Children’s Right to Health: Childhood obesity

Panel: Katharina Eva Ó Cathaoir (University of Copenhagen), Sveinung Nygård (UiB), Ole Frithjof Norheim (UiB). Moderator: Jenny Krutzinna (UiB Centre for Research on Discretion and Paternalism).

Is childhood obesity a case of medical neglect? Does it warrant state intervention? What is the state’s responsibility in creating a regulatory framework that supports parents in making healthy choices for their children’s nutrition: prohibition of obesogenic marketing for children, hidden sugars, etc. Do children have a right to not just food, but to healthy and safe food? How is the issue of malnutrition/obesity addressed in the child welfare system? Have there been cases heard in national or international courts? The ECJ ruled in 2014 that obesity can be a disability, at least in the work context. Are parents and/or the state guilty of disabling children by not doing more to prevent childhood obesity?