Fat people have rights too

I'm ok with fat people who don't want to be compared to others, or forced to be like others. I mean, if they want to live their lives that way, then let them be, just that they'll eventually have to face the consequences of having this lifestyle and health. What I don't like are fat people who try to force their "fat" lifestyle, diets etc onto others, even if the other person/people are their own children or relatives. It's a personal preference for a person to want to be fat, but it does not mean he or she has the rights to force this preference onto others. Just like there are fat people who don't like to become slim, there are also normal and healthy people who don't like to become fat. In short, you need to respect people's preferences if you want them to respect your preferences. As for discrimination by public (and maybe authorities), if you want to change their opinions about fat people, and treat them fairly, I can only "Good luck with trying that!" (with the sarcastic tone that is). Thing is, many people's mindset is "overweight = unhealthy/unsightly/....(every negative trait a person can have)" or somewhere along this line, and they might not be so willing to back down just because someone argues with them about this. I know this stings, but you have to face it. Reality hurts. At the end of the day, I can only think of two options that a fat person can take: 1) Remain fat, have poor health (and spending tons of money trying to maintain a semi-decent health), get discriminated, get shortchanged/ripped off(I'm sure you understand this better than me) and a whole bunch of problems and misery 2) Improve your diet, exercise, get healthy and say goodbye to all this misery As I have said from the start, it's entirely your own choice to make, whether you want to remain fat or do something to improve the situation. Just remember, you have to be prepared to face the consequences for the choice you make. Good luck in your life (no sarcasm this time) P.S. I figured it'll be better to put my response this way since there isn't really a need to convince anyone, as I intended to just put my opinions after all. Some things I mentioned might sound really harsh, but then that is what reality is about, so nothing personal here.

Hello PhillyDreamer Being fat has nothing to do with ones' ability to parent. The physical size of a parent has nothing to do with the quality of parenting. It is just wrong that this would even be brought up. I hope that the man is able to secure council and sue the socks off the people treating him this way. What a shame.

I think there's two kinds of fat people: a) active, healthy people that are larger for other reasons (like height and muscle mass) that being larger is more normal-looking or b) sloppy fat people, who just act as if they can eat and be lazy about life. You strike me as being part of the first group. Who is telling you that you aren't a good parent because of your size? That's absurd!

I think ANY kind of judgement is wrong. Some people are heavier, some are too thin and some are of different religion, etc... No one should put judgements on anyone else. Besides the fact that the way the doctors judge obesity is crazy anyway. Let me explain. The doctor told me that my children are OBESE!! Ok, my kids are in my profile pictures, you tell me if you think they are overweight. I bet you and half the world would say no way! My children are short for their age yes but overweight? NO. I dont think being on the heavier side makes anyone a bad parent. Now, I do think the parents that are overweight and let their children become that way are wrong! That I will say, the children do not deserve to be overweight just because the parents are... There are plenty of things that hinder someone being a good parent but being overweight is NOT one of them!

Hey phillyDreamer, Don't get pained by yourself. It is your life and and it is your freedom to own what you feel. If you need to stay fat then keep going with it. Never hear others harsh words or funny questions just leave it and enjoy your life at your best. A fat heavy man has certain limitations as you mentioned to get rid from them it is better to reduce it so that you can save the travelling bills on the plane.

Definitely, fat people like you have the rights to. I think it' not right to deprive a parent from the custody of his child only because he weighs more. You are right some old people still could take care of their kids so why should a fat person couldn't do that? Being fat is always not the fault of an individual and so it is not enough to discriminate someone because he is fat. However if you could do something to lessen your weight at your own will and not because it is what other people are saying, then do so. It's for your own health.

I just want to ask if you are agreeable that obesity itself is unhealthy and as such is considered a health hazard where the individual is more likely to contract heart attacks, hypertension and diabetes. I don't think the case that you mention is actually one which is discriminating the obese parent but somewhat factual which if he still does not want to do anything to his current situation, there is a chance that he might not even be able to see his child reach adulthood or in some extreme circumstance reach independence. Also, I am guessing that he might have some potentially existing medical condition where it was being taken into consideration. As for me, I really do not have anything against fat people but I would not support their indifference where they would feel comfortable and to a certain extent alright. I think you should not feel angry but take it from another perspective to motivate you to do something to your condition which is actually beneficial in the long run. I am sure you are aware that the medical cost for the conditions I had mentioned are not getting lower with times and besides the cost, I am sure the road to recovery can be long and painful. I am sure when you suffer the torments of illness, your love ones will suffer with you as well. Like you had mentioned, even traveling could be costly to the pocket where I would actually consider unnecessary. The money could have been better spent on a more luxurious accommodation or shopping. What do you think? Let me encourage you to look the other way and do something about the weight where I am sure will be more beneficial than anything else.

I totally agree dude. It's sick. To me it doesn't matter if your old, fat or thin, or even a bit disabled. They should give people the chance to prove their worth and not just take their rights from under them. This really pissed me off. Now who's leg do I have to break?

No one has the right to call you an unfit parent, true. However, your weight does pose a problem on plane and amusement park rides, where weight of the persons climbing aboard effects how the plane or ride functions. They don't do it just to be mean, a plane carrying extra weight has to burn extra fuel and the typical amusement park car is not built to accommodate larger people. As for clothes not being available at a normal store, they're just mean to everybody! lol Lots of people can't find their right size at a department store. My sister has to take in everything she buys because size zero really isn't stocked at Walmart. Stores cater to the average person, and unfortunately most of us aren't actually average. I had not heard of anyone getting their kids taken away because of their weight before, and I agree that it is hardly fair considering the number of disabled and older parents considered fit to raise their children despite whatever obstacles they might face.

You are very good looking guy . If I was with you I would remind you everyday that you need to loose weight. Its not healthy and it does kill people. Just change a bit your life style.

I have no problem with you,Dreamer.You are fat and you weigh 300lbs.So what? The only thing that makes me concerned is your vulnerability to diabetes and heart related problems.That's all.I have many fat persons as my friends and I am proud to have them as my friends for they are so sweet and cooperative.I don't know whether I am right,but,I think,all sweet persons are like that- sweet,friendly and cooperative.

Hi PhillyDreamer! Even without reading this discussion. Just the Header or the Title - My answer is an absolute - "I agree" with you. Every one of us here have equal rights and privileges. I weigh 175 pounds and I have no problem with anyone especially people with that kind. If ever I'll be in that position, I will feel the same way too. "Respect begets respect" is the thing here.

yeah some how that was right, what ever they was fat, they still humans to, what the problem is just because they was Fat, and make them heavier than slimer people, and they can spend more space than a normal.

I do agree with you. Fat people do have rights. And I meant EVERY human being has rights, no matter how big or small. We admit that people do discriminate, humans do discriminate. But I think that the custody was just going too far. It doesn't matter if you're fat or not. What matter is that you could manage in supporting your children, your kids. It doesn't matter if your ugly or not. What matters is that you love your child and will do anything just to keep them happy. Unfit parenting isn't supposed to refer to people who has a lot of pounds in them but to people who beat their children black and blue, people who abuse kids. THAT's what unfit parent is about. I feel furious just hearing that others are taking rights away from people who even deserve them. They should be given a good shake in the head

good for you for standing up for your rights. the thing is, if you don't no one else will. did you see the video on the woman who was taunted by 13 year olds because she was overweight? she was a bus monitor and the kid videoed it and it went viral. i saw the father on tv last night saying that apology was enough and that the apology should end everything. if i was that lady, i would have pressed charges! i hope these boys get punished some how.

It would be boring if everyone was the same size and weight. My dog's groomer is a very overweight person but she is fit and healthy. She has a lovely smile and a wonderful personality. I do not discriminate about overweight, obese or fat people. Every person has feelings. It is awful that the man weighing 300 pounds is thought an unfit dad. Yes, old grandparents baby sit their grand kids. It is not easy to lose weight and a person should be accepted in society however fat he or she is. I think it is lucky we have the Internet for buying clothes. Airlines are mean on space and should have larger seats. Good luck.

I don't think that anybody denies that fat people have rights, but the issues that you discuss are genuine ones. With regards to being able to look after a child, I think that this is something that has to be considered as an individual case rather than just saying that everyone who is overweight can't look after a child. The simple fact is that if somebody has allowed themself to get to that weight, they don't understand enough about nutrition to look after a child and bring them up in a healthy way. I used to be fat myself, and have recently shed six stone. I feel so much better for it, and I know that you would to. Why would you want to be a size that clearly has an impact on the way that you're living your life?

That is uncalled for - you are right. So many handicapped parents would also lose their rights too. Who can say that obese people are any less capable than a blind person, or paralyzed person in a wheelchair. What about mental illness - they are hard to see or diagnose. This opens the door to so much discrimination. I am upset by this. I hope they overturn that verdict.

Wow, that is absurd. I have a nephew who also weights 300 pounds and very much active. I can't believe how people think that fat people are immobile huh? You are right, if grandparents as old as 70 years are allowed to take care of their little grandkids- and why not a 300 pounds 6feet tall young father cannot do his responsibility...all because he is fat- sounds funny. My nephew is 6ft tall, 38 yrs old and 300 pounds. A father of 16 yrs old boy and they played basketball.

I definitely agree with you on this. Base on this case I saw online, why we discriminate fat people, just we discriminate different color of people, make it unconstitutional. They can still raise a good child, and they can still work to provide bread on the table. As long as he is a good parent who loves his own child unconditionally. What is matter most for a child, is that a parent can give him love.