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(NaturalNews) Weight is a sensitive topic for many people, but for Damien and Charlotte Hall of England it has become the main topic of discussion when it comes to their eligibility to adopt a child. The couple, who has been married for 11 years, was told in January 2009 that Mr. Hall`s weight of 156 kilograms (343 lbs) at 6` 1" puts him at serious risk for health problems that would affect the quality of life for a child. Because of this, the couple has been denied adoption privileges for the time being.

Does an overweight or obese parent pose an actual risk to an adopted child? It`s a tough question to ponder, but the council overseeing the Halls` adoption application says they`re concerned about Mr. Hall`s health. Statistically, having a body mass index (BMI) over 40 puts him at risk for serious health concerns like a stroke or heart attack. The fact that these events could end Mr. Hall`s life is a primary concern for the council, which hesitates to place a child in a home where s/he might lose their adoptive father in a few years.

The Halls say this idea is ludicrous. Basing their qualifications as parents on the off-chance that Mr. Hall might someday die seems rather obscure.

"I just feel as though we were only judged on my weight and not all the other good things about us," said Mr. Hall, 37. Mrs. Hall, 31, agreed and pointed out that her husband "has a full-time job and is very active. He walks our dog at least twice a day and doesn`t feel unfit or unwell."

The council said in its statement: "Part of this responsibility is advice for applicants on a range of suitability criteria, including any health and lifestyle issues which may impact on an applicant`s long term ability to adopt."

Another concern to address is whether the habits that caused Mr. Hall`s obesity will translate to an adopted child. Lifestyle factors that lead to obesity in a parent may also cause health problems and obesity in a child.

While it is certainly something to consider, the question remains as to whether or not this is where the focus of the final decision to approve an applicant should rest. A healthy family lifestyle is a very important aspect of a child`s life, but some may argue it`s not more important than other considerations such as emotional well-being and unconditional love.

It`s not a black and white issue, to be sure, but in today`s society where obesity is running rampant, it may very well become a more prevalent matter of discussion in adoption cases.

Booth, Jenny. Council tells couple they are too fat to adopt. Times Online. (2009)

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