Review article
https://doi.org/10.32903/p.9.1.5
THE EPIDEMIC OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY – WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND WHAT ARE THE ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS?
Valentina Krstanović
orcid.org/0009-0006-1857-4389
; Faculty of Education, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek
Anita Tot
orcid.org/0009-0003-3504-6412
; Faculty of Education, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek
Krešimir Vidačić
orcid.org/0009-0009-8782-9797
; Faculty of Education, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The global epidemic of childhood obesity is becoming an increasingly serious global issue with long-term consequences on children’s health. The key question is who bears responsibility for children’s health, and what ethical implications arise from these decisions. Numerous factors contribute to this issue: the family, the education system, the food industry, and the broader social and political community. Though parents play a crucial role in shaping children’s eating habits and encouraging their physical activity, the education system should not be excluded, as schools have a responsibility to promote a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand, children are often targeted by the food industry through its marketing strategies, so the industry shares part of the responsibility due for promoting unhealthy products. Governments should take a more active role in regulating these practices and ensuring access to healthy food options for all. Important ethical questions are being raised, such as the level of individual freedom of choice in these situations, social responsibility towards young people, and the balance between personal freedom and necessary public health measures. The state’s role in regulating the food industry and enabling access to a healthier lifestyle, especially in less privileged communities, is particularly important. This paper will analyse the causes of children’s obesity, the responsibility of different factors, and the ethical dimensions of this complex public health issue through a review of relevant literature.
Keywords
ethical implication; the education system; responsibility; the food industry; obesity
Hrčak ID:
345603
URI
Publication date:
10.12.2025.
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