Foster homes for neglected children with severe obesity – debated but rarely studied

Aim To explore current research and theoretical articles on foster home placement of children with severe obesity. Methods An integrative literature review. Literature searches in six electronic databases included theoretical, quantitative and qualitative articles and case reports published in English (2008-2018) on the topic of severe childhood obesity and foster home placement. Results Seventeen selected papers included six theoretical articles, nine quantitative studies, one qualitative study and one case report. Eight of the nine quantitative studies did not specify the grading of obesity in children in foster care. The case report and the qualitative study showed distinct and sustainable body mass index (BMI) reductions after a child had been placed in foster care. Five theoretical articles justified foster care placement when chronic parental neglect led to severe obesity in the child, while one article emphasised the opposite. Conclusion Parental and societal neglect of children with severe obesity placed in a foster home is rarely studied or the exclusive aim of research. The views of the children themselves are lacking in research articles, as well as the child's right to health obligations concerning children with severe obesity.