Health Law and Ethics

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Childhood obesity

A major ethical concern in regards to the obesity issue is the children that are greatly affected. Currently, 1 in 4 (25%) children are classified as overweight or obese (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013). Moreover, studies have found that 200 000 children within Australia between the ages of 2-15 are obese with more than 20 000 of this figure being children aged between 2-4 (Cornish, 2014). This clearly illustrates the ethical issue surrounding childhood obesity and the astonishing prevalence of it within our society. Child obesity is a serious concern that must be addressed. There is substantial evidence that reveals that obesity causes both immediate and long-term health implications on children (Gill et al, 2009). Some of these health issues can include orthopaedic complications, sleep apnoea, hepatic steatosis as well as other negative outcomes already associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental illnesses and many other conditions (Gill et al, 2009). As a result of these implications, it is imperative that young children are a targeted population when it comes to intervention and ensure that they are not subjected to this type of lifestyle and future.

Child obesity and the severe health consequences that can come about due to being obese is a serious ethical concern and raises the issue of negligence and abuse. Children are vulnerable, and at a young age, their parents have an enormous impact and influence on their lives and decision-making. It is fundamental to target this ethical concern due to the vulnerability of children. The increased risk and likelihood of developing chronic conditions as a result of being obese at an early age must be addressed. Despite there being numerous reasons as to why children at such a young age are classified as overweight or obese, it is important to provide a supporting and nurturing environment that encourages healthy habits, including understanding the benefits of nutritious food and regular exercise. This can come from many forms, including educating parents as well as school based curriculum that educates students on how to cook and other valuable knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Through improving the health and wellbeing of our children, it will reduce pressure on the government in the future and tackle the obesity issue.

Legal Issues on Obesity:

Taxing junk food

The development and implementation of legal frameworks are a key aspect in creating effective health strategies and public health (Mensah et al, 2004). These policies and legal frameworks have played an important role in controlling some chronic diseases and shaping the behaviours that lead to this (e.g. smoking) (Wolfson, 2001). Obesity is such an issue within this country and state that it is no longer just a public health issue, but also a political one (Tao & Glazer, 2005). It is important that the government can provide a framework in the control of obesity to educate individuals and provide a supportive environment. Moreover, it is well recognised that fast food companies, such as McDonalds and KFC, are key stakeholders in contributing to the obesity problem (Bobba, 2014). The taxing of junk food has long been a debate within Victoria. In the lead up to discussions of implementing such a measure, Victoria has placed many restrictions on fast food and junk food within schools and other aspects (Obesity Policy Coalition, 2014). This has included providing better fast food labelling to indicate the kilojoules within the product, less junk food at children sporting events and within school canteens, and reducing exposure of junk food and advertising to young children (Obesity Policy Coalition, 2014).

Although these measures have been put in place and have begun to create a supportive environment for children, more can be done. Obesity continues to be rife within Victoria and is not only an enormous public health issue, but also an economic and financial one. Studies and research have found that without any serious and influential action, the obesity issue will result in “catastrophic” outcomes for the health system (Comans, as citied by Lewis, 2013). It is imperative that the government creates a structural framework for society instead of continually blaming the individual themself (Comans, as citied by Lewis, 2013). Placing a tax on junk food will give a further structure to society and further deter individuals from purchasing foods that are high in fat and sugar.

However, purely enforcing a tax on junk food cannot be a solution in isolation. There needs to be education used in conjunction with these policies. Educating people on not only why taxes have been enforced, but also healthier alternatives and education on nutrition in order to empower individuals so that they can take control of their own health. In tackling this issue of obesity and intervening in order to improve the health of individuals and populations, it is important that it takes into account people’s rights and to ensure that people still feel that they can have choices to ensure that it is ethically correct.

The school environment and curriculum

Currently, there are some policies implemented by the government within schools in Victoria in regards to exercise; however, much more work can be done within this setting (Story et al, 2009). An important area that has gained recent attention is creating healthier canteens within schools. Research has found that children who consume foods from the canteen regularly had an increased intake of high-energy foods due to the junk food and sugary drinks consumed (Bell & Swinburn, 2004). Furthermore, studies concluded that the school environment can heavily influence and contribute to behaviours that endorsed obesity (Bell & Swinburn, 2004). Due to this, it is vital that schools are creating an environment that is healthier for children to encourage and promote healthy eating and lifestyles from a tender age. Research has found that the school setting plays such a crucial role in providing these supportive environments (Go For Your Life, 2013) and thus we should take advantage of this to educate children from a young age the benefits of healthy eating and exercise.

In doing this, many policies can be adopted to make these suggestions and research a reality. The School Canteens and other School Food Services Policy is one policy that has been implemented to address these issues of children consuming high-energy foods and sugary drinks that are increasing their likelihood of becoming overweight or obese. Moreover, compulsory physical education within schools is another