Bill would fine parents for kids’ obesity in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Legislators in Puerto Rico are debating a bill that would fine parents of obese children up to $800 if they don’t lose weight.

The bill aims to improve children’s wellbeing and help parents make healthier choices, Sen. Gilberto Rodriguez said in a statement.

Public hearings for the bill are scheduled to begin Friday.

If approved, public school teachers would flag potential obesity cases and refer them to a counselor or social worker, depending on the severity of the case. Health Department officials would then meet with the parents and determine whether the obesity is a result of bad eating habits or a medical condition. They also would create a diet-and-exercise program combined with monthly visits to ensure it’s being followed.

After six months, officials would evaluate the child again, with parents possibly facing between $500 and $800 in fines if the situation does not improve within another six months to a year.

More than 28 percent of children in Puerto Rico are considered obese, compared with some 18 percent in the U.S. mainland.