DUNDEE MAN BLAMES 'FAT FAMILY' LABEL FOR HIS FAMILY’S BREAKDOWN AND ONGOING TRAUMA
The head of what was once known as Dundee's "fat family" says he feels a broken man after living under the burden of that label for ten years.Andrew Anderson openly admits he has struggled to cope since losing his seven children a decade ago, followed by the death of his wife Pamela in 2017.
The family’s struggles began in 2008 when social services warned the couple that their children would be taken away if they did not lose weight.
Following a three-year dispute over their children’s weight, Dundee City Council intervened, leading to all seven children being placed into care in 2011.
Andrew describes the situation: "It all started with concerns over their weight, and it spiraled out of control." Andrew contends that the family was made an example of, claiming: "I believe we were scapegoats.
At that time, obesity was a huge issue, and social workers decided to target us to set an example." He added, "No matter what we did, it was never good enough, and it completely destroyed our family." He recalls that their first contact with social services was after one child was hospitalized due to an injury, which Andrew firmly states was not caused by him.
Social workers, he suggests, became involved after they saw the children and deemed them overweight, leading to their removal.
"They wouldn't give up until all the children were taken into care," Andrew claims.
He reflects that the family was happy and healthy, with Andrew stating, "My children were active and enjoyed their lives.
Social services took control, telling us what to feed the children and how to live, which I believe was wrong." Despite admitting he was a bit overweight himself, Andrew remains convinced his children’s health was never in question.
"Pamela was a great cook, and we had no concerns about their health," he said.
"We had a range of activities, including cycling, and I question what gave social workers the right to control our lives." After the children were removed, the youngest two were adopted, while others were fostered.
Andrew describes the personal toll: "Our marriage broke down under the stress, and I moved away from Dundee." He reveals his health also declined significantly.
"I am now on my own and struggle to care for myself." Despite these hardships, Andrew still keeps in touch with most of his children, including a 25-year-old named Kerry Ann, except for the two who were adopted.
"My dream is to see them again one day," he says, indicating hope despite the pain.
Andrew’s story gained media attention over a decade ago, though he and his family chose to remain anonymous to protect the children’s identities.
Recently, Andrew decided to go public after his grandchild, Kerry Ann’s baby, was taken into care.
Kerry Ann, who has mental and physical health issues but believes she can care for her child, shares his concern that their family’s turbulent history influenced the authorities’ decision.
"I am going to support Kerry Ann in her bid to get her child back," Andrew affirms.
The spokesperson for Dundee City Council stated: "We do not comment on individual cases, particularly those involving vulnerable adults and children." This case highlights the lasting trauma caused by the family’s struggles with weight and the social services' intervention, leading to separation and hardship for all involved, with Andrew resolutely supporting his daughter’s efforts to reunite with her child.
