsible for?

Related:
• Should you put your child on a diet?
• 6 ways to build healthy body image in your kids
• Why video games are good for kids