Online forum: The childhood obesity problem

by Michael Caputo, Minnesota Public Radio

On Friday at 10 a.m., we'll hold a live online forum on childhood obesity that will look at whether the solution should emphasize weight loss, or being happy with the body you have.

Join the discussion below and read the full series: Fighting obesity, one meal at a time.

Panelists: Donna Anderson (nutrition educator), Anne Fletcher (dietitian, author), Mary-Jo Forbord (farmer, dietitian)

Panelists bios

Donna Anderson from the Wadena area is a Wadena nutrition educator working through the University of Minnesota's Extention program. She often speaks to elementary-aged students about nutrition and eating right. She deals with a largely lower income clientele in Wadena.

Anne Fletcher from Southwestern Minnesota is a registered dietitian; author of books on obesity and addiction. Her book "Weight Loss Confidential" chronicles teenagers as they deal with weight loss, including her own son.

Mary-Jo Forbord, from Starbuck, is part of a family farm. She is a registered dietitian. She was the executive director of the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, and a member of the Hunger and Environmental Dietetic Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association. She now works as the coordinator of the University of Minnesota Morris Healthy Eating program.