Ricky Naputi: The Guam Man Reported to Weigh 900 Pounds
What the 2013 documentary reported about Ricky Naputi in Guam, the barriers to traveling for care, and who holds the Guinness weight record.
Published
Ricky Naputi was a man in Guam whose weight was reported at about 900 pounds, or 408 kg. A documentary followed him as he tried to lose enough weight to travel off the island for medical care. (The Guardian’s 2013 program listing) (Contemporary coverage of the TLC program)
Why travel for care was difficult
The documentary followed the practical barriers to leaving home and flying for care, and the support he received from someone close to him. The 900-pound figure is the weight reported at the time. Contemporary coverage reported that he died in November 2012, before the documentary aired. A meal shown on camera or a reported weight cannot establish someone’s medical history or cause of death. (The Guardian’s documentary summary) (The Standard’s 2013 report)
Who holds the Guinness record?
Some headlines described Naputi as the heaviest man. Guinness lists Jon Brower Minnoch as the heaviest man it has documented, with a physician’s estimate of more than 635 kg in 1978. That figure was also an estimate. (Guinness World Records)
What the health data can tell us
Severe obesity is associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Factors affecting weight can include environment, sleep, medications and genetics. The information available about Naputi’s story cannot explain how those factors affected him individually. (NIDDK health risks overview) (NIDDK factors affecting weight and health)