Fat Kids

Recently, I was volunteering at an event manning a concession stand. I have nothing against concessions, they generate revenue for worthwhile causes while supplying the public with sustainance plus a little more. I get that.

So a chubby kid comes up and buys some Rolos. 75 cents, cool, enjoy it kid. About 15 minutes later, he's back, buying Rolos, a Baby Ruth, a Crunch bar, and a Mountain Dew. I figure he's buying for his crew, so ok, here you go, thanks for the business. However, throughout the evening, the kid kept coming back for chocolate and Mountain Dews, and I soon realized that he was consuming a majority of this himself. By the end of the night, I know he had five Mountain Dews, and an undetermined amount of candy.

So I ask the question: should I cut him off? Should I say, "Sorry kid, you've already fulfilled your calorie and caffeine intake for the next three days, I can't sell you another Mountain Dew; but have a water"? As a citizen concerned about the health of the next generation, would I be out of line to just say "No more Rolos, but here's an apple"?

Most people would say it's his decision, let him eat whatever he wants. But then why do we cut off drunk people at the bar? Because they present a danger to themselves and others. Do obese, unhealthy children not present a danger to themselves and others? Just because the danger is not immediate, does it not still exist?

I didn't say anything. I sold him his legalized crack. The event ended, the concession stand was a few bucks richer, and that kid took his chocolate-covered face home, however the question remains. Meanwhile, I see stuff like this on YouTube. I guarantee no one is cutting this kid off from his sweets and treats.