Commanders Post at The Warpath - View Single Post - Childhood Obesity -- Should it be a crime?

Schneed10 · 04-15-2008, 08:42 AM

Wow, this is calling for some serious government intervention into our lives.

First, there can be a ton of reasons why a kid would be overweight. It could flat out be an unhealthy lifestyle, like you said. But there are a myriad of medical reasons for obesity, it could also be a thyroid problem, a genetic condition, a psychological problem, etc. And a bigger concern: a financial problem. Healthy food is way more expensive than stuff you can get from McDonalds. And if you don't have the cash to buy healthy food, chances are you're more likely to live in an area where it's not safe to have your kids playing outside and getting exercise.

Absent a medical problem, or genetic predisposition, or financial constraints, and you still are feeding your child junk with no exercise, then I can see your point. But way too many kids have extenuating circumstances. The notion that you could possibly enforce a law like this shows a complete lack of understanding of the social issues at play when it comes to childhood obesity.

Not to mention the government should not be telling us how to raise our kids (personal opinion).

Horrible idea.

04-15-2008, 08:42 AM	#18
Schneed10 A Dude Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Newtown Square, PA Age: 46 Posts: 12,458	Re: Childhood Obesity -- Should it be a crime? Wow, this is calling for some serious government intervention into our lives. First, there can be a ton of reasons why a kid would be overweight. It could flat out be an unhealthy lifestyle, like you said. But there are a myriad of medical reasons for obesity, it could also be a thyroid problem, a genetic condition, a psychological problem, etc. And a bigger concern: a financial problem. Healthy food is way more expensive than stuff you can get from McDonalds. And if you don't have the cash to buy healthy food, chances are you're more likely to live in an area where it's not safe to have your kids playing outside and getting exercise. Absent a medical problem, or genetic predisposition, or financial constraints, and you still are feeding your child junk with no exercise, then I can see your point. But way too many kids have extenuating circumstances. The notion that you could possibly enforce a law like this shows a complete lack of understanding of the social issues at play when it comes to childhood obesity. Not to mention the government should not be telling us how to raise our kids (personal opinion). Horrible idea. __________________ God made certain people to play football. He was one of them.