Two overweight British teenagers have been placed in foster care after their mother failed to improve their eating habits.
A judge told the Sussex Family Court the teenagers' health had been neglected, and they were at serious risk of facing major obesity issues.
Despite being provided with free gym memberships, Fitbits and Weight Watchers classes, the court says none of these resources were taken advantage of.
District Judge Gillian Ellis says the 17-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were "thoughtful, intelligent and articulate children" but had a poor diet.
"I accept what she says about the difficulty of compelling teenagers to act in a certain way but, clearly, had these habits been encouraged and modelled to the children from an early age, no element of compulsion would now arise."
Social workers had been working with the family for more than ten years. The children were living with their mother and father until 2019, before moving out.
However, the Daily Mail says they were still going to visit their parents often.
The judge said the siblings were also suffering from bullying and low self-esteem due to their size.
"I am aware that this is a serious, life-changing order, and one with which many people may disagree, taking the view that issues of obesity are matters of choice and lifestyle, with which it is inappropriate for the state to interfere."
"I am satisfied that this order is both necessary and proportionate for both children, in view of the serious and lifelong risks posed to their physical and mental health if nothing is done to change their lifestyle."
Judge Ellis said she is attaching no "moral blame" to the family, and her decision was driven by the long-term health of the children.
