Couple Were ‘Turned Down For Adoption Because They Were Obese’ 

A couple has claimed they were initially turned down for adoption ‘because they were obese’.

The anonymous pair said they applied to adopt a child after struggling to conceive naturally for three years. 

Speaking to The Metro, they claimed that they approached Barnardo’s, a voluntary organisation in the UK, and were told they’d be ‘perfect’ as they were ‘young and had good jobs’. 

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However, the man then claimed that he and his wife were advised by the area manager they would need to lose weight first. 

He alleged: “My wife and I couldn’t help but feel incredibly hurt and upset, as we knew our body shape could and would never impact our ability to parent.

“We were both given a weight target of a stone to lose, which would be confirmed through medical examinations.

“The pressure it placed on us was unmeasurable. We felt guilty whenever we ate and then there would be tension if one of us lost weight but the other didn’t. 

“At times we even considered giving up as it was so hard. But we were determined to do it as we desperately wanted to be parents.” 

After the couple lost weight, they were put on the national register, and became ‘incredibly popular’. 

They ended up adopting a child and say ‘all the stresses [they’d] faced disappeared’ when they welcomed the child into their home. 

Four years later, the parents decided to adopt another child. Despite previously being approved, there were more discussions around their weight again. 

The father said: “It felt so hurtful given we were approved adopters and yet it was still an issue.

“Of course, my wife and I both believe we need to offer the best for our children and that should be a priority to every parent, but surely the potential worth of a mum or a dad shouldn’t be based on their body shape?”

In response to the claims, a Barnardo’s spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on individual applications from prospective adopters.

“When considering whether someone is suitable to adopt, Barnardo’s looks at many aspects of their lives including their health. 

“This will include an assessment by a qualified medical consultant, who may make recommendations for lifestyle changes to improve their health and wellbeing.”

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