An uncle reaches out for advice online, considering reporting his nephew’s weight issue to Child Protection Services.
Nearly 1 in 5 children and teens in the U.S. are overweight, according to NHANES data (source). “David,” using the Reddit handle u/SoCalFitOne, expressed concern that his 4-year-old niece is severely heavier than other children her age.
Comparing to CDC growth charts, a 4-year-old boy usually weighs 30-40 pounds, but David estimates his nephew around 100 pounds.
David shared his distress over his nephew’s hospitalizations and improper care leading to excessive weight gain.
He sought advice on how to contact CPS without wanting his sister to lose her children but emphasizing his concern for the child’s well-being.
David later clarified his priority was the child’s health, even if it meant straining his relationship with his sister.
Expert Insights
An expert mentioned the complex process of removing a child from the family, stating that obesity alone cannot prove neglect. It’s crucial to work with families on underlying issues rather than resorting to removal.
She pointed out that overfeeding alone doesn’t always constitute negligence and cautioned against unwarranted CPS involvement that may disrupt ongoing treatment.
Reddit Community Response
Reddit users supported the expert’s viewpoint in the discussion thread with almost 3,000 comments.
One user argued against the uncle’s presumption, highlighting the child’s frequent hospital visits and likelihood of a genuine health concern.
It’s essential to educate children on healthy eating habits to lead a balanced lifestyle and prevent issues like obesity.