What do you think of the theory that parents who allow their children to become obese?

Question

arguably are abusing them through neglect.

Good point Thomas, although the first thing that springs into my head is that ignorance is no defence.

I'm not jumping on any bandwagon, just trying to spark an intelligent debate on a big problem in society, if that is beyond you, don't answer.

Answer 1

You've sparked a controversy over semantics but apart from that, yes, it's essentially neglect of the children's well-being, based, I'd say, on a combination of stupidity and laziness.

I say that because it's easier to let the little cherubs lap up the tasty junk food than to educate them and to prepare good food. The resulting problems are those of the child and society, rather than the parents having to deal with it. In that regard, the parents are neglecting their responsibilities.

Thoughtless stupidity is an important element, since the food processing industry preys on it, making fat profits out of disgraceful rubbish, for which there is a big demand from people who are compelled by instant gratification above self-respect.

But the overriding problem must be psychological. People aren't naturally obese and the motive is, therefore, some emotional abnormality that needs serious consideration. In any given case, it may be the child who has a specific problem, but in all cases it must be the parents. They are allowing something very bad to happen to their offspring, systematically, and that is, by any reasonable definition, abuse.

Answer 2

I brought the same thing up a few months ago and the general thought was that it is neglect and not abuse per se. Abuse would be more like physical and emotional harm. I think this neglect should be treated the same way as if the child were beaten though.

I know a girl and at the age of 10 was 150 lbs at 4 feet 5 inches tall. Her mother had emotional problems and the house was a pigsty. The girl ate pizza and cheetos every day for lunch and dinner with cookies all day in between the meals. The girl also dressed in old stretched out used clothes. The parents were not by any means lacking money.

Should that child be taken away? YES

Answer 3

in a way i do, some parents are just 2 kind 2 their kids though and give them all the sweets/chocolates ect that they want including if they have a child who has tantrums if they don't get them in some cases because they did a lot when they were really young so the child just got used 2 being treated oftenly...some are just maybe giving them what they never had as a child themselves and others i think have them in the household and are used 2 having them thereselves. It is a big problem thats around though. parents should treat them every so often. i'm not a parent myself so i don't completely understand why but i think they are just too nice and some not even realising what they're doing 2 their childs health, some do realise and carry on doing it, i do find that wrong but i admire people who realise and stop doing it so much and help their child 2 lose weight/keep fit and healthy, i know maybe they should'nt of done it before anyway but atleast they help their child 2 lose weight and some even losing weight with their children and giving them the support they need 2 be healthy and fit. there are good and bad things about it

Answer 4

I have to agree. Some parents believe that it is kindness to allow their children to eat what they want, when they want. Creating an obese child is far from kind. It's bad for their health, not to mention their self-confidence. Obesity in children is further exacerbated by the fact that many kids do little or no exercise these days. We are afraid to let them out to play, so they sit in front of Playstations etc. Probably eating crisps.

I don't think anyone can claim ignorance. It's common sense that a bad diet and no exercise equals a fat person. Taking the fat out of foods is not a solution. Obesity is a sad product of our times.

Answer 5

There are people who would legislate the world, and meddlesome finger-pointers abound. Somewhere between the two comes the notion that fat kids are being abused by their parents. It's rubbish.

If mummies and daddies can't take the PS2 or X-Box controller from their kids and shoo them outside to play, or cut back on allowance money when it's being used to buy sweets and snacks, or simply limit the amount of food they put on a plate when they see the youngster start to get a bit chunky, then it's their fault for neglecting their parental responsibility, yes, and they deserve the criticism of other mummies and daddies for it, but it is NOT abuse.

Answer 6

Obesity is certainly a problem for people of all ages. However, I don't think parents are neglectful; they just make poor choices in food types and amounts. I wish there was a bigger outcry against kids who drink, use illegal drugs, have recreational sex, carry guns, join gangs, and vandalize their neighborhoods. While obesity is a health risk factor to the person who is overweight, these other problems can kill innocent people. How about getting on that bandwagon???

Answer 7

I have to say that I personally think that the only positive answers for having an obese child will be from those that have them! It is abuse, the poor kids will never be able to shake off the damage done, even if they get fit loose weight and somehow their bodies don't suffer as a result long term! What about the bullying and the low self esteem that stays with you for life!
These parents are a disgrace, very nearly as bad as those awful parents who smoke!

Answer 8

Well, in NY state, the law says: "Neglected child" means a child less than eighteen years of age (i) whose physical, mental or emotional condition has been impaired or is in imminent danger of becoming impaired as a result of the failure of his parent or other person legally responsible for his care to exercise a minimum degree of care
(A) in supplying the child with adequate food, clothing, shelter or
education in accordance with the provisions of part one of article
sixty-five of the education law, or medical, dental, optometrical or
surgical care, though financially able to do so or offered financial or other reasonable means to do so;

Seems the main idea is failing to provide something necessary for the health of the child. A parent with an obese child can't be accused of not feeding the kid. I have a feeling most judges wouldn't entertain the argument you're posing, nor would any district attorney's office consider charging somebody with an obese child with neglect.

Answer 9

That is what they are doing but they, in their hearts, don't see it like that.

I was fat as a child, not hugely, but my three brothers weren't and I didn't get anything different to eat than them. As a result though I had eating disorders all through my teens and early 20's.

I am over all that now and have two children of my own aged 5 and 2 and I will never allow them to be fat as I know first hand the heartache and health difficulties it can cause. I love them too much to let them go through what I did.

Answer 10

I disagree that it is ignorance as there is enough media coverage about healthy choices, eating, lifestyles, etc on TV and in magazines, that people have the info at their finger tips.
It's different if there's a medical reason why the child is obese, but some people use this as an excuse, when they really just needed to instill good values of what's good for them and what is not, from a very young age.
Too much Playstation and not enough exercise.