A failure by parents of obese children to help them lose weight should be considered neglect, according to a group of medical experts.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, the group, led by Dr Russell Viner from the UCL Institute of Child Health in London, has said that "consistent failure by parents to change lifestyle and engage with professionals or with weight management initiatives would constitute neglect".

The group adds that such neglect should be treated more seriously as a child protection issue, particularly if an obese child is at risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes.

A failure by parents to address obesity could also signal other child protection concerns, they say.

The article, entitled "When does obesity become a child protection issue", adds: "In all areas of child health we have a duty to be open to the possibility of child neglect or abuse in any form."

Being called for by the group is the drafting of guidelines for social workers and other children’s professionals on the child protection concerns around obesity.