Paul Mason: 644 Pounds Lost By Man Once Called ‘World’s Fattest’
Paul Mason, once considered by British media to be the world’s fattest man, is now 644 pounds lighter. The Ipswich, England native underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2010 leading to the loss of nearly two thirds of his body weight.
For Mason, a 52-year-old former postal worker, the paths to both his weight gain and the subsequent loss were paved with hardships. Throughout his childhood, Mason suffered from verbal and physical abuse at the hands of his father. Between the ages of six and nine, he was the victim of sexual abuse by a female relative, a tragedy he kept secret for decades.
An article by The New York Times writes that Mason continued to face difficulties in adulthood. The death of his father, a bitter divorce, and his role as caregiver for his ailing mother all led him to seek comfort in eating. Mason described his relationship to food as follows:
“I still had all these things going around in my head from my childhood. Food replaced the love I didn’t get from my parents.”
Mason’s obsession with food became all consuming. When the entire amount of the social security income provided for the man and his mother was consistently spent on food items, the bank was forced to foreclose on their home. After moving to a smaller house, Paul Mason’s weight eventually reached an astonishing 980 pounds, rendering him immobile and confined to his bedroom.
According to The Christian Post, it was the need for a hernia operation in 2002 that sparked Mason’s journey toward his 644 pound weight loss. In order to transport him to the local hospital, the local fire department was forced to break through the front wall of his home and remove him with a forklift. It was this incident which caused the British press to dub Mason the “world’s fattest man.”
After spending the next few years in rehabilitation, Mason decided to make a change. In addition to the gastric bypass procedure, Mason enlisted the help of a therapist to help him address his food addiction. He still undergoes therapy but is making strides toward improving his life.
Although Mason is still considered technically obese at 336 pounds, he continues to work toward his ideal weight of 210 pounds. More importantly, he now maintains a healthier attitude about food:
“My meals are a lot different now than they used to be. Food is a necessity, but now I don’t let it control my life anymore.”
What do you think about Paul Mason’s incredible loss of 644 pounds?
Tags : 644 pounds, extreme weight loss, gastric bypass surgery, Paul Mason, Paul Mason 644 pounds, Paul Mason loses two thirds body weight, world's fattest man
Posted: February 8, 2013
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Feb 8, 2013
Good Job! It's hard for anyone, and to make that kind of commitment to get healthy, when it can seem impossible, should be commended.
Feb 8, 2013
I'm sorry he had to go thru so much agony as a child which let to his weight gain. And, I'm extremely proud and happy he was able to get the help he needed. Great job, Paul! The world is rooting for you!
Feb 9, 2013
Great job. Keep up the good work. Stay motivated and always try to keep moving. I had gastric bypass as well and could never have lost half of me without it.
Feb 9, 2013
Congrats I wish you all the best in your life and god bless you.
Feb 9, 2013
Paul Mason you are my hero.
Feb 9, 2013
Wow that's fantastic. That takes a lot of will power. Trust in god and you'll heal
Feb 9, 2013
Wow that's fantastic. That takes a lot of will power. Trust in god and you'll heal
Feb 9, 2013
Great job!! Keep up the good work!
Feb 9, 2013
Great job!! Keep up the good work!
Feb 9, 2013
Now as you know that with gastric bypass surgery, you are now not getting the nutrition your body needs, it's great that you have lost so much weight but the bigger picture is how healthy are you. The Body By Vi Challenge ViSalus Shakes are the most nutrition you can get in one meal… check it out at http://robinstevens.bodybyvi.com/ and join me on the challenge.
Feb 9, 2013
Now as you know that with gastric bypass surgery, you are now not getting the nutrition your body needs, it's great that you have lost so much weight but the bigger picture is how healthy are you. The Body By Vi Challenge ViSalus Shakes are the most nutrition you can get in one meal… check it out at http://robinstevens.bodybyvi.com/ and join me on the challenge.
Feb 9, 2013
Awesome, keep going. I would bet 100 of that is the skin. Hope he can take that off to.
Feb 9, 2013
Congrats Paul on your current weight loss of 644 pounds! Way to go Paul! I did not have to lose as much weight as you did, however I did have to lose a little over 100 lbs….I was desperate to find something that would work as I tried it all as well…Bypass was a thought since all else wasn't working, that is until I found an Internation product that helped me to lose 40 lbs in 4 months….no chemicals, no GMO's, it was an all natural product. So, now I too am on my way to healthy living, helathy eating and eager to lose the 60 pounds left to lose….Hang in there Paul and keep your focus…you are in my prayers my friend!
Feb 9, 2013
I think he's totally awesome! I'm on my own weight loss journey and I know how hard it can be, so I have nothing but respect. Keep up the great work and I want to see those rockin' after pictures!
Feb 9, 2013
Robin Stevens I am a gastric bypass patient from the past and can attest to the fact that it is NOT an easy road. Thanking God everyday for Visalus that helped me lose the extra weight put on AFTER gastric bypass and get healthy again.
Feb 9, 2013
Congrats and great job keep up the good work you deserve a wonderful happy life.
Feb 9, 2013
Congrats and great job keep up the good work you deserve a wonderful happy life.
Feb 9, 2013
Im glad the man lost the weight and feels better, but people shouldn't make excuses to why things happen. Everyone ha s issues, child hood tragedy including me and I chose life, I chose not to let my pass get the best of me. Good luck.
Feb 9, 2013
Patrick T. Lamas didn't write this I Maria Ruiz did since it was on my Facebook. I just don't believe in excuses. Sorry if I affend anyone, but I had to voice my opinion.
Feb 9, 2013
He did not use one of these diets! – http://akespains.blogspot.com/2013/01/desperately-seeking-smaller-booty.html
Feb 9, 2013
Good for you Paul. Good for you. You've made an astonishing journey to take back control of your life.
Feb 9, 2013
I applaud this man, he is awsom to undergo all this, he will reap the rewards
Feb 9, 2013
Awesome job, congratulations.
Feb 9, 2013
Very happy for this man to lose that much weight! God bless him and I hope he will be strong and keep the faith!
Feb 9, 2013
Congratulations keep up the good work, you will make your goal!
Feb 9, 2013
I'm really proud of you no matter what it took! I understand completely about childhood traumas and how each of us deal with them in different ways. I'm so happy for you that not only are you getting your body healthy but your mind also and that is JUST as important! God Bless!
Feb 9, 2013
I congratulate him on his victory and continuing quest to better health. I am just thankful I didn't internalize all my physical and emotional torture, neglect and sexual abuse. I would never allow myself to get that so far gone. It is also why I never became abusive or into drugs and alcohol. I refused to destroy myself because someone else didn't appreciate who I was.
Feb 9, 2013
Paul you should be commanded for your success . Reading your story brought tears to my eyes Paul and gave me the motivation I've been lacking to do something about my own weight problem. I now know can do it too Paul!! Thank you Paul and good luck to you,on your weight down! God bless you Paul.
Feb 9, 2013
You are hot honey! Feel free to email me anytime. I am a fitness coach and I think you are awesome!
Feb 9, 2013
so where are the pictures?
Feb 9, 2013
I feel so sad for this guy. He didn't get the proper care or love, so sad. Very proud of him losing the weight, great job!
Feb 9, 2013
God Bless you! Think positive and keep striving for Healthier you!
Feb 9, 2013
Awesome!!!!
Feb 9, 2013
Congrats on your weight loss, Paul! Continued success as you make your journey forward!
Feb 9, 2013
Congrats you can do it.God bless you and hope you have a wonderful life with what you been through.You deserve the best.
Feb 9, 2013
I think that's fantastic hes on to a better life! Great Job!
Feb 9, 2013
Awesome achievement, Paul. Any chance of a current photo?
Feb 9, 2013
I've got about 60 to lose.. that's bad enough. Just keep up the good work.
Feb 9, 2013
Maria Ruiz I'm with you Maria…there comes a time in everyone's life that you have to stop blaming your parents and all the "awful" things that happened to you as a child, real or imagined, and take responsibility for your own actions, whatever those actions may be…
I'm glad he lost the weight, I just hope he can continue to heal and keep trying to live a healthy lifestyle….
Feb 9, 2013
well..allow me to start off by saying that Mr. Mason did a great job and saved his life by losing so much weight! On the other hand..I too suffered exactly the same as Mr. Mason had in his past and thankfully, I did NOT wind up being in the same situation. Life deals us a tough hand throughout our lives..we have no choice but to accept them, however, how one chooses to react is COMPLETELY up to that person! Too bad Mr. Mason chose food!
Feb 9, 2013
Amazing , great job. so proud of you and your courage to your acomplishments.
Feb 9, 2013
I wish Mr. Mason all the best. He's a courageous man!
Feb 9, 2013
The best of continued luck to you! I struggle with weight and food as well and will begin my journey back to health on March 6. Seeing what you've accomplished gives others belief that it can and does work. Prayers for you that you meet your goals and regain the life you so truly deserve!
Feb 9, 2013
that is the most awesomeness story I have read sorry for the grammer terms there but I feel that expresses the way the story made me feel I am proud of this man for what he has been through and is finally able to overcome and get out of his shell its hard growing up with verbal abuse and other things in life as well I wish him well on the rest of his journey with his weight loss.
Feb 9, 2013
that is the most awesomeness story I have read sorry for the grammer terms there but I feel that expresses the way the story made me feel I am proud of this man for what he has been through and is finally able to overcome and get out of his shell its hard growing up with verbal abuse and other things in life as well I wish him well on the rest of his journey with his weight loss.
Feb 9, 2013
Oh my goodness! That is so awesome! I hope that Paul sees this, as I want him to know I think he is absolutely amazing! Also, I wish him the best in his continued efforts! Hooray!
Feb 9, 2013
Oh my goodness! That is so awesome! I hope that Paul sees this, as I want him to know I think he is absolutely amazing! Also, I wish him the best in his continued efforts! Hooray!
Feb 9, 2013
I want to see an after pic
Feb 9, 2013
I want to see an after pic
Feb 9, 2013
Well I'm a pessimist on this subject. I see pictures of the large version of him where are the after with all the so called weight lost? I'm not on board with this story, but if he really did it good for him. I know if I had lost that much weight I'd be posting pictures everywhere!
Feb 9, 2013
It is just great I M happy for you man keep going u can do it bud
Feb 9, 2013
Patricia Cirone Fisher
I agree with both of you as well. I'm fat myself, and I don't blame anything or anyone but myself. We've all been through a lot, life isn't easy. He was fat because of a mental food addiction and lack of self control. I know as well as anyone how hard it is, but no excuses!
Feb 9, 2013
i agree…everyone has had problems to overcome in there life. Stop making excuses.
Feb 9, 2013
I think its awesome. Rock on mason!!
Feb 9, 2013
Your courage to share and shed your pain before the world IS TRULY INSPIRATION! you are on a path of happiness and health! the best of life is before..
Feb 9, 2013
Kudos to you Mr Mason! I'm so glad to see that you're on the right track. Congrats!
Feb 9, 2013
Well, this all was probably told to him by his therapist that hes been going to since he started. He started seeing him/her to see why he had an eating problem. I'm pretty sure he wasn't really giving excuses and just giving you the possible reasons why his therapist thinks he has eating issues.
Feb 10, 2013
Myself I had gastric bypass surgery in 2001. I was 360 lbs. I'm know at 205 no longer diabetic all my numbers are back to the normal ranges. Thank's to Surgilite
Feb 10, 2013
We may disagree with you in this country! specially has its cost us taxpayers a fortune.I live in the same town as this man and 10mins from his home.