When Jessica Leonard was born, she was a perfectly healthy baby, just like any other child. Little did anyone know that in the years to come, she would become known as the heaviest seven-year-old in the world. Weighing a shocking 200 kilograms, Jessica’s name spread across the media, but unfortunately, for reasons that would make her early life a difficult and painful journey.
Her mother, Caroline Shu Tug, remembers the early years when Jessica was a happy and healthy girl. However, things started to change when Jessica never turned down any food that was offered to her. Spoiled by family and loved deeply, she was often given fast food, snacks, cupcakes, chips, and nuts in excessive amounts. She indulged in all of these treats in large quantities, and while her family wanted to please her, this contributed to her growing weight.
Though her parents didn’t realize when things began to spiral out of control, they were horrified when Jessica weighed 220 kilograms at just seven years old and began having trouble breathing. Concerned for her health, they rushed her to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, where her condition caught the attention of child protective services.
Jessica’s story became a media sensation. She was featured on a television show, and her mother, desperate for help, reached out to dietitians and nutritionists who could offer guidance. In an effort to help Jessica make progress, her mother was encouraged to attend parenting classes so that she could support her daughter’s recovery and ensure her well-being when she returned home.
Jessica was placed in a clinic where she began the long journey of battling her food addiction. Doctors discovered that her reliance on food wasn’t just physical—it had developed into a psychological dependence.
At first, Jessica struggled to understand why food, which had been freely given to her at home, was now being restricted. It was a difficult adjustment, but after many months of dieting, exercise, and psychological treatment, Jessica began to make noticeable progress. Eventually, she lost 140 kilograms.
After shedding the weight, Jessica underwent skin removal surgery, where doctors removed over 10 kilograms of excess skin.
Today, Jessica is a completely different person. She’s active, healthy, and participates in gymnastics and basketball. Her lifestyle is centered around healthy eating, and she leads an overall healthy life.
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