Spoilt rotten?.

This troubling documentary looks at some of the life-threatening but preventable conditions that affect children in our society. Richard Bilton reports from Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool. Obesity and tooth decay are among some of the common problems. We meet Leon who, at 5, weighs the same as an average 17-year-old and Kaitlyn who has to have all of her childhood molar teeth removed due to eating too many sweets. Smoking within the home can cause problems with hearing and breathing although one of the parents featured is reluctant to break his habits. Some conditions such as obesity and tooth decay may be described as a result of 'over-loving,' the parent refusing to take responsibility and say no to a child's demands. Treating preventable conditions costs Alder Hey Hospital over £1 million a year and uses up valuable theatre time for more serious conditions. There is also a disturbing amount of teenagers turning up in A&E due to alcohol abuse. Steven Ryan from Alder Hey says that the problem is unprecedented historically and is getting worse. The hospital are attempting to instigate preventative measures.