Parents of Obese Children and Charges of Child Abuse
Parents of Obese Children and Charges of Child Abuse
The alarming rate of childhood obesity in the United States is, unfortunately, no longer news. Obese children are presenting as patients to hospitals and clinics for a variety of reasons, most of which were previously only seen in the adult population: type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glucose intolerance, asthma, sleep apnea, menstrual abnormalities, impaired balance, and orthopedic problems (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], n.d.). Equally concerning are the negative mental and social effects of obesity, such as low self-esteem, depression, negative body image, stigma, teasing, discrimination, and social marginalization (AAP, n.d.). Evidence also demonstrates that childhood obesity is associated with lower math and reading scores (Mitgang, 2011). How should this growing problem in our country be resolved? One drastic proposal that made the headlines in the summer of 2011 was to consider removing severely obese children from their parents' custody (Murtagh & Ludwig, 2011). Is this action what is best for these children?
This article provides an overview of the reasons for and against the prosecution of parents of obese children. Additionally, alternative perspectives that re-examine social policies that may contribute to childhood obesity will be explored. Finally, pediatric nurses will be encouraged to engage in policy discussions about childhood obesity. Excluded from the discussion are cases of obesity due to genetic conditions.
Introduction
The alarming rate of childhood obesity in the United States is, unfortunately, no longer news. Obese children are presenting as patients to hospitals and clinics for a variety of reasons, most of which were previously only seen in the adult population: type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glucose intolerance, asthma, sleep apnea, menstrual abnormalities, impaired balance, and orthopedic problems (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], n.d.). Equally concerning are the negative mental and social effects of obesity, such as low self-esteem, depression, negative body image, stigma, teasing, discrimination, and social marginalization (AAP, n.d.). Evidence also demonstrates that childhood obesity is associated with lower math and reading scores (Mitgang, 2011). How should this growing problem in our country be resolved? One drastic proposal that made the headlines in the summer of 2011 was to consider removing severely obese children from their parents' custody (Murtagh & Ludwig, 2011). Is this action what is best for these children?
This article provides an overview of the reasons for and against the prosecution of parents of obese children. Additionally, alternative perspectives that re-examine social policies that may contribute to childhood obesity will be explored. Finally, pediatric nurses will be encouraged to engage in policy discussions about childhood obesity. Excluded from the discussion are cases of obesity due to genetic conditions.
