The title of heaviest person in medical history is most often attributed to Jon Brower Minnoch, an American man who set the world record for extreme human weight due to a rare medical condition. His story has been widely documented in medical journals and the Guinness World Records, making him an important case in obesity research.
Heaviest Person in Medical History
| Name | Peak Weight | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jon Brower Minnoch | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | USA |
| Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari | 1,345 lbs (610 kg) | Saudi Arabia |
| Manuel Uribe | 1,316 lbs (597 kg) | Mexico |
| Carol Yager | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | USA |
| Walter Hudson | 1,197 lbs (543 kg) | USA |
| Robert Earl Hughes | 1,070 lbs (486 kg) | USA |
| Paul Mason | 980 lbs (445 kg) | UK |
| Donna Simpson | 630 lbs (286 kg) | USA |
Who Was Jon Brower Minnoch?
- Full Name: Jon Brower Minnoch
- Born: September 29, 1941
- Place of Birth: Bainbridge Island, Washington, USA
- Died: September 10, 1983 (aged 41)
- Claim to Fame: Recognized as the heaviest person ever recorded in medical history
- Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
- Peak Weight: Estimated 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Jon Brower Minnoch: Key Facts
| Detail | Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Jon Brower Minnoch | Recognized by Guinness World Records |
| Birth – Death | 29 Sept 1941 – 10 Sept 1983 | Died at age 41 |
| Nationality | American | Born in Bainbridge Island, Washington |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | Above-average height |
| Peak Weight | 1,400 lbs (635 kg) | Highest medically recorded weight |
| Year of Peak Weight | 1978 | During hospitalization |
| Main Condition | Massive edema, metabolic disorder | Caused extreme fluid retention |
| Weight Loss | 900 lbs (408 kg) in 16 months | Largest documented weight loss |
| Hospitalization | University Hospital, Seattle | Required special transport and stretcher |
Early Signs and Medical Background
Jon’s struggle with weight began early. At the age of 12, he already weighed over 300 lbs (136 kg), and by 22, his weight exceeded 500 lbs (227 kg). His extreme obesity was linked to massive edema (fluid retention), believed to be caused by a combination of metabolic and genetic disorders.
Record Breaking Weight
Jon’s most famous moment came in March 1978, when he was hospitalized for heart and respiratory failure. At this time, doctors estimated his weight at 1,400 lbs (635 kg) — the highest ever recorded in a medical setting. Due to his size, a dozen firemen and a specially modified stretcher were needed just to transport him.
Hospitalization and Treatment
While in Seattle’s University Hospital, Jon was placed on an extremely strict diet. Over a 16-month period, he lost over 900 lbs (408 kg) — one of the largest recorded weight losses in history. However, the weight returned quickly once he was discharged.
Final Years and Death
Jon Brower Minnoch passed away in 1983 at the age of 41, weighing around 798 lbs (362 kg) at the time of death. His case remains an important study for doctors, as it highlights how extreme obesity can be driven by factors far beyond diet and lifestyle.
While Jon holds the record for the heaviest man, other individuals have come close:
Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari – Saudi man who weighed 1,345 lbs (610 kg) in 2013 before a dramatic weight-loss transformation.
Carol Yager – One of the heaviest women in history, estimated at 1,200 lbs (544 kg).
Legacy
Jon Brower Minnoch’s case continues to be cited in medical research as an extreme example of morbid obesity. It serves as a reminder that weight-related health conditions can be complex, involving metabolism, genetics, and environmental factors.
FAQs
Who is the heaviest person ever recorded?
Jon Brower Minnoch, with a peak weight of around 1,400 lbs (635 kg).
How tall was Jon Brower Minnoch?
He was 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) tall.
What caused his extreme weight?
A combination of genetic and metabolic disorders, including massive fluid retention (edema).
Is anyone close to breaking his record?
While others have come close, Jon’s medically documented peak weight remains unmatched.