Childhood Obesity -- Should it be a crime?

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

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.

You guys may take this as ignorant, and perhaps it is, but i've always wondered that if all of the above cited reasons for obesity were so prevalent, why is it that we don't see all of these 300 lb behemoth's in third world countries? Say what you want, how you want it, but the simple truth is that you CANNOT be overweight if you are not consuming more calories than you are burning. Period.

Now I'm not a doctor, don't even play one on tv, but it's simple common sense. I do not doubt the validity of each and every one of those medical conditions which Schneed mentions, but I believe the VAST majority of the grossly overweight children you see are a product of lazy lifestyles and ridiculously unhealthy diets. These terribly unfit parents who allow, or God forbid ENCOURAGE this lifestyle in their children, are the first to come up with excuse after excuse mostly involving false claims pertaining to the aforementioned conditions. In these cases, I see no issue with prosecuting those who, after receiving education and subsequent monitoring, continue endangering the health of their children.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

You guys may take this as ignorant, and perhaps it is, but i've always wondered that if all of the above cited reasons for obesity were so prevalent, why is it that we don't see all of these 300 lb behemoth's in third world countries? Say what you want, how you want it, but the simple truth is that you CANNOT be overweight if you are not consuming more calories than you are burning. Period.

Now I'm not a doctor, don't even play one on tv, but it's simple common sense. I do not doubt the validity of each and every one of those medical conditions which Schneed mentions, but I believe the VAST majority of the grossly overweight children you see are a product of lazy lifestyles and ridiculously unhealthy diets. These terribly unfit parents who allow, or God forbid ENCOURAGE this lifestyle in their children, are the first to come up with excuse after excuse mostly involving false claims pertaining to the aforementioned conditions. In these cases, I see no issue with prosecuting those who, after receiving education and subsequent monitoring, continue endangering the health of their children.

EXACTLY. American parents are happy to let their kids sit in front of their PS3's and XBOX's all friggin day and night, and don't pay enough attention to what they're eating. Give them two scoops of ice cream after their meal and don't bat an eye when they head straight for the TV, CPU, or video games. We're a wealthy nation that spends so much time in front of screens. There is reason other cultures like most of Europe and Japan don't have this problem- better diets, better discipline.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

If we are going to punish parents when their kids get fat, why don't we punish parents when their kids underperform in school? I would argue that poor school performance is a bigger threat to kids and society than a poor diet.

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

If we are going to punish parents when their kids get fat, why don't we punish parents when their kids underperform in school? I would argue that poor school performance is a bigger threat to kids and society than a poor diet.

I agree with you but the argument that people will use is that poor school doesnt kill you (physically that is)

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by EARTHQUAKE2689

I agree with you but the argument that people will use is that poor school doesnt kill you (physically that is)

It will increase your odds of becoming poor, engaging in criminal activities, and generally make your life miserable. Honestly, if I as a parent had to choose between having a kid with weight issues or a kid who got Fs in school on a regular basis, I'd choose the former.

[EternalEnigma21]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

If we are going to punish parents when their kids get fat, why don't we punish parents when their kids underperform in school? I would argue that poor school performance is a bigger threat to kids and society than a poor diet.

I think its a matter of health in general, and the direct threat of death. Many kids are dangerously obese with no control over themselves, and could very well lead to diabetes and heart disease, and ultimately premature death. Pretty hefty price to pay for a lazy parent. I don't know, I guess its just because I've seen first hand a stupid lazy slut of a mother who didn't want a kid completely ruin a little girl's life, without consequence, I feel there should be some kind of recourse.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by EternalEnigma21

I think its a matter of health in general, and the direct threat of death. Many kids are dangerously obese with no control over themselves, and could very well lead to diabetes and heart disease, and ultimately premature death. Pretty hefty price to pay for a lazy parent. I don't know, I guess its just because I've seen first hand a stupid lazy slut of a mother who didn't want a kid completely ruin a little girl's life, without consequence, I feel there should be some kind of recourse.

Understood. But obese kids are not dying left and right. They grow to become obese adults and die early, but well after they have a chance as adults to modify their diet and exercise regimen. Who cares? I think it's pretty scary to think that people believe the government should be allowed to throw people in jail because they let their kids eat too many chicken mcnuggets. Oh how far we have come since 1776.