A recent commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Assocation stated that it would be more ethical to put super obese kids into temporary foster than them have obesity surgery.
Dr. David Ludwig, an obesity specialist at Harvard-affiliated Children's Hospital Boston, said it would be in the best interest of the children to get them help that for whatever reason their parents can't provide.
There are approximatley 2 million U.S. children that are extremely obese. Extreme obesity could lead to type 2 diabetes, breathing difficulties and liver problems that could kill them by age 30, said Dr. Ludwig.
In 2009, an article in Pediatrics made similar arguments, advocating for temporary removal from the custody of parents "when all reasonable alternative options have been exhausted."
Will obesity arguments now have an impact in Arizona child custody disputes? Based upon the statute that the Court looks at in determining custody, it really boils down to the what is in the best interest of the child(ren). Therefore, it could be argued that a demonstrated failure by one parent to provide proper nutrition or exercise to the child(ren) when they are in his or her care, and a resulting severe weight issue with the child(ren), might form the basis for one party being awarded primary physical custody over another.
Jason Pistiner, Esq.
SINGER PISTINER, P.C.
602-264-0110
jp@singerpistiner.com
www.singerpistiner.com
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