Inquest Examines Parents' Role In Obese Boy's Death

[icyfroth]

A NSW coroner is investigating how a 10-year-old boy died of obesity-related complications despite repeated warnings from doctors and state government departments.

The Newcastle boy, who cannot be identified, died of a massive brain injury in September 2010 due to a lack of oxygen related to his morbid obesity, the Newcastle Herald reports.

The coronial investigation is probing the role of the boy's parents, the Department of Family and Community Services and the Department of Education and Training in his death.

The boy, who suffered from sleep apnoea, had a lengthy

history of medical problems and was provided with a weight management plan by doctors at John Hunter Children's Hospital as far back as 2007.

As a seven-year-old he weighed more than 50kg and had a body mass index double that of a healthy boy of his age.

The Department of Family and Community Services were also aware of the boy's situation, with the child the subject of four "risk of harm" reviews between 2008 and 2010

The reviews were triggered by the boy's morbid obesity and related health issues and his parents' drug use.

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My comment? It's all very well to collect the baby bonus but you should still look after your kids.

[**meep**]

The coronial investigation is probing the role of the boy's parents, the Department of Family and Community Services and the Department of Education and Training in his death.

Opens up the school weigh ins debate, doesnt it?

http://www.medicaldaily.com/fat-letters-and-annual-weigh-ins-questioned-should-schools-measure-and-r...

[icyfroth]

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@**meep** wrote:

The coronial investigation is probing the role of the boy's parents, the Department of Family and Community Services and the Department of Education and Training in his death.

Opens up the school weigh ins debate, doesnt it?

http://www.medicaldaily.com/fat-letters-and-annual-weigh-ins-questioned-should-schools-measure-and-r...

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It reflects on all all sorts of societal problems, Meep.

[twinkles**stars]

Did the boy suffer any health issues that caused his weight?

[lis351]

Did the boy suffer any health issues that caused his weight?

Not from what I have read. He suffered a poor upbringing, drug addled parents, a childrens services dept. stretched too far to help him. Could a health issue really cause a 10 year old to weigh 70kg??

[icyfroth]

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@lis351 wrote:

Did the boy suffer any health issues that caused his weight?

Not from what I have read. He suffered a poor upbringing, drug addled parents, a childrens services dept. stretched too far to help him. Could a health issue really cause a 10 year old to weigh 70kg??

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Apart that he died, you mean?

[lis351]

What?? I was answering Twinks post in relation to health issues causing such a weight, not the effect it had on his health/death. I have absolutely no doubt that his weight was the cause of his death.

[icyfroth]

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@lis351 wrote:

What?? I was answering Twinks post in relation to health issues causing such a weight, not the effect it had on his health/death. I have absolutely no doubt that his weight was the cause of his death.

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ok 'pologies....

[cat_mioux]

He was probably malnourished as well as obese. Drug addled parents, poor upbringing?  Poor little kid must have lived on takeaway food. Minimum chips are a cheap alternative to griiled chicken and salad when you have to budget for your drugs. *rolls eyes*.

I hope they charge the parents with neglect if not manslaughter.

[toon_town_nutter]

 they were closed on every occasion as other children were deemed to be at greater risk.

Too many kids not enought DOCS workers.