Too Young To Diet?

MIAMI (CBS4) - A new children's book which some critics claim teaches kids to diet has stirred up some controversy.

"Maggie Goes On A Diet" comes out next month but CBS4's Cynthia Demos got an early copy of the book which she shared with parents and a therapist.

Parents like Michal Yoman and Ramona Atkinson found some problems with it.

"I just don't like that her being obese, she had no friends, she had no life.," said Atkinson.

But other parents, like Magea Chinique, said she was fine with it and read it to her young daughter on the spot.

In addition to the way the subject matter is treated, critics also disliked the fact that some websites recommended this book for kids as young as five years old.

One of the problems mental health expert Dr. Lisa Burton said she had was that "the book is all about how you look, not how you feel."

Burton, who works with children at "Work it out Now" also pointed out some language which she didn't feel would be appropriate for very young children.

For example, one line in the book reads, "It Maggie a while to finally make up her mind. She promised herself she was going to reduce her stomach as well as her big behind."

"I would never want a child or young lady looking at herself like that," said Burton.

Burton also said she was bothered that there were no parents in the book whose story implied that if Maggie lost weight she would be popular and athletic.

In addition to the message, Burton said one picture in the book, which depicted a child binge eating in the middle of the night, she found very disturbing.

One positive, according to Burton, is that the book will generate discussions on healthy eating.

Overall, Burton says the book is okay for kids to read at around 10 or 11 years old as long as there is parental supervision.

CBS4 contacted the book's author Paul Kramer who wrote the following as a response to the criticism he's received.

I am the author of "Maggie Goes On A Diet." I am not a physician nor do I claim to be a dietary expert. This book was NOT written to be a diet book. It is a children's book written in rhyme intended to entertain. One of my major goals was, and is, to inspire children of all ages to exercise and eat healthy nutritious foods.

If a child begins an exercise program and modifies their eating habits by eating plenty of healthy and nutritious food, they can build a future foundation for positive eating habits and an improved self image.

I DO NOT maintain that the message in this book is a quick fix or that anyone who goes on a diet will be happier, or will be more popular or become a soccer star.

In this book, 14 year old Maggie decides to take control of her life without being pushed to do so. Her intent was to become more physically fit, which would enable her to run faster, bend more easily, and improve her skills in playing sports. She was also tired of being teased which was unpleasant at best.

I am in favor of communicating the eating healthy message to children and adults of all ages.
I have been taught that one should NOT judge a book by its cover.

I have struggled with obesity for a good deal of my life and I also have begun an exercise program and I am eating healthier more nutritious foods.

It is also my opinion that "DIET" is not a dirty word.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

Respectfully,
Paul M. Kramer