Printer-friendly versionDuring the first week of school, we received a note from Margot’s parents. Margot was battling an eating disorder than had left her hospitalized for much of the summer. She had medical and counseling appointments scheduled several times a week, and she was very uncomfortable talking about or being around food.
I am ashamed to confess that I hadn’t noticed Margot. My classes are large, and she had chosen a seat near the back. She hadn’t spoken to me or anyone else. She was a small, quiet girl. Nothing about her stood out or drew attention.
However, I did notice Carina from the moment she stalked into the classroom. Her eyes were angry slits, and her mouth was pinched into a tight scowl. I am ashamed to confess the other reason I noticed Carina: She was noticeably bigger than all of the other kids, and she had trouble fitting into the desk.
Over time, it became clear that neither girl could be accurately defined by her physical appearance. Beneath Margot’s unassuming demeanor was a quick, incisive mind. Inside the halo of rage that circled Carina was a tender, compassionate girl. They are struggling in similar, yet different ways. Although both girls are dealing with issues of weight, only one of them is getting the support she needs.
Margot has a doctor’s note in case she feels too weak to participate in strenuous gym activities. Carina is failing gym because she’s too uncomfortable to change in the locker room. Kids make an exaggerated attempt to jump out of Carina’s way when she’s coming down the hall, but they gingerly let Margot pass when the halls are jammed. Margot has permission to see the guidance counselor whenever she is confronted with an uncomfortable situation. Carina has to deal with any discomfort she may feel on her own.
Weight issues among students have long been a challenge for teachers. Nearly 32 percent of all adolescents are currently overweight. The 2010 Key National Indicators of Well-being report shows a 2-percent increase in obesity in children ages 6 to 17. Keep in mind that this 2 percent represents nearly 1.5 million kids. If trends continue, this will be the first generation of kids whose life spans are shorter than their parents’. There are literally millions of kids like Carina, and the adults in charge are failing them.
In our country and in our schools, some kids are eating themselves to death while others are purposely starving. Margot may have more protection and resources. But Carina is just as significant, and she deserves to be treated that way. Perhaps then she would smile.
Sofen teaches at Sparta Middle School in Sparta, N.J.
Comments
glad to see attention drawn
glad to see attention drawn to THIS subject! would have liked to read more.
Great article!!
Great article!!
Thank you for this article.
Thank you for this article. More attention needs to be paid to the growing number of obese children in American society, not only for their physical health but for their emotional and social health as well - so that these children can show their compassionate side and let down their rageful defensive side. Childhood is a time of rapid learning and development and we as adults need to teach our kids healthy lifestyle choices so that they can live happy, long, full and productive lives and pass along these good lifestyle choices to their kids. And like Laura writes - this goes for ALL children struggling with eating issues. Obesity is just as much an eating disorder as anorexia and bulimia and those suffering from the disease should also have access to resources and support and it is up to us as adults to provide that. Thank you Laura for a wonderful, touching article.
Thank you for shining the
Thank you for shining the light on an important issue.
Obesity is not an eating
Obesity is not an eating disorder. It can be caused by an eating disorder. It can be caused by a lot of other things like genetics, disabilities, yo-yo dieting, drug side-effects, and lack of time/access to appropriate resources. It can even be a direct symptom of abuse (have you seen Precious? Some parents do crazy stuff like force their kids to eat lard). It's important for teachers to be educated about the possible causes of obesity and not make assumptions about students. I like the way this article suggests that fat children are as deserving of compassionate support as children with eating disorders, rather than the (ineffective and cruel) shaming strategy so many use.
While I do respect a lot of
While I do respect a lot of what you are saying I do not agree with everything you have said. I am a plus size women and I have always been this way. I do not over eat, my mother has never forced me to eat, and I am not on any medication that makes me gain weight. I have been on numerous sports teams and I work out all the time even now, but I am still the same size I was in high school. I feel that there should be a support system for those children and even adults that are battling obesity because from what I see all there is are people telling me that I should join a gym and get a trainer, and I feel that I need more support than just that.
This is an important issue
This is an important issue but another thing to remember is that if a child is small, skinny, underweight, or whatever name you want to pin on them that does not mean they have a eating disorder. I was/is underweight, been that way my whole life, and I was told cruel and sometimes hurtful things growing up and even now as an adult. There was nothing I could do about my size, I have a high metabolism burn calories faster than others. Because of my size I was picked on a lot, and had to learn to stand up for myself. Now I have to control my feeling and what I say, because others (adults) still want to pick at me about my weight. We need to first talk with the child before we make a snap decision about whether or not they have an eating disorder.
I have an old friend who was
I have an old friend who was a size 0 in high school. Now, 50 years and 5 children, and a bunch of grandkids later, she's still a 0. She says she eats a ton of food. So, I can feel for the skinnys out there too. As a teacher, it's hard to not make assumptions, and it's good to be reminded of that.
I'd like to see a study on
I'd like to see a study on the demographics, comparing obesity and anorexia, especially if such research debunks my assumption that anorexia strikes adolescents in upper-income families while obesity reflects the inability in poor communities to find (and pay for!) fresh, healthy food. How's the cafeteria food at public, NJ middle schools?
This article honestly makes
This article honestly makes me want to cry. My sister is over weight an now a days I feel like their is no hope. I try to get her motavated and it just seems like we cant get along long enough to do anything together. I wish their were more resources avaiable in the schools. Resources that make the children feel comfortable rather than ashamed and embarressed.