Weight

[Serenitiee41]

My husband and I would love to foster and have just started assessment. Currently, all the checks are being done including a medical report. My husband has already has his done but I am terrified. I am active, work about 10 hours a day and try to go to the gym 2 to 3 times a week, I am very overweight - around 18 stone. We are hoping to have short term placements until we are experienced and then perhaps change to long term fostering. Has anyone ever had their weight stop them from becoming a foster carer? By the way, my husband will be the full term carer while I continue to work. Any advice please. Thanks

Your weight shouldn't stop your application, but will be mentioned in your medical as ideally they want "healthy, active" foster carers. Medicals should not be aiming to find reasons for people not to be approved, but should be an opportunity for you to address any health issues you may have. An active overweight person is much better than a normal weight person who is not active and has food issues. Also a lot of children in care come with food issues so it is important to have a healthy attitude to food generally. Good luck with your application

www.bemyparent.org.uk/info-for-families/about-fostering/fostering-the-basics,142,AR.html
Read the paragraph on weight.
Your BMI will be discuss at panel. So be prepared to answer a few questions.

It's not to embarrass anyone. The panel have to been seen to have asked questions and that the applicant understands the long term health implications. A medical office will have given his opinion. They could give a recommendation to panel. If you can in between your assessment and panel. Try and lose some weight any reduction is seen in a positive light.

Thank you both for answering. I am currently trying to reduce the weight and can also take a copy of the gym card to the doctors to confirm that I am a regular member. They also take your vitals so will see if they could update that on a regular basis to show (fingers crossed) that the numbers are moving in the right direction.

Thanks again x

In my experience, most foster carers are overweight. (Sweeping statement, just thinking of who I know). I gained 3 stone since becoming a foster carer. Mixture of eating on the hoof, comfort eating for stress, and no chance or energy to get out to the gym. I need to sort this out now to be honest, as it affects my energy levels.