Is childhood obesity parental neglect?

Maha (No)

While parents are held responsible for everything related to their little ones, childhood obesity isn't necessarily on that list. Firstly, childhood obesity is a complex condition that's caused by several factors aside from unhealthy behaviors. One of these is genetics. Around 7% of severe childhood obesity cases are caused by genetic disorders. For instance, children with Prader-Willi syndrome gain weight rapidly after turning two years old. 

Parental stressors like mental illness, financial issues, and unemployment may also increase the risk of obesity in children. Unfortunately, these may be hard to control even by the most caring parents. Environmental factors like schools and society can also be held accountable for their role in pediatric obesity. Schools should teach healthy behaviors and establish policies that encourage healthy eating and regular physical activity. Unfortunately, not many do so. 

Similarly, changes in society contribute to an increase in obesity. Examples of such changes include the wide availability of energy-dense foods and drinks and increased use of cars. Parents can't be blamed even if the above reasons don't apply. According to the AMA Journal of Ethics, childhood obesity is considered neglect if a parent fails to seek or provide medical care or fails to prevent risky behaviors. Parents may also have their hands tied due to pediatricians' inability to help them in 11-20-minute-long appointments. Besides, US medical schools only cover 19.6 hours of nutrition education during their studies. 

The truth is, even if parents exhibit healthy eating habits, their ability to influence their children may be limited. So, rather than blaming parents and screaming neglect, it's best to find ways to support them in making a positive change. 

Elisa (Yes)

It is time to have an uncomfortable conversation about childhood obesity. Though it is a topic many gloss over, childhood obesity is a global public health crisis. Unless there is a medical condition, childhood obesity is 100% preventable, and therefore, it can be considered child abuse or neglect in some circumstances.

Parents have a role to play in managing their children's diet and nutrition. While any genetic factors are out of parents' control, the main cause of childhood obesity is the behaviors and eating habits they learn from parents. In the end, parents powerfully shape their children's eating behaviors. 

According to Psychology Today, at the very least, 'Clinicians should be 'mindful' of the potential role of abuse or neglect in contributing to childhood obesity.' If the signs are there, clinicians can attribute childhood obesity to abuse or neglect. Of course, it is not the mere presence of obesity that constitutes neglect. However, obesity coupled with other factors, such as a 'high likelihood that imminent harm will occur,' can clinically be defined as parental neglect. No, the presence of obesity in and of itself isn't neglect; however, some key factors along with childhood obesity can indicate abuse and neglect. 

Additionally, some studies have found evidence that links childhood obesity to sexual abuse and violence. It is important to differentiate between general and medical neglect. A child can experience neglect without it being diagnosed as medical neglect, meaning an obese child may be experiencing some level of neglect at home, even if a clinician does not interpret it that way. Finally, obese children are more likely to become obese adults. If parents can prevent childhood obesity, they can certainly contribute to it, too.