@sympkin I agree with what you are saying. But, I didn't take the article to say that overprotection is the sole contributor to obesity. I think we all know that obesity is attributed to 3 things; genetics, lack of exercise and over consumption of calories. I think what she is saying is that the lack of exercise in kids is attributable to parental over protection.
it's like if I go for a walk to Starbucks for a large frappucino, I am probably netting positive calories from that walk. ( just an example. I don't do this. I drive to Starbucks for a large frappucino).
Re: S/O Mommy police - this is the "result" of overprotection