Liverpool City Council is seriuously considering a ban on the word “obese” because it is offensive to overweight and fat children. They plan to replace it with 'unhealthy weight'. Many parents and health authorities cosider this too much and condemn it as 'preposterous'. This idea originated at a mock parliament held in a Liverpool school manned by around 90 students.
According to many parents the word “obese” carries a stigma but the cncept is to stigmatise the condition so that children take part in physcial activity and a healthier life to avoid it. Tam Fry of the obesity prevention charity the Child Growth Foundation agreed to this thought saying, “If you’re obese you’re obese. I can see where the children are coming from and the word carries a stigmatisation but unfortunately some times schoolchildren have to be taught the realities of life….If you have a problem, particularly when it’s as serious as this, it needs addressing.”
However the Council believes otherwise. A spokeperson said, “All the young people’s recommendations will be considered by the council with a view to include them in the delivery of the Children and Yound People's Plan.” Jeff Dunn, co-ordinator of the Liverpool Schools’ Parliament, said: 'The idea is that obesity has a negative connotation behind it…They felt unhealthy weight is more positive and a better way to promote it. The term ‘obese’ would turn people off, particularly young people.” They also suggested that classmates and city sport stars could be appointed as 'food heroes' to promote healthy living within schools. A strong state intervention on pricing, availability and advertising of unhealthy foods can also be a step.
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