BY NUALA MCALOON

"Children don't offend me when they say things like, 'that big fat man' because they are open and honest, but when adults make those comments, it does hurt. You become the butt of people's jokes such as: 'when did you last see your feet?' or 'do you pay for two when you're getting on the bus?'"

This is just a snippet of the type of discriminatory abuse that 44-year-old, 34-stone Anthony McCormack, from Lisnaskea has to contend with on a regular basis.

At a weight of 34 stone, Anthony is clinically described as, 'morbid obese'.

As a result, depression is just one of the emotional consequences he endures, while his physical health problems are endless. He comes from a family of eight brothers and six sisters, only two of whom are slim. His grandparents and mother were also overweight and, as such, his GP has informed him that it is in his family's nature to be overweight. His obesity has instigated a condition known as sleep apena syndrome which gives Anthony the sensation signalled from the brain to stop breathing, Subsequently, he relies on a machine to stop this occurring. He also has hypertension which ensures his blood pressure is always high. His joints are constantly sore and, while he can wash and dress himself, he depends entirely on others. For instance, he gets 15 minutes Home Help a day to help him get his socks and shoes on.

He is currently on the waiting list for bariatric surgery in Liverpool and, after two years of waiting, he is hoping that his call will come in the near future.

He doesn't like seeing his image in the mirror, and one of his biggest hardships is living with the depression his obesity has incurred and the snide remarks he gets from the public. In fact, he suggests that, if it wasn't for the support of his family and friends on whom he depends, he would not be able to live any sort of normal life.

"I try to make the best of every situation. People say fat people are jolly but that's because they make the best of their situation but, deep down nobody wants to look like that."

Contrary to public perception, Anthony follows a relatively healthy eating regime, and has tried every diet possible to reduce his weight, Herbal Life, Slimfast, Weightwatchers, and Unislim. His biggest loss was 20 years ago when he managed to shed a whopping four stone and 10 pounds. He even attended 'overeaters anonymous', the equivalent to the AA for alcoholics when a class was set up in Omagh, something which he did find beneficial in helping him cope emotionally but, unfortunately, this soon dried up due to shortage of numbers.

His turn to bariatric surgery is therefore a last resort.

"I first looked about it four years ago. I had to go through a series of interviews with psychologists and congenial behaviourists to make sure it was not for pride or vanity reasons that I wanted it done. I was then considered a suitable client for surgery because of the severity of my obesity."

But, Anthony has no illusions and certainly no desire to be a catalogue model.

"I just want to be fit to go for a walk without being in pain and be fit to put on my socks and shoes."

And, he is concerned and angry with the lack of support for obese people.

"Obesity is on the increase in this area lately. I get great support from the nurses and doctors in Lisnaskea Health Centre. They are always encouraging me and never condemn me. They know I am trying.

"I feel that there is so much more help with drugs, alcohol, smoking and anorexia and bulimia than there is for people with obesity. Obesity is an eating disorder at the end of the day."

In a bid to help people in his situation, Anthony suggests more 'one to one' counselling and group therapy is required. He would also like to see more shops stock clothes in his size. He feels the price of large items of clothing are more expensive than the norm.

"When I go to a restaurant, chairs with arms are no go, low chairs are no go. I do feel discriminated against."