How far will a country go to curb the ever-increasing rate of childhood obesity? If you're living in Puerto Rico, it will cost you around $800.
The recent bill that hopes to fine parents with a hefty amount if they fail to help their children lose the extra pounds is sparking an intense debate not only in the legislature but also in the media and health industry. Almost 30% of children in the country are considered obese.
The bill seeks to strongly encourage parents to pay more attention to the overall health and well-being of the parents, a senator and author of the bill, Gilberto Rodriguez, said on Monday, February 9.
Parents are given around half a year to bring their children's weight down. Teachers in public schools will serve as "watchers," observing students who are considered obese.
The children then go through counselling or receive assistance from the social services. Subsequently the children together with their parents meet with a representative from the health department, who will be responsible for identifying the real cause of the obesity and creating a nutritional and weight loss program.
Within half a year of going through the program, the children's health will be assessed. If there's no improvement, parents will be fined a maximum of $500. They are then provided with an additional 6 to 12 months to show improvements. If nothing happens after that, they will be fined up to $800.
However, the bill has received an intense backlash especially from the medical community, calling it not only unbelievable and unfair.
They want to point out that not only is it embarrassing but also is illogical since obesity is a complex medical condition caused by many factors.
Rather than passing a bill that may only traumatize both the parents and the children, health experts suggest policies that provide family support and improve access of healthier food and lifestyle.
