Some experts have said that chronically obese children should be taken away from their parents, read the Journal of the American Medical Association as poor caretaking is only one risk factor for childhood obesity. And a question arises: Should the government step in and take these children from their homes or is this akin to banning circumcision in California?

Obesity, a highly preventable medical condition, becomes present when body fat enables health problems. Obesity significantly stunts life expectancy and life expectancy in a state is directly related to obesity rates. Pyschiatric illnesses, medications, medical conditions, and genetic predisposition increase odds.

A report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for American's Health revealed July 9 that obesity rates dramatically increased in 16 US states last year and did not decrease in the others.

Twelve states have an obesity rate of over 30%; only one state saw this overwhelming rate in 2007. These numbers are unprecedented and are foreshadowing an epidemic. Rates are highest in the South; nine of the ten Southern states have the highest obesity rates in America. The West and Northeast have the lowest rates. Furthermore, each U.S. state has an obesity rate of more than 20% except for Colorado

Harvard Doctor David Ludwig said, When we have a 400 pound child with life threatening complications there may not be any great choices.

Experts say that removing kids from otherwise healthy environments will only add to mental health and obesity issues, especially since poor parenting is not the only factor for obesity.

California California Medicine