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The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that social services may have to become increasingly involved in protecting obese children.

Communitycare.co.uk reports that the LGA is campaigning for a national debate on the topic with a view to assessing to what extent childhood obesity should be considered a factor of parental neglect.

David Rogers, LGA spokesperson on public health, told the news provider: "Councils are increasingly having to consider taking action where parents are putting children’s health in real danger. As the obesity epidemic grows these tricky cases will keep cropping up."

He added that it needs to be decided when local authorities can intervene if they think a child’s welfare is at risk.

Meanwhile, Dr Francisco Lopez-Jimenez of the US-based Mayo Clinic recently told attendees at the National Obesity Forum in London that three-quarters of adults are now overweight or obese.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Tam Fry said that overweight children should be taken away from their carers.

The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with obesity.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 10th, 2008 at 10:30 am and is filed under Obesity.