Couple arrested after their 11-year-old son's weight balloons to 15 stone

The couple was arrested on suspicion of child cruelty after doctors became concerned about the boy’s wellbeing.

17:51 06 June 2014

A couple in Norfolk has been arrested after their 11-year-old son weight increased to a dangerous 15 stone. 

 

According to reports, doctors, who treated the youngster twice in one month, alerted the police as they grew concerned over his health. 

 

The parents – who have remained anonymous - were initially arrested and questioned in March of child neglect and cruelty. They are now on bail but in danger of losing the custody of their son.  

 

The boy’s mother argued that his weight gain was genetic and that they have tried to keep his size under control. ‘The idea that they could take away my son scares me so much. I’m nothing without my kids. I am chubby and the whole of my husband’s side of the family is big. It’s genetics. You can be genetically fat."

 

The mother added that despite being nearly three times the recommended weight for the boy’s age and height, she is not worried. 

 

"His weight isn’t that much of a big deal. He uses a Nintendo Wii to stay active and is on a strict diet."

 

The boy’s father, 49, said: "He’s always been big. He was born with shovels for hands and spades for feet. Everyone on my side of the family is big there’s nothing we can do about it. 

 

‘I only eat occasional kebabs. Our son’s favourite snack is steamed broccoli and he’s still big."