Is childhood obesity considered neglect?

The latest proposition by the U.S. government has many Americans outraged. No, I am not talking about proposals to raise the debt ceiling, but rather the government possibly taking obese children away from their parents and placing them in foster care. It might sound outrageous, but it quite possibly could happen. With obesity rates rising in the United States, especially among children, many are beginning to raise the question of whether or not parents should be held accountable for their child's weight. Let me just say that I am not in favor of the idea of government taking children away from their parents unless parents have abused or neglected their children. Does obesity constitute neglect? Should parents be held responsible if their children are morbidly obese? We know that malnourishment of a child is considered neglect, so why shouldn't obesity be considered the same? Is providing a healthy diet for your child just as important as providing health care for them? Should parents require their children to get off the couch and get outside to exercise? In my view, this is exactly why childhood obesity rates are on the rise. Too many parents today simply allow their children to sit in front of the T.V. or Xbox and don't encourage them to get outside and play with their friends in the neighborhood. When I was growing up, I came home from school, did my homework, and then went outside to play with my friends until mom called us home for supper. I understand that times have changed, and many parents are concerned for their child's safety if they send them down the street to play. However, don't we owe it to our children to provide them with the healthiest lifestyle possible? No one wants to have their children taken away from them. Hopefully, the possibility that children could be taken from their parents if they are obese will serve as a wake up call for both children and parents alike.