In Puerto Rico, senators do not joke about childhood obesity. A bill wants to establish a fine against parents whose children do not lose weight.
Finished the carrot, place to the stick. Puerto Rican MPs have submitted a bill on childhood obesity to the territory’s parliament. The text wants to penalize parents whose obese child does not lose weight … with a fine of several hundred euros.
500 to 800 euros
Senator Gilberto Rodriguez, who proposed this law, detailed its modalities. If passed, teachers will be empowered to report a student’s obesity to the health ministry. His officials will then be responsible for contacting the family. Their work would be carried out in two stages: to establish whether it is an obesity linked to lifestyle or to an illness, then to develop – with the parents – a food and physical education program. After 6 to 12 months of treatment, if the child has not lost weight, the parents are liable to a fine of 500 to 800 euros. Unpleasant measure, but necessary, if we are to believe the authors of the bill. In fact, 28% of young Puerto Ricans suffer from obesity.
UK wants to cut subsidies
Puerto Rico is not the only state to radicalize its fight against obesity. After attempting the incitement, the United Kingdom turns to the threat. “It is not fair to ask the taxpayer to pay the subsidies for people who refuse to accept support and treatment that would allow them to return to work,” Prime Minister David Cameron said. He therefore proposed cutting credits to people addicted to alcohol or drugs, as well as obese people who do not seek treatment.
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