08/14/2019
This is a long and passionate response to KURBO (Weight Watchers for kids) from Rebecca Scritchfield, author of Body Kindness. Well worth the read . . .
Here's why Kurbo is anything but healthy for kids....
Before and after pic of a child with "results not typical" centering weight loss and "I feel like I could run a million laps!" (hello, over exercise and valuing a result the child isn't likely to achieve!) Hook 'em early on diets and body shame... (find this on my IG and IG stories!)
Movement education features a round red raisin sweating, running on a hamster wheel, chasing a carrot. (not even joking)
A game that asks you to compare foods, erasing "bad food" (including one where you had to choose between a fresh apple and UNSWEETENED apple sauce) -- what?! My girls get both of these -- usually fresh apple slices at home when it's convenient to cut, share, and enjoy in one sitting at meal or snack time, and applesauce at school or after school care gymnastics, ballet, piano etc. You know, because they need ENERGY to move and play. Some of the other game comparisons included knowing that 1% milk was a "yellow light" food (despite that calcium remains a nutrient of concern for girls over 4 and boys 9-18 year per our national health and nutrition examination survey -- America's most robust assessment of meeting our nutrition needs). Almonds were another "yellow light" -- despite their plant based vitamins and minerals. Baked beans were a red light! Seriously? Beans are one of the most affordable, plant-based protein, fiber, and heart healthy foods recommended by pretty much everyone. They say this because baked beans are sweetened.
Policing individual foods as good or bad depending on their criteria (e.g. a hamburger). Just in case it isn't clear why this is unhelpful (I get that...) Healthy eating patterns are important, but labeling individual FOODS for anyone, especially KIDS, is really bad news. It goes against even what the American Academy of Pediatrics advises to prevent eating disorders (and "obesity") in kids. It's much more helpful to focus on "add in" and balance. A cheeseburger has nourishment -- protein, carbs, vitamins and there are options to add in fruits and veggies and milk to complete this meal. My girls love chicken nuggets and burgers and LOTS of foods. They LOVE candy and chocolate. It's my job to teach them positive eating habits and connection to foods they like -- not an app based on shame.
Kurbo even claims to reduce risk of eating disorders and yet, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a thorough position on preventing eating disorders in kids, including the evidence based links to dieting and eating disorders. Many of the "features" in this app are red flags when you compare to AAP guidelines.
I wrote about this for Washington Post last year when they were going to do a free teen weight loss program (they cancelled it after all!)
WW is a tech company, not a health company. They are not trying to help your kids, they are trying to hoodwink you into fee based coaching that upholds fat phobia and puts your kids at risk for poor body image, disordered eating, and eating disorders.
For good advice see a HAES informed health provider and listen to my podcast themes for helping parents model body kindness with their kids at any size. Episodes: 37, 91, 92, and 115 (links below)!
Podcast 37: Bringing Body Kindness in the Family with Leslie Schilling
Podcast 42: Intuitive Eating For Families, With Elyse Resch, Co-Author Of Intuitive Eating
Episode 91: Raising HAES – Body Kindness for families with Kristy Fassio
Episode 92: Talking About Food and Bodies in the Home with Anna Lutz, RDN
Podcast 115: Please Don’t Screw Up Our Kids! Part 1: A Conversation About Food, Weight and Body Image with Virginia Sole-Smith of Comfort Food Podcast
I also recommend the Intuitive Eating Workbook or teens! And of course, the guidance in body kindness can be modeled for kids in age appropriate ways. If you have questions about this or body kindness for kids and families, reply to let me know.
There are plenty of helpful health resources out there that don’t center weight loss as a desired and “healthy” outcome in your kids. Mental health **IS** health and lasting positive habits will grow from body kindness and strong mental health. THANK YOU for coming to my TED talk.
I'll be in touch soon, hopefully with better news and more positive resources for you! It's what you deserve. Remember, there are lots of very good reasons to care about your family's health and well-being. We should live in a world where all kids' mental health is enhanced through compassion and care. While we work to change our culture. There is so much you can do at home to support your family and inoculate kids from diet culture. You got this!
