Elementary Schools Send ‘Fat Letters’ To Homes Of Obese Students

Massachusetts parents of school-aged children hat were deemed “obese” by their elementary schools are in a uproar after receiving letters in the mail from the schools informing them of their child’s chubby lumpkins state.

The Department of Health insists that the letters were intended to help parents get their children back in shape, but many of the parents feel that the gesture was out of line.

via WHDH News

Schools in North Andover are trying help students dealing with obesity issues, but some families say the schools are going too far.

Cameron Watson, 10, isn’t just a strong athlete; he’s also a tough fourth grader who didn’t let a “fat letter” sent to his home get him down.

“I know I’m not obese so I didn’t really care about the letter. I just crumpled it up,” Cam Watson said.
The letters were sent to plenty of homes throughout the Commonwealth.

The Department of Public Health says 32 percent of our students have a Body Mass Index that shows they’re overweight or obese, and the letters are supposed to be a helpful tool for parents.

Cam Watson’s father says they’re a waste — they don’t take into account muscle mass.

“No one wants get letter saying they’re obese. That’s a very strong, uncomfortable word, and we didn’t see if fitting with our son who is very active, he’s very strong,” said Matt Watson, Cam’s father.

While Cam Watson continues to wrestle in elite clubs, his mother — a selectwoman in North Andover — is working with state representatives to stop these fat letters.