Robert Gibbs cried out on YouTube the day before his 23rd birthday to ask the world to spread the word that he needs help. He stated that he is somewhere between 600 and 700 pounds, maybe more, and that this was his last chance to lose weight.“I’m making this video because I don’t know what else to do,” Robert stated in his video. He said that he has tried just about everything to lose weight, and even when he manages to do so, it just comes back. One of his main reasons for making the video was that he is afraid he won’t get to see his niece and nephew grow up. He also said he was scared, “I’m not going to have a family of my own.”Robert pleaded with the viewers of the video to spread it along until someone sees it who could help. He said maybe even the “Biggest Loser” or Dr. Phil might be able to help him. During the three minute video, it was easy to see that this was a man who truly wanted help and really had nowhere else to turn.The Internet has so far shown Robert much compassion. Most comments on his video were supportive, and the naysayers and trolls were shut down quickly when they did appear; however, the negative comments made are usually out of ignorance.
In the ABC News reporting of this story, Dr. Lou Arrone, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Program at NY-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, said it is not as easy as dieting. He stated that obesity becomes a disease in the brain. The chemical signals in the brain that control weight are not functioning properly. While most people have signals that tell them how much fat is stored in the body, people like Robert do not.Many professionals in the health community have already reached out to Robert. A spokesperson from “Dr. Phil” actually did contact him as well as previous contenders from “The Biggest Loser.” Many weight loss experts have also been in contact with Robert since the video went viral, as well.3m360 reported that Robert has suffered from diabetes for years. He mainly lives on fast food to feed his appetite because it is more affordable, and he has been in the hospital twice because of weight complications.Gibbs told Dr lori when interviewed, “I guess it’s a good birthday for me.” Hopefully there will be plenty more to follow.
