Starling Fitness: Daily writings on Fitness, Diet, and Health

I watch House M.D. EVERY week and I absolutely LOVE it. Dr. House says the things that I think parents should hear. I cheered and clapped when House bitched out the hippie parents of a child with asthma when they refused to buy him inhalers.

I prepared myself for the worst when House started lecturing this mother about childhood obesity. Here is what he said:

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The audio is kind of choppy, so here’s a transcript:

House: Well, good news, the lab says it’s not strep, so we’re done.
Mother: Wait a second…
House: No! REALLY! Not strep. The boys in the lab sure are hard drinkers, but they’re pros. Plus, your kid has none of the symptoms for strep. I just figured it was quicker running the test than arguing with you. My point is, GO!
Mother: I just wanted to ask your opinion, Doctor. She’s having a birthday party next week and she’s upset that I’m getting a sugar-less cake.
Child: The other kids HATE it!
House: THIS is why you’re here…
Mother: Sugar is the leading cause of obesity in America.
House: You want a doctor to scare her about the dangers of sugar… [House closes the door to talk privately.]
Mother: She needs to get her weight under control.
House: [to the daugher] Well, you know… I feel sorry for those other kids, Wendy, who don’t have a mom like yours. A mom that knows that sugar causes heart disease, appendicitis, and athlete’s foot.
Mother: Well, that’s not fair…
House: [to the mother] Oh yes, it is. No, I get it. You want her to slim down a little so she can wear pretty clothes, like yours. I LOVE the bracelets. HEY! What about matching outfits?! You could be twins! Oh! She CAN’T be your daughter! It’s impossible! You look WAY too young! [to the daughter] Happy Birthday! [to the mother] Get the kid a damned ice cream cake!

House is exactly right. It’s almost as if parents care more about childhood obesity because of the way it reflects on THEM instead of for valid reasons. They are so ashamed of having an overweight child that they are willing to starve their growing children or give them dangerous diet pills in order to make their kids perfect.