When it comes to weight, some people strive to keep their waistlines in check while others struggle with obesity.
Quick Facts About Seven Fattest People in the World
Obesity is a complex medical condition that has become a global epidemic, affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.
While most of us can only imagine what it would be like to weigh several thousand pounds, there are some individuals who have experienced the reality, reaching extreme levels of weight gain that have earned them a place in the Guinness World Record.
In this blog post, we will explore the lives of some of the fattest people in the world who have faced the challenges and consequences that came with their immense size. From Jon Brower Minnoch to Patrick Darren Deuel, these individuals' stories will leave you amazed and perhaps inspire you towards a healthier lifestyle.
Meet The Seven Fattest Person in the World and Their Backstories
1. Jon Brower Minnoch
Jon Brower Minnoch was born on September 29, 1941, in Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA. At his peak weight in 1978, he weighed over 1,400 pounds and was declared the world's heaviest man. His weight gain began in childhood, and by the age of 12, he weighed over 300 pounds. He continued to gain weight throughout his life, and by the age of 22, he weighed over 500 pounds.
In 1978, he was admitted to the University of Washington Medical Center due to cardiac and respiratory failure. He was diagnosed with massive generalised edema, a condition in which the body retains large amounts of extracellular fluids in the tissue.
He was placed on a strict diet, losing a lot of his weight in the process. Eventually, he died on September 10, 1983, weighing approximately 798 pounds, leaving behind two children with his wife, Jeanette Minnoch, who reportedly weighed around 110 pounds. The couple had also allegedly won a Guinness World Record for the greatest weight difference between couples.
2. Khalid Bin Mohsen
Khalid Bin Mohsen Shaari was a Saudi Arabian man who weighed approximately 1,345 pounds (610 kg) just behind Jon Brower Minnoch. He was bedridden for years and unable to move on his own due to his extreme obesity.
In 2013, he made international headlines after being forklifted from his home in Saudi Arabia to a hospital in Riyadh by order of Saudi king Abdullah.
His story brought attention to the issue of obesity in Saudi Arabia, where the prevalence of obesity is high.
3. Manuel Uribe Garza
Manuel Uribe Garza, born on 11th June, 1965, was a man from Mexico who became known for being one of the fattest person in the world. He suffered from morbid obesity and weighed over 1,300 pounds at his peak that left him bedridden for years. Over time, he continued to gain weight until it became impossible for him to move on his own.
Despite the challenges that came with his extreme obesity, Garza remained optimistic and had dreams of losing weight and regaining some independence. In 2008, with the help of some doctors and nutritionists, he was able to shed approximately 510 pounds of his body weight.
When he was featured in The World's Heaviest Man, a 2007 television program about his bedridden condition and his attempts to lose some weight, he attracted worldwide notice. When he wed Claudia Solis in a ceremony that was broadcast worldwide in 2009, he attracted notice on a global scale.
Sadly, Garza passed away in 2014 in his hometown weighing approximately 869 pounds, due to complications related to his obesity.
4. Carol Ann Yager
Carol Ann Yager was once known as the heaviest woman in the world by Guinness World Records. She weighed an astonishing 1,200 pounds at her peak weight. Carol's obesity began when she was a child and continued to worsen over time due to her sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits.
Carol's health deteriorated rapidly as she got older. She had difficulty moving around and spent most of her life confined to one room in her home. When firefighters came to carry her from her house to the hospital. She hadn’t moved in nine months. She was able to lose a significant amount of weight without surgery in the short amount of time, she lost approximately 521 pounds in the span of three months.
At the age of 34, she died in 1994. Nevertheless, just before she passed away, she managed to fit through her front door, which was a custom-built 48 inches wide. Her then-boyfriend was mentioned in publications as saying that she once reached a peak weight of roughly 1,600 pounds.
5. Walter Hudson
Walter Hudson is one of the most famous people on this list. Born in 1944, he won the world record for the largest waist which was measured around 109 inches when he reached his peak weight of 1,197 pounds (635 kg) in 1987. At that time, he was considered to be the world's heaviest man.
Hudson made repeated attempts to lose weight through surgery and dieting, but he was never able to lose a considerable amount of weight. He stated that his typical daily diet included three ham steaks, or two chickens, four baked potatoes, four sweet potatoes, two boxes of sausages, one pound of bacon, 12 eggs, a loaf of bread, four hamburgers and four double cheeseburgers. Also, he consumed extra snacks and typically drank 7 litres of soda every day.
Sadly, in 1991, Walter Hudson passed away at the age of 46 due to a heart attack in his home weighing around 1,125 pounds.
6. Robert Butler
Robert Butler was once considered one of the world's fattest people, weighing in at a staggering 1,200 pounds.
Despite several attempts to lose weight, including gastric bypass surgery, he was unable to sustain any significant weight loss. He eventually became bedridden and required the assistance of several caregiver.
The severity of his condition astonished many, and his story attracted national attention. Butler eventually succumbed to a sepsis infection on July 6, 2015, at the age of 43, at Eleanor Slater Hospital.
It took two local fire departments seven hours to transport him after meticulous planning and the use of a flatbed truck, crane, and shipping container.
7. Patrick Darren Deuel
Patrick Darren Deuel was an American man who was known for his extreme obesity. At his heaviest, he weighed approximately 1,072 pounds (487 kg).
During a period of five years, Deuel had not left his Valentine house. He was so enormous that to get him out of his bedroom, a hole had to be cut in the wall.
In 2008, he underwent gastric bypass surgery, which helped him lose over 500 pounds (227 kg). He continued to lose weight and was able to walk with the help of a walker, although he was still obese. His story was featured in the documentary "Half-Ton Dad" in Channel Four’s BodyShock series which was aired on TLC.
Despite his progress, he passed away in 2016 at his home in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 54 due to complications from being obese.
What Causes Obesity or Being Overweight?
Understanding the causes of obesity or being overweight is essential in developing effective prevention and management strategies. Here are some of the causes of obesity or being overweight;
- High Calorie Consumption: When a person consumes more calories than they burn through physical activity, the excess calories are stored in the body as fat. This leads to an increase in body weight and, over time, may result in obesity.
- Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in determining one's susceptibility to obesity and being overweight. Some people may be predisposed to gaining weight due to their genes.
- Environmental Factors: In many communities, environmental factors such as unhealthy food options which includes fast food and sugary drinks are more readily available and affordable than healthy options. This, coupled with limited access to safe places for physical activity, can make it difficult for people to maintain a healthy weight and, over time, may result in obesity.
- Lifestyle Choices: Sedentary lifestyle choices such as spending long hours sitting at work, watching TV, playing video games or using computers contribute significantly towards the lack of physical activity which means that the body will burn fewer calories, leading to an excess body fat.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, Cushing's syndrome, massive generalised edema and polycystic ovary syndrome, can also cause obesity and overweight. These conditions affect the body's metabolism and hormone levels, leading to weight gain.
What are the Common Health Problem Associated With Being Overweight or Obese
Being overweight or obese can lead to a range of health problems, both physical and psychological. Some of the most common health problems associated with obesity include;
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Carrying excess weight puts a lot of strain on the heart, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke. and other cardiovascular conditions.
- Respiratory Problem: Sleep apnea and asthma is another issue faced by many people who carry excess weight because it causes difficulty breathing.
- Diabetes: Being overweight or obese can increase insulin resistance in the body leading to type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar.
- Cancer: Being obese or overweight can increase the risk of certain types of cancer in the body, including breast, colon, and kidney cancer.
- Mental Health<span style="font-weight: 400;"> Problem: Mental health is also affected by obesity; people who are overweight or obese often experience low self-esteem, anxiety and depression due to societal stigma.
Final Advice
Obesity and overweight are major health concerns that affect millions of people around the world. The stories of the seven fattest person in the world serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with being severely overweight.
While genetics, lifestyle factors, and medical conditions can contribute to obesity, it is important to remember that there are steps we can take to prevent and manage this condition. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and seeking medical help when necessary can all play an important role in preventing obesity and other related health problems.
By taking these steps towards achieving a healthier weight and lifestyle, we not only improve our own quality of life but also reduce our risk for serious health complications now or later down the road. Let us learn from the past experiences of others so we can create a better future for ourselves.
