Parents of obese children in Puerto Rico could face fine

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.

Sen. Gilberto Rodriguez says the bill aims to improve children's wellbeing and help parents make healthier choices.

Public hearings for the bill are scheduled to begin Friday.

If approved, public school teachers would flag potential obesity cases. Health Department officials would then meet with 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, and parents could be fined if the situation does not improve.

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.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control defines childhood obesity has having a body mass index or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex.

Several doctors including the president of Puerto Rico's chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics have spoken out against the measure, saying it is unfair.

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