Reality Check Counseling

Yes, a parent who allows a child to become obese is guilty of neglect. If a child were malnutritioned and too thin, it would be the same issue. As a parent, you have a responsibility to keep your child healthy. If you fail to do that, the state can intervene. That is the law. Very simply.

That said, I don't think the child should necessarily be removed from this parent's care. I think the parent needs support to learn how to set limits with the child, in order to improve the child's physical and emotional health.