Today, I learned that a good friend of mine was accused of having an eating disorder because she only drank milk one day for lunch. Kami (not her real name) eats in the school cafeteria and the meal that day was less than appetizing and she also is unfortunate to eat with a friend who is on the thin side. Based on that one meal and her thin friend, the teacher decided that twelve year old Kami was developing an eating disorder.

Kami was promptly sent to the school counselor who informed her that if she didn’t eat, her hair would fall out, her body would start eating itself and her heart would fail. The mother was called in and berated for not feeding her child properly. Despite the mother’s assurance that Kami eats well at home, the school officials stand over Kami as she eats lunch and grill her about what she eats at home.

I’ve known Kami for seven years and she does not have an eating disorder. She doesn’t even have the right personality type for an eating disorder, so even if she tried, she’d never be able to starve herself. In my opinion, these school officials have crossed the line and are trying to be the parent, though they are more like dictators than parents. They basically lied to this child and they intimidate and humiliate her every day for no justifiable reason. What I find really ironic is that they are telling Kami to eat more while serving her food with less fat and calories.

Eating disorders are on the rise and they are a problem, so I can understand the concern of the school officials, but fearing a child into eating is not going to solve the problem. Most likely, it will make the problem worse or create other problems. Body image is a huge deal, especially for 12 year old girls. Focusing their attention on what they eat, particularly when it’s done in public, can trigger an eating disorder and forcing them to eat when they are not hungry can lead to obesity.

The school system follows the food guide pyramid, low fat diet. The brain needs fat to function properly, so they are supplying a diet that can cause chemical imbalances which can lead to eating disorders. Kids are getting a mixed message; eat enough calories, but eat low calorie food. They are told not to get fat, but to make sure they eat everything on their plate. It’s insane and hypocritical.

I apologize for the rant, but it really gets my goat when kids suffer needlessly at the hands of clueless school officials trying to take on the role of parent. At some point, we need to stand up for freedom and the rights of children and parents, as well as the right to eat what we want.

Annette Presley RD LD, Chief Nutritionist for Liberation Wellness

Annette has been a registered dietitian for over 19 years and discovered several years ago that every thing she learned in school was wrong and the nutrition advice we dispense in this country actually causes heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.  She is now dedicating her life to getting the truth out so people can live a truly healthy life.  She is founder of Find Your Weigh online at findyourweigh.com.

Disclaimer: Annette Presley RD LD provides nutrition advice and counseling regarding lipid disorders that is not universally accepted as evidenced-based practice in dietetics.  This nutrition advice is neither sponsored, endorsed, approved nor recommended either by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the American Dietetic Association.  As such, prior to beginning nutrition counseling with or suggested by Annette Presley RD LD, it is strongly recommended that you consult your physician.