Ricky Naputi, once known as the world' s heaviest man, tragically lost his life at the age of 39 due to complications from his extreme obesity. Weighing over 400kg (900lbs) at his heaviest, Ricky was confined to his bed for over seven years, relying on his wife Cheryl as his primary caregiver. Despite their efforts to lose weight together, Ricky' s chronic food addiction and depression ultimately led to his demise.

Ricky' s story is a heart- wrenching example of the devastating consequences of obesity, a growing global health issue affecting over one billion people worldwide, including a quarter of UK adults. Obesity is linked to various serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems like the NHS. The island of Guam, where Ricky lived, is particularly affected, with 60% of the population classified as overweight or obese.

Ricky' s struggles with food addiction and depression were documented in a TLC documentary, which showed the immense challenges he and Cheryl faced in their daily lives. Despite his immobility, Ricky maintained control over his food choices, often begging Cheryl for large quantities of food, which she struggled to resist. This vicious cycle made it impossible for Ricky to lose the necessary 40kg (88lbs) to undergo lifesaving gastric surgery.