• Farewell to Juan Pedro Franco who weighed nearly 600 kilograms
• He succeeded in halving his weight and underwent rigorous surgeries

Juan Pedro Franco, previously known as the world’s heaviest man with a weight of nearly 600 kilograms, has died in Mexico at the age of 41 due to complications from a kidney infection.

Franco’s condition suddenly worsened while he was receiving treatment at a hospital on Christmas Eve.

His attending physician, Dr. Jose Antonio Castaneda, confirmed his death, noting that he had developed systemic complications linked to the kidney infection.

Franco was recorded in the Guinness World Records in 2017 as the heaviest living person at the time, weighing 590 kilograms, confined to his bed for many years, unable to move independently or perform basic daily tasks.

Media outlets reported that Franco later underwent a series of weight-loss surgeries and a strict rehabilitation program, including gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures, alongside a diet focused on vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins.

During his recovery, Franco said: “My body was following its own path without any control from me. I tried dieting day after day, but nothing worked, and I became desperate.”

Over time, Franco managed to reduce his weight by nearly half. He added: “Just being able to lift your arms and get up daily for a glass of water or to go to the bathroom gives you an amazing feeling. It feels fantastic to move more and become more self-reliant.”

Doctors said the improvement significantly lowered his risk of diabetes and heart disease, and he even fully recovered from COVID-19 despite being classified as extremely high-risk due to his medical history.

Dr. Castaneda described Franco’s case as one of the most complex he had ever encountered, praising his determination and willingness to share his weight-loss journey.

He added that Franco’s openness helped shed light on obesity as a chronic disease requiring long-term, specialized, and compassionate medical care, far from judgment or social stigma.