URGENT UPDATE: The tragic death of Renee Biran, a 56-year-old former ‘fat fetish’ model, has stunned many as new details emerge regarding her tumultuous battle with obesity and health challenges. Biran, who once weighed an astonishing 631 lbs, passed away on May 14, 2021, in Tennessee, after a series of severe health crises linked to her weight and a rare autoimmune disease.
Renee’s journey was marked by intense struggles. Just three years prior to her death, she was rushed to the hospital after collapsing while en route to a weight loss clinic. At that moment, her heart and kidneys were failing, leaving her fearing for her life. “I’m starting to feel like I won’t make it… I want to get me to see a doctor that can put some oxygen in my body. I don’t want to die in this car,” she stated during the harrowing drive, as documented on her reality TV series, My 600-lb Life.
The urgency of her situation prompted her to contact bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan, who advised her to abandon her weight loss appointment and head straight to the emergency room. Upon admission, doctors confirmed her organs were shutting down, prompting immediate medical intervention. After a rigorous recovery period, Biran managed to lose an incredible 30 stone, but challenges persisted.
Despite her initial progress, Renee struggled to maintain her health. After dismissing doctors’ recommendations to engage in water aerobics, she faced further setbacks. Although she lost 8 lbs in two months, her health deteriorated again, leading to another rapid weight loss of seven stone in just two months, bringing her weight down to 33 stone 6 lbs.
In a bid to confront the psychological roots of her obesity, Biran sought psychotherapy, revealing a painful past marked by verbal and physical abuse from her mother. Through this journey, she successfully shed an additional two stone and was approved for gastric sleeve surgery, ultimately reaching a weight of 15 stone and achieving a remarkable total weight loss of 30 stone.
However, her health took another devastating turn when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare condition that attacks the peripheral nerves, causing debilitating symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. This diagnosis significantly impacted her quality of life, leading her to move into a nursing home.
Renee Biran’s story highlights the struggles faced by many in the fight against obesity and the complex interplay of physical and psychological health. As news of her passing spreads, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness and support for individuals grappling with similar challenges.
Her death has sparked discussions about health, body image, and the societal pressures surrounding weight. Biran’s courageous journey and the emotional toll it took on her and her family resonate deeply, making her story one that many will remember and reflect upon.
As the world learns about Renee’s struggles, many are left wondering what can be done to address the broader issues of mental health and obesity. The implications of her story are profound, urging a collective response to support those in need.