Instead of treats, overweight children who go to the home of a Fargo, N.D. woman on Halloween will receive a harsh letter to give to their parents.
The letter states: "You child is, in my opinion, moderately obese and should not be consuming sugar and treats to the extent of some children this Halloween season," USA Today reported.
The letter continues: "My hope is that you will step up as a parent and ration candy this Halloween and not allow your child to continue these unhealthy eating habits."
"I just want to send a message to the parents of kids that are really overweight. ... I think it's just really irresponsible of parents to send them out looking for free candy just 'cause all the other kids are doing it," the unidentified woman said in an interview with Y-24 Radio.
The letter could be more emotionally damaging than helpful, said Katie Gordon, an assistant professor of clinical psychology at North Dakota State University.
"It's just that kind of thing that for some kids, if they're vulnerable, might trigger major problems," Gordon told Valley News Live, USA Today reported. "Even if a child is overweight, they might be very healthy because of what they eat and how they exercise. It's ineffective anyway because it's not likely to help the kid."