Is Childhood Obesity A Form of Abuse?

Is Childhood Obesity a Form of Abuse? Name Course Instructor Institution Date 1. Statement of the problem The number of obese children in the world is increasing rapidly leading researchers to delve into studies to understand the whole phenomenon of overweight children. The overweight children are at a very high risk of contracting high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes (Sunny & Daniel, 2002). The children are also susceptible to low self-esteem, sleep disruption, pains in joints and reduced ability to learn due to constant tiredness. The increase in number of such kids is an indication that parents have neglected their role as nutritionists. Can obesity be classified as a form of Child abuse? If so, who should be held responsible for ensuring that children are not exposed to obesity and related conditions? Thirdly, what are the appropriate strategies for dealing with the problem? Some scholars have argued that the state must intervene by either taking up the kids or establishing punitive measures for irresponsible parents (Saris, 2005). This paper seeks to answer these questions particularly the approaches that can be taken to prevent obesity. 2. Multidisciplinary approach Obesity leads to an increase in fat mass and if not checked becomes complex and leads to diseases that may result in death. There are several causes of obesity, which can be classified in three main disciplinary approaches. * The Biological approach/dietary factors: This approach is concerned with poor nutrition. Obesity is to a large extent caused by excessive consumption of energy giving foods. If not utilised or released from the body, the excess energy accumulates as fat causing overweight conditions (in Children) (Saris, 2005). * Sedentary lifestyles and Lack of Physical Exercises; The second approach looks at obesity as a consequent of sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical exercise. Besides excessive eating, children are also likely to become overweight if they do not participate in physical exercises. In the modern society, in house activities have been developed that children utilise for recreational purposes. These kids stay the whole day glued to the TV set, internet among other issues in sedentary lifestyles (Sunny & Daniel, 2002).Physical exercise is important in burning up the excess fat that may accumulate in the body and cause obesity. * Environment (Ethnicity and socioeconomic Status); According to Saris, these approach looks at obesity as developing from the environment in which kids are brought up (Saris, 2005). Children from the Med...