i would not put my child on any kind of diet unless my dr said to - and then i would see a specialist about it too. children should be focused on fun and enjoying life, i think that behaviour could cause psychological damage. sorry but i think your friend has done the wrong thing especially as you dont visibly see a weight problem. with the world already too image conscious for our teens, why do that to an even younger child. i would have been devastated if my mother had thought me "fat" and put me on a diet and then told others about it too! even if my child was chubby i would encourage them to play sports or more physical hobbies, definately not a diet. we eat healthy in our house anyway, so hopefully it should never be a problem. i hope i havent offended anyone as this is just my opinion as a mother.