The other night Bill Maher went on a Maher-like rant on a subject of personal interest to me. The topic was healthcare policy and Maher addressed the issue of childhood obesity. Maher through out some shocking number (I cant recall precisely what it was), but to the tune of 1 in 6 5 years olds are obese. He statement was more or less: "these kids are not feeding themselves and if that is not child abuse then I dont know what is".
I will get the medical issue out of the way first. Though I do not propose to be an expert on the issue, the research I have done has pointed out that while some obesity has been linked to varying medical conditions (as a cause or significantly contributing factor) these conditions are believed to affect less than 7% of the child population, of which over 15% is obese.
Clearly, there is a distinction between violence perpetrated against children in what most conceive of as child abuse. So while I will not whole heartedly endorse his statement I certainly will not dismiss it. Obesity is a huge problem for the individuals affected and society at large. The health risks associated with obesity are enormous as are the costs for treating them. The physical issue is only one half of the equation as study after study (not to mention almost everyone's grade school experiences) show the negative emotional effects of obesity. From low self-esteem and depression to anger and aggressiveness, obesity takes a toll on more than the body.
Preventing obesity, particularly in children should in my opinion be an important societal goal. A difficult challenge though presents itself immediately. Personal responsibility. Parents must step to the forefront in solving this problem. It would be a dangerous line for the government to cross to mandate how parents can raise their children and what they can or must feed them. Parents have the freedom to raise their children as they deem appropriate, but with personal freedom comes personal responsibility. Unfortunately, far too many parents come up woefully short in taking on this responsibility.
I understand social pressures (including advertisements of fast food, the convenience and affordability of many junk foods), but I will not exculpate parents who compromise the health of their children. What goes into your child's body should be of great concern to parents. I support any and all programs designed to educate parents and all individuals of the importance of eating well and in presenting accurate information on what that might consist of. However, there comes a point when education can only take you so far.
As a day camp counselor, I had a little 6 year-old obese camper named Ryan. Ryan's lunch each day usually consisted of a sandwhich, desert of some kind (candy bar, brownie, twinkie), a bag of chips, and a coke (and sometimes two cokes). That to me is offensive. I am not saying that I know what is best and kids cant drink coke or eat pizza or have candy, but parents have to have judgment and exercise it reasonably. The kid w/ an incredible metabolism that is incredibly active might be able to eat a cheeseburger and drink sweetened juices more often than Ryan. Of course if Ryan's parents switch out his cheetos for carrot sticks he will complain, but that is what parents are for - to do what is best for their kids.
If you believe Ryan's parents have the right to feed Ryan exorbitant amounts of sugars and saturated fats given all of his circumstances than I completely disagree. Obesity is not a lifestyle choice (especially not for a child), it is a medical condition. It cannot be ignored and Ryan's parents contribution to it certainly cannot be condoned. I am an absolute defender of personal liberties and personal choice. I do not want anyone telling me how to raise my children, but there comes a point where a line is crossed. If my kid has developed a condition that will expose him to a heightened risk of developing legitimately life threatening illnesses not to mention depression then I have forfeited my right to raise him as I choose at least with respect to his diet and nutrition.
I apologize for the sloppiness of this post.
qe2
13 years ago