A British couple wanted to move to New Zealand after their wedding. They ran into one small problem, or actually it was one large problem. New Zealand told them they are too fat to immigrate to their country.
Robyn Toomath, a spokesman for New Zealand's Fight the Obesity Epidemic, said, "The immigration department can't afford to import people who are going to be a significant drain on our health resources ... You can see the logic in assessing if there is a significant health cost associated with this individual and that would be a reason for them not coming in."
No, I can't see that logic. Because under that rationale you would also ban people who smoke and sky dive and have unprotected sex. Are they going to be checking to see if people are using condoms during intercourse before they let them move to New Zealand? And how would they do that check exactly?
In the case of weight, they actually use Body Mass Index that compares your weight to your height and sees if you are within the prescribed limits or not. So, they physically weigh these people and tell them if they're too fat to live in the country. That's sick.
Meddling in people's private lives started with messing with smokers. I worried at the time that it would spread to other areas of our private lives where we made decisions that our companies or governments or insurers disapproved of. And now it has. This is a terrible trend and we have to make sure it's contained. So, I propose banning New Zealanders from coming here and spreading their discriminatory policies to us.
Finally, there is good news and bad news from the British couple trying to move to New Zealand. The groom lost two inches off his waistline and he has passed the health requirements. But unfortunately, his wife still hasn't made it. So she is stuck in England, still dieting.
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New Zealand Bans Woman for Being Too Fat
Posted Nov 20th 2007 10:08AM by Cenk Uygur
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Reader Comments ( Page 9 of 9)
121. I think that they have the right. That is New Zealand, they have different laws and views then America does. Although, I do believe that obese people feel like they should have special treatment...hell, you werent born that way, you got that way by choice. If certain people get special treatment, its because they need it, such as mentally and physically handicapped people. Fat people shouldnt get a handicapped sign because they are too fat to walk, they should be made to park at the end of the parking lot. New Zealand has every right to pick and choose who they want and dont want in their country because they are help eachother. America should really do the same. Half the people that we have here need to be sent off somewhere else since they too are a drain on our economy!
centslady at 1:57PM on Nov 27th 2007
122.
'88. I so agree with New Zelanders. In fact I applaud to them. Why new burden ought be pressed upon them by over weight person. She must prove that she has skills important and beneficial to the people and economy of New Zeland. Otherwise she will go on welfare and drain it as a personal milk cow. I live in New York. I am immigrant. I am a Veteran. I see Welfare students draining system out of thousands of $$$. They should be ashamed, and try to find work. You do not see young Poles or Belorus on a welfare, but plenty of blacks and latinos apply for welfare as soon as they can barely sign."
so when did this become a "race" thing? Even those who move here abide by the American Rule of Racism. How funny. Let me tell you something. I am black, and from Jamaica, and england. My mum and dad migrated here (god knows why) and busted their arses to create a future for themselves. My mother still busts her arse and none of my family members who immigrated here, no matter how POOR they are, are on welfare or any other assistance programs. So, when you make such ASININE and generalist statements, you come off looking like an ignoramus.
Other than that I was quite enjoying the stream of sometimes, but mostly nonsensical posts. keep it up...
nikki at 3:34PM on Nov 27th 2007
123. I fully support New Zealand.
It is their country and they do NOT want a drain from obese people immigrating there and then draining their socialized medical plan for all citizens.
Certain countries are banning smoking, while obesity is just as much a drain. Much higher medical bills, more sick leave, using of emergency services, using of wheelchairs and scooters that are paid by Medicare.
All because these people have allowed themselves to get FAT and slobby. And don't give me the jive about thyroid problems.
The average overweight child, teenager, middle aged person and senior citizen in the USA, at least does not have a thyroid condition.
They are contracting diabetes at an alarming rate, mainly because they are fat! They take up two seats on the bus, they huff and puff like they were going to drop dead in the office, just going to the lunchroom. They waddle in the malls like they were going to fall over any minute and bump into people all the time, because they can't keep their balance.
GET off your duff, put down those fatty snacks you stuff your body with, turn off the TV, VCR and Game Stations, and start learning proper dieting and excercise.
Don't blame anyone else or George Bush, get the lead out and get the pounds off. You will be healthier and maybe could immigrate to New Zealand
.
THE USA should have strict rules on FAT people like New Zealand.
And I also think the airlines should definitely charge these fatties for TWO or THREE seats.
IF you have ever had to sit next to a 300 or 400 pound person on a plane, you will NO exactly how it is.
Stop pampering the fatties who will not control their eating and become a burden on society
And I don't care to hear the comments that you know nice fat people. That is not the POINT! They need to go to a diet doctor, nutritionist, and gym. IF they don't have much money, then try the YWCA or just plain WALKING.
They cost our Government and companies employing them a lot of extra money!
Bettina at 3:24PM on Nov 27th 2007
124. This is far from being about racism. Regardless of the couple's ethnic background, they would be banned from entering New Zealand...as they should. That country has a socialized health care system, the taxes from those citizens pay for their health care. This couple could be a drain on their coverage due to their obesity and the potential of health issues that go along with obesity. The related health risks associated with being overweight are striking. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and stroke are just some of the hazards. There are currently 1.6 billion overweight adults in the world, according to the World Health Organization. That number is projected to grow by 40% over the next 10 years. The United States ranks 9th in being the 'Worlds Fattest Country' New Zealand ranks 17th. America is getting fatter by the year, which puts more strain on the government to provide some form of health care for the obese and their ailments. At least New Zealand sees the problem and is trying to avoid adding the fiscal drain by monitoring who is trying to enter their country. New Zealand needs to be applauded not bashed for their screening process.
Kelly at 5:27PM on Nov 27th 2007
125. We need that policy here in the U.S.A. At least a modified one that gets rid of fat asses in our country that are draing the already broken system.
DAVE MODLIN at 7:20PM on Nov 30th 2007
126. http://metabolicweightloss.blogspot.com
THE BEST way to loose weight and keep it off. Great tips, great recipes, and great ideas!
jllcco at 10:35PM on Dec 4th 2007
127. This nation or any other for this reason has the right to bann whoever they please. This couple would be a drain on there Health system in the long run and thats why they decided this. I am not total in agreement with this BUT I do understand it why.
If America would do this the world would scream, but New Zealand is small and dont get involved with any world politics so they get away with this.
J.B at 11:21AM on Dec 8th 2007
128. Since when does anyone have the right to move to New Zealand and demand free health care from the taxpayers after a lifetime of poor choices? There is no fundamental right to move to whatever country you want. New Zealand isn't forcing them to diet. They can always move here to America will all the other hogs, instead, if they want to keep eating cheeseburgers.
Sean at 1:06AM on Jan 13th 2008