S.A. Chef Too Fat for New Zealand

[scribblet]

Is this a form of discrimination because these days it seems over weight people are now the subject of derision and bigotry. The guy has actually lost weight since. I thought N.Z. was supposed to be an enlightened society (well so I've heard) .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23475583
Fat 'doesn't have to mean unfit'

Authorities in New Zealand have told a South African chef he is too fat to be allowed to live in the country.

Immigration officials said Albert Buitenhuis, who weighs 130kg (286 pounds), did not have "an acceptable standard of health".

He now faces expulsion despite shedding 30kg since he moved to the city of Christchurch six years ago.

New Zealand has one of the highest obesity rates in the developed world, with nearly 30% of people overweight.

Mr Buitenhuis and his wife, Marthie, moved from South Africa to Christchurch in 2007. At the time, the chef weighed 160kg.

cont...

[Bonam]

Is this a form of discrimination because these days it seems over weight people are now the subject of derision and bigotry. The guy has actually lost weight since.

No. Obesity is strongly correlated with a number of health conditions including cancers and cardiovascular health, all of which are expensive to treat. If an immigration policy requires a reasonable standard of health, then not admitting obese people seems like a perfectly reasonable thing to do.

[-TSS-]

The BBC conveniently forgets to tell something about the case:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2380021/Albert-Buitenhuis-New-Zealand-kicks-obese-man-country-290lbs-heavy.html

He also has a knee injury which could cost up to $20,000 to replace.

The Press reported that the couple’s doctor said he could bring his cholesterol and blood levels into the acceptable level within 26 weeks.
[...]

[bleeding heart]

Scribblett is right that fat people tend to receive a lot of derision, even apparent hatred...even as society fattens up all around them.

It's just cruel behavior, flat-out.

But I agree that the health problems are very real, and I seriously doubt this case has anything to do with disgust at obese people.

[clifflacon]

Is this a form of discrimination because these days it seems over weight people are now the subject of derision and bigotry. The guy has actually lost weight since. I thought N.Z. was supposed to be an enlightened society (well so I've heard) .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23475583

Fat 'doesn't have to mean unfit'

cont...

No. Obesity is strongly correlated with a number of health conditions including cancers and cardiovascular health, all of which are expensive to treat. If an immigration policy requires a reasonable standard of health, then not admitting obese people seems like a perfectly reasonable thing to do.

I strongly concur with Bonam that obesity is related to health problem but obesity and overweight can be dealed. Regular exercises and a good diet helps a persons to say away from obesity, overweight and health problems.

[cybercoma]

No. Obesity is strongly correlated with a number of health conditions

Associated not correlated. You know what relates even more strongly to many of these conditions? Stress.