As if children today don’t have enough things to worry about in school such as bullying or “fitting in”, it looks like being in shape has been added to that list. The cover of a new children’s book “Maggie Goes on a Diet” tells the story of chubby 14-year old girl which gets picked on at school since she’s not the same exact weight as her skinny friends. Maggie eventually realizes that in order to fit in she has to lose weight. Therefore, she goes on a diet and starts exercising, in order to become one of the popular girls in school.
The book which isn’t even available to the public, yet it’s getting criticized left and right for giving young girls the idea that the way you look physically is all that matters and if you are skinny enough, you will be successful in other areas of your life.
However, the author has defended his work stating the book is about an inspiring story of a young girl who works hard to become confident with her body and develops a positive self image.
What do you think? Is it normal to turn young children to this adult obsession with weight?
