In a world where many of us worry over a few extra pounds, a stark reality looms large for a distinct group facing a weight struggle of unparalleled magnitude. These individuals grapple with not just a few kilos but the burden of hundreds in a battle that transcends mere aesthetics. For them, the fight against excess weight becomes a gripping fight for survival.
The specter of impending mortality looms, a consequence they are acutely aware of, yet they find themselves ensnared by the irresistible pull of their eating addiction. Genetic factors may also play a role, further complicating their plight. Research paints a grim picture, revealing a steep toll exacted by obesity – from heart disease and type 2 diabetes to a slew of cancers, liver ailments, and bone degradation.
Prepare to be amazed by narratives that push the boundaries of human experience. This article will uncover the lesser-known accounts of those who have carried the burden of their lives with unmatched determination, covering remarkable feats of consumption to the astonishing obstacles they confront in their day-to-day lives.
1. Jon Brower Minnoch
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 635 kg, 1400 lb, 100 st 0 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1941–1983 (41) |
Jon Brower Minnoch gained worldwide recognition as one of the heaviest individuals ever documented. Born on September 29, 1941, in the United States, Minnoch’s weight struggles began early in life and escalated to a staggering extent. By his late twenties, his weight had reached an astonishing 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms), making him a symbol of extreme obesity. His condition was primarily attributed to a combination of genetic factors and poor lifestyle choices.
Minnoch’s weight struggles led to numerous health complications, including heart and respiratory issues. On September 4, 1983, he died, but his memory lives on as a cautionary story and reminder of the intricacies of obesity and its influence on people and society as a whole.
2. Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 610 kg, 1340 lb, 96 st 1 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1991 |
Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari gained international recognition as one of the most extreme cases of obesity in recent history. Born in Saudi Arabia in 1991, his struggle with weight gain began early in life due to various medical and lifestyle factors. By his mid-20s, Khalid’s weight had reached an astonishing 1,340 pounds (610 kilograms), making him one of the heaviest individuals ever recorded. His condition severely impacted his mobility and overall health, confining him to his bed for years. In an effort to save his life, a team of medical professionals and government officials worked together to address his complex medical needs.
3. Manuel Uribe
| Country | Mexico |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 597 kg, 1316 lb, 94 st 0 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1965 – 2014 (48) |
Manuel Uribe, a Mexican individual, gained international recognition as one of the most prominent examples of extreme obesity. Born on June 11, 1965, Uribe’s weight began to escalate dramatically during his early adulthood due to a combination of genetic factors, a sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy eating habits. By the time he reached his late 30s, his weight had spiraled to an astonishing 1,230 pounds (560 kilograms), earning him a place in the Guinness World Records as the heaviest person alive in 2006. Tragically, Manuel Uribe passed away on May 26, 2014, underscoring the urgent need for greater awareness and solutions to address obesity and its associated health risks.
4. Juan Pedro Franco
| Country | Mexico |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 595 kg, 1312 lb, 93 st 10 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1985 |
Juan Pedro Franco is widely recognized as one of the heaviest individuals in recorded history, earning him the title of the “Fattest Person in the World.” His weight gain was attributed to a combination of genetic factors, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits. By the time he reached adulthood, his weight had escalated to an astonishing 1,312 pounds (595 kilograms) at its peak. In an effort to regain his health and transform his life, Franco underwent a series of medical interventions, including gastric bypass surgery and a strict weight-loss regimen.
His remarkable journey from extreme obesity to weight loss garnered global attention, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals grappling with severe obesity and the extraordinary efforts required to overcome it.
5. Carol Yager
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Female |
| Peak Weight | 544 kg, 1200 lb, 85 st 9 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1960 – 1994 (34) |
Carol Yager, a native of Michigan, has etched her name in history as the heaviest woman to have ever been documented. In the initial month of 1993, following a span of nine months during which she was unable to ambulate, Carol’s admission to Hurley Medical Center was secured. Subsequent to adhering to a regimen of restricted calorie intake for a period of three months, her weight decreased by 521 pounds, consequently revising her weight to 668 pounds. Tragically, documented records indicate that by the time of Carol’s demise in 1994, her weight had rebounded to a staggering 1,200 pounds—an escalation of nearly twofold from her weight upon hospital discharge.
6. Robert Butler
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 544 kg, 1200 lb, 85 st 9 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1972 – 2015 (43) |
Robert Butler ranked among the globe’s five most obese individuals, reaching a pinnacle weight of 1,200 pounds in the year 2015. His life concluded at the age of 43, within the premises of Eleanor Slater Hospital, succumbing to a sepsis infection. Meticulously orchestrated logistics dictated the movement of his remains, an intricate operation spanning seven hours, executed in tandem by two local fire departments. Employing a strategic blend of a shipping container, crane, and flatbed truck, this solemn task was executed with precision and utmost reverence.
7. Walter Hudson
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 543 kg, 1197 lb, 85 st 7 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1944 – 1991 (47) |
Walter Hudson, widely recognized as one of the heaviest individuals in recorded history, gained international attention due to his extreme obesity. Born in 1949, Hudson’s weight struggles began at an early age and escalated as he grew older. By the time he reached adulthood, he had already reached an astounding weight of over 1,197 pounds (approximately 543 kilograms). His extraordinary size led to a life largely confined to his bed and home, where he relied on a team of caregivers for basic needs. He underwent several attempts to manage his weight through medical interventions, but his health complications and the challenges of his situation posed significant barriers.
8. Francis John Lang
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 538kg, 1186 lb, 84st 10 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1934 – ? |
Francis John Lang, also known as Michael Walker, is an individual who has dedicated himself to making a positive impact on the world by sharing his own life journey. Born in 1934, he enjoyed a typical upbringing and even served his nation in the military. Nevertheless, his reliance on prescription medication resulted in undesirable weight gain. To address this, Francis acquired a mobile residence outfitted with transparent windows. He used this one-of-a-kind platform to engage with people and raise awareness about the negative impacts of drug abuse at various fairs and carnivals. Over time, Francis successfully shed more than 800 pounds, significantly transforming his physique to reach a current weight of around 370 pounds.
9. Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty
| Country | Egypt |
| Sex | Female |
| Peak Weight | 500 kg, 1100 lb, 78 st 10 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1980 – 2017 (37) |
Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty gained global attention as one of the heaviest individuals in recorded history. Born in 1980 in Egypt, Eman faced severe obesity from a young age due to a combination of genetic factors and medical conditions. Her weight reached an astonishing 1,100 pounds (approximately 500 kilograms) at its peak. In 2017, Eman underwent a high-profile weight loss surgery known as a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, which aimed to reduce her weight and improve her overall health. The surgery marked a turning point in her life as she began a long and challenging journey toward weight loss and improved mobility.
10. Michael Hebranko
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 499 kg, 1100 lb, 78 st 8 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1953 – 2013 (60) |
Born in 1953, Michael Hebranko was a remarkable illustration of triumphant weight loss in American history. Plagued by an intense struggle with obesity, he saw his weight soar to an astonishing 1100 lbs, establishing him as one of the most substantial individuals of his era. However, driven by an unwavering resolve to shed the surplus pounds, he embarked on a journey of exercise and dietary adjustments that eventually led him to an impressive 198 lbs. His ubiquitous presence in weight loss commercials and television programs further familiarized many with his story. Tragically, Michael Hebranko passed away in July 2013.
11. Patrick Deuel
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 486 kg, 1071 lb, 76 st 7 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1962 – 2016 (54) |
Patrick Deuel, a former restaurant manager hailing from Grand Island, Nebraska, made headlines due to his extraordinary journey. At the zenith of his weight, he tipped the scales at 1071 lbs, securing a position among the heaviest individuals globally. However, through a combination of gastric bypass surgery, subsequent skin removal, and fat mass reduction procedures, he managed to shed an unprecedented 570 lbs within a mere year. This remarkable transformation was documented in the film “Half Ton Man,” which also highlighted the astounding 900 lbs weight loss accomplishment of Rosalie Bradford. It’s plausible that witnessing Bradford’s achievement served as a catalyst for Patrick’s own weight loss pursuit.
12. Robert Earl Hughes
Robert Earl Hughes via Youtube
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 485 kg, 1069 lb, 76 st 5 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1926 – 1958 (32) |
Born on June 4, 1926, Robert Earl Hughes became the heaviest individual ever documented in history during his era. His remarkable weight can be attributed to an enduring pituitary gland issue that manifested throughout his life, reaching 200 lbs by the tender age of six. Tragically, Hughes passed away on July 10, 1958, succumbing to complications from contracting measles, which rapidly progressed to uremia and ultimately led to his demise. Notably, his casket was of such size that it resembled a grand piano case, although some sources incorrectly assert that he was interred within an actual piano case.
13. Rosalie Bradford
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Female |
| Peak Weight | 477 kg, 1052 lb, 75 st 2 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1943 – 2006 (63) |
Born in 1943, Rosalie Bradford struggled with weight issues throughout her life, eventually reaching a peak weight of around 1,052 pounds (477 kilograms) by the mid-1980s. Her battle with obesity was both a personal and public journey, leading her to numerous attempts at weight loss, including undergoing multiple surgeries and participating in various diet programs. Bradford’s story was a testament to the complexities of obesity, shedding light on the physical, psychological, and societal challenges that individuals face in such circumstances. Her determination to overcome her condition and regain a healthier lifestyle marked her as an inspiration to many.
14. Mayra Rosales
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Female |
| Peak Weight | 470 kg, 1040 lb, 74 st 0 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1980 |
Mayra Rosales gained international attention as one of the heaviest individuals in recorded history. Rosales faced significant health challenges due to her extreme obesity. At her peak weight, she was reported to weigh around 1,040 pounds (470 kg). Her story garnered widespread interest when she was accused of causing the death of her nephew by rolling over him accidentally. However, it was later revealed that she had falsely confessed to protecting her sister. Rosales underwent a remarkable transformation, successfully undergoing weight loss surgery and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
15. Kenneth Brumley
Kenneth Brumley via Youtube
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 468 kg, 1032 lb, 73 st 10 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1968 |
Kenneth Brumley, a subject of confirmed record-breaking weight, gained attention through his appearance on the Channel 4 documentary “Half Ton Dad.” The documentary highlighted his life as a father of four, grappling with a weight that peaked at nearly 1,035 pounds (468 kg). During his youth, Brumley actively participated in sports like basketball, baseball, and American football, maintaining a healthier weight. However, his relocation to California at the age of 19 led to a cessation of physical activity, triggering a gradual accumulation of weight. Notably, at his highest weight, Brumley consumed around 30,000 calories per day.
16. Andre Nasr
| Country | Australia |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 468 kg, 1032 lb, 73 st 10 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1980 |
He gained the moniker of Australia’s most obese individual at one point. Andre Nasr faced severe obesity, health issues, and a self-destructive eating pattern. However, he has now undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding nearly half of his total body weight. During his peak weight, Nasr’s scale registered a staggering 468 kilos, and the excess weight even caused his couch to break, a situation he described as deeply embarrassing. In an interview with Seven’s Sunday Night, Nasr revealed that his condition had deteriorated to the point where he was bedridden, requiring assistance from others to leave his home and seek hospitalization.
17. Mills Darden
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 463 kg, 1021 lb, 72 st 13 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1798 – 1857 (58) |
Mills Darden has earned a place in the Guinness World Records as one of the most colossal individuals to have ever existed. At the time of his passing, he carried a weight of just over 1000 pounds, with different estimates putting his weight at around 1020 to 1080 pounds. His towering height stood at approximately seven and a half feet. Following his demise, numerous newspapers nationwide featured articles discussing Mills Darden. The information presented in this composition draws from an extensive compilation of news pieces alongside references in historical literature and other sources.
18. Sean Milliken
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 455 kg, 1003 lb, 71 st 9 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1989 – 2019 (29) |
Sean Milliken marked his introduction to TLC’s programming in 2016 through his participation in “My 600-lb Life,” where he became a patient under the care of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. Subsequent to his time on the reality television series, avid followers are curious about his subsequent endeavors. Following his appearances on the weight loss-focused show, he successfully managed to shed more than 400 lbs. Regrettably, this transformative journey came to a conclusion in 2019. At the onset of his involvement with “My 600-lb Life,” Sean openly acknowledged that his motivation for joining the show stemmed from his complex relationship with food.
19. Catrina Raiford
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Female |
| Peak Weight | 454 kg, 1000 lb, 71 st 7 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1977 |
Catrina Raiford, once deemed the heaviest woman globally, grappled with weight issues from an early age. By 14, she already weighed around 500 pounds, leading to an eight-month stint in a psychiatric facility. As an adult, her weight woes persisted, causing job loss and a return to her mother’s home. Branded the ‘Half Tonne Woman,’ she undertook a three-year quest, shedding nearly 300 pounds. This achievement made her eligible for gastric bypass surgery in 2005, ultimately resulting in a remarkable total weight loss of almost 500 pounds.
20. Sylvanus Smith
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 454 kg, 1000 lb, 71 st 7 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1940 – 1995 (54) |
Sylvanus Smith‘s life spanned 54 years, but his battle with obesity eventually took its toll. With a weight of approximately 1,000 pounds, specialized transportation using a forklift and truck was necessary to convey him to the hospital for weight reduction treatment. While at the medical facility, he managed to shed 300 pounds; however, regrettably, he later regained this substantial weight. His health was further exacerbated by conditions like diabetes, ultimately leading to his demise.
21. Paul Jonathan Mason
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 445 kg, 981 lb, 70 st 1 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1960 |
Paul Jonathan Mason is widely recognized as one of the heaviest individuals in recorded history. He rose to worldwide prominence owing to his severe obesity, which was mostly linked to a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits. At his peak weight, Paul Jonathan Mason reportedly weighed over 981 pounds (445 kilograms). The onset of his excessive eating coincided with the passing of his father and the declining health of his mother. Nonetheless, following gastric surgery, he commenced a process of weight reduction.
22. Keith Martin
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 445 kg, 981 lb, 70 st 1 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1970 – 2014 (44) |
Keith Martin, once recognized as one of the heaviest individuals in the world, garnered international attention due to his extreme weight. Born in the United Kingdom in 1970, Keith’s weight struggles began at an early age, exacerbated by a series of health issues and an unhealthy relationship with food. At his peak weight, he reportedly surpassed 981 pounds (445 kilograms), making him one of the heaviest individuals ever recorded. His obesity not only posed significant health risks but also affected his mobility and overall quality of life. Medical professionals conducted a gastric sleeve procedure to eliminate a segment of his stomach. Regrettably, a mere eight months post-surgery, Martin passed away as a result of pneumonia.
23. Andrés Moreno
| Country | Mexico |
| Sex | Male |
| Peak Weight | 444kg, 979 lb, 69 st 13 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1977 – 2015 (38) |
Andres Moreno, a resident of Ciudad Obregón in Mexico, attained a peak weight exceeding 979 lb. According to medical reports, he had consumed over six energy drinks daily during the three days leading up to his demise. Due to his severe obesity and diabetic condition, the consumption of these stimulating beverages may have contributed to the development of “irregular cardiac rhythms.” Regrettably, he passed away on Christmas Day as a result of a heart attack and complications arising from peritonitis. Notably, two months prior to his passing, Mr. Moreno had undergone an intensive weight-loss surgery that involved the removal of three-quarters of his stomach.
24. Samantha Mason
| Country | United States |
| Sex | Female |
| Peak Weight | 442 kg, 974 lb, 69 st 8 lb |
| Lifespan (age at death) | 1985 |
In the initial encounter with Samantha Mason featured on “My 600-lb Life,” her weight exceeded 800 pounds, according to a report by TV Shows Ace. Mason’s TikTok profile discloses that there was a period when her weight surpassed this perilous milestone, asserting a previous weight of “up to 950 pounds.” In October 2020, the reality personality announced a substantial weight reduction of approximately 320 pounds in May of the same year. In a TikTok video recorded during her hospitalization post weight-loss surgery, she credits a part of her achievement to undergoing the surgical procedure.