In 1966 I graduated from engineering and worked with three Brits (hope that's not a slur).

The first thing I learned was that a stone = 14 pounds (avoirdupois, not Sterling).

The second thing I learned was that the rubber things on your auto wheels are tyres.

Then I learned that the edge of the road was a kerb not a curb.

Even though I'm now bilingual (Imperial and metric), I still weigh myself in pounds. But I will admit that stones isn't such a disgusting number for my weight. But 70 stone is gross.

My engineering practice includes the structural design of support structures for patient lift systems in hospitals, and sadly we now design for "persons" that weigh 800 lbs (approx 364 kg). To this we allow for an overload of 25% which means the systems can safely carry 1,000 lbs.

I too would suggest the same approach for this guy (edbulmer) - get up and get your own food. I'll admit that the excuse for overweight caused by "glands" or "genetics" is wearing thin on me.

Glenn