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Juan Pedro Franco, Once the World’s Heaviest Man, Dies at 41 After Renal Infection

The death was confirmed by his doctor, with the family issuing a statement after years of treatment that cut his weight by about half.

Overview

  • He died in Aguascalientes following a renal infection that progressed to systemic complications while he was hospitalized, according to his treating physician.
  • Franco was recognized by Guinness World Records in 2017 at about 595 kilograms, a turning point that led to specialized care in Guadalajara.
  • Under Dr. José Antonio Castañeda, he followed a Mediterranean-style regimen and underwent sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, losing roughly 49% of his initial weight.
  • His care also targeted diabetes, hypertension, lymphedema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and he recovered from COVID-19 in 2020.
  • Brother Herminio Franco shared a family statement of condolence as the physician praised Juan Pedro’s openness for helping reduce stigma around obesity.