By Kevin Oyama
Childhood obesity should be considered child neglect because it's a sign of failure to ensure the child's health, a lack of proper guidance, and it shows a lack of concern for the child's future.
Childhood obesity often reflects negligence in parents' concern for their child's health because obesity in children will more than likely carry on into adulthood. Many risk factors increase in children who face obesity at a young age. On the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, it says, “Obesity in children increases the risk for the following health conditions: type 2 diabetes, Joint problems, heart disease, and breathing problems.” Not only does childhood obesity increase the risk of health issues, but there are also mental and emotional issues that childhood obesity can be associated with. In the CDC article, it states that childhood obesity can also be associated with “Anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, and social problems such as bullying.”’
Another reason why childhood obesity should be child neglect is because it shows a lack of parents being able to equip their children with knowledge on making healthy choices and the importance of physical activity that will impact their child's future. The CDC website says, “Both a healthy diet and physical activity are linked to better cognitive development,” and “Starting healthy habits for physical activity in early childhood influences activity levels as children grow.”
Parents are a vital part of a child's future and in building a child's foundation. Obesity in children can often lead to bullying, which can lead to a child having low self-esteem, hindering their ability to form relationships. Childhood obesity can also lead to difficulty in job opportunities later in life. Employers often look for healthy workers, which can place them at a huge disadvantage when it comes to adults who carry obesity from a young age, leading to less pay, less chance of being hired, and a higher chance of being placed in work spaces that are less desirable.
Many people argue that child obesity is not solely because of child neglect by the parents that it can be influenced by genetic factors and that many families face economic issues limiting the quality of the food they can afford. While genetics can play a role in this, it does not deny the fact that these genetics can be mitigated through proper nutrition and physical activity. It is understandable that many families believe that because of their financial struggles they can't provide the proper nutrition but there are always community programs such as food banks and nutritional education programs that are out there to help parents in need. Not only are there programs out there to help, but simple changes such as making meals at home and encouraging physical activity for kids can have a positive change in their lives.
Childhood obesity should be recognized as a form of child neglect because it reflects a parent's failure to prioritize their child's health and well-being. Childhood obesity can lead to long-term effects that will impact a child's physical and emotional health as well as their careers and relationships in the future. Simple changes and seeking help from parents can completely change the foundation of their children, which will ensure their success and happiness throughout their lives.
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