One of the interesting subplots of “Fed Up,” the “Inconvenient Truth” for food led by Laurie David, Katie Couric, and director Stephanie Soechtig, is how Michelle Obama is handled.

By those not paying close attention, she is regarded as the Obesity First Lady (hold your guns, there Michelle, that’s very different from the “obese First Lady,” which I Did. Not. Say.), promoter of fresh garden food and protector of young children.

But she only started out that way, for just a few months, before being reined in by the commercial juggernaut.

I don't generally sign online petitions because I question what they truly reflect, but occasionally one raises an issue important enough to lift me above my cynicism. It is far more occasional that I also write to tell others about the effort and to ask them to sign as well.

A gaggle of eating disorder groups put out a release this week praising Michelle Obama for comments she made about weight during a Google Hangout, emphasizing healthy lifestyle and avoiding any talk about weight with her daughters.

I, of course, talk about weight all the time. Few topics, including this one, are black and white, but I acknowledge the gulf.