MAFS Groom Joel Moses Opens Up About Weight Battle and Awkward Vows
Joel Moses, the 31-year-old controversial groom from Married at First Sight known for his quirky humour and mummy's boy persona, has exclusively detailed his life before joining the reality experiment. In a candid interview, he revealed a profound struggle with weight and body image that shaped his past.
I've always battled with my weight and body image, Joel told Daily Mail. In the balance of my life, I've probably been more fat than skinny. I used to suffer from a binge eating disorder. The musician, who has gained notoriety for his unfiltered comments on the dating show, humorously added, I have never, EVER met a more gluttonous pig than me.
From Obesity to Modelling: A Transformative Journey
During the chat, Joel admitted he fantasised about food constantly and maintained an insatiable appetite. In 2019, he hit rock bottom, reaching his heaviest weight of 105 kilograms, which classified him as obese on the BMI scale. After a relationship ended, he lost 20 kilograms but never believed it was genetically possible to achieve his dream body due to prior weight loss struggles.
In a heartbreaking move, Joel spent $20,000 on liposuction, only to regain the weight. I then hit rock bottom again and really decided to change for good, he said. From that point, it took just over a year to lose all the weight, transforming from a fat Uber driver to signing with Wink Models as a model. It's one of my proudest achievements for sure. Haven't looked back since.
Awkward Wedding Vows and Bride's Reaction
Joel was matched with 27-year-old receptionist Juliette Chae on Monday's episode of MAFS, where he showcased his quirky side. During the ceremony, he threw a spanner in the works by revealing he had been married before. His vows were filled with cringeworthy jokes that left guests wincing.
My mother says I'm perfect, but I most certainly disagree, Joel told Juliette. I've actually got many flaws – carpet, tiles, wood – you name it, baby. He continued to up the awkwardness, asking, Who is this perfectly manicured, dapper, suave, sexy, unsophisticated, undomesticated, uncultured, once fat Uber driver turned model, who can't tell the difference between a bloody washing machine and a dryer?
He ended by warning he would clear her wardrobe of unsightly items, saying, I want to really know you. All your quirks, your dreams, your fears, your annoying habits, your questionable clothing items. Juliette's mood visibly shifted, and she told producers, I'm p***ed off. This is a vulnerable situation I put myself in for something I thought was going to be real. Who says s*** like that? She added, I'm here to find the love of my life and I kind of feel this whole thing has been a joke and a theatrical performance.
As Joel tried to explain he was joking, Juliette walked off, leaving him searching for his next punchline. The episode highlighted the tension between his humour and her expectations.
If you or someone you know needs support relating to eating disorders, please call The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673. In an emergency, call 000.
