Juan Pedro Franco, once recognised as the world's most obese man, has died at the age of 41. The Mexican national passed away on 24 December at a hospital in Aguascalientes, Mexico, following complications from a kidney infection.
Franco, who at his heaviest weighed 590kg (92 stone), had been under the care of Dr José Antonio Castaneda. His condition rapidly declined due to systemic complications linked to the renal infection, doctors confirmed.
Guinness World Records named Franco the world's most obese living person in 2017. His extreme weight had confined him to bed for years, leaving him unable to move independently. However, he embarked on a strict medical programme that included a Mediterranean diet and two bariatric surgeries, helping him shed nearly half his body weight and regain the ability to walk.
Despite his weight loss reducing risks of diabetes and cardiovascular strain, Franco's long history of illness left him vulnerable. He had also survived COVID-19 in 2020. His doctor praised his openness about his struggles, highlighting obesity as a chronic disease requiring compassionate care.
