- From 685lbs to a New Life: Once weighing 685lbs, Justin Williamson was dubbed America’s fattest teenager but transformed his life through weight loss and determination.
- A Voice That Changed Everything: His singing talent caught national attention and became the driving force behind his decision to reclaim his health.
- Still Fighting, Still Dreaming: Despite setbacks like arthritis and weight regain during the pandemic, Justin continues to pursue his music career and inspire others.
At just 685 pounds, Justin Williamson was once dubbed America’s fattest teenager — a title that came with more pain than publicity. He could barely walk across a room without gasping for air. His future looked grim, and he often wondered if he’d even live long enough to see adulthood. But now, at 28, he’s completely transformed — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Today, he’s nearly half his former weight, has a college degree in music, and is stepping into the spotlight for the right reasons: his extraordinary voice.
His journey from near immobility to center stage wasn’t an overnight miracle. It took grit, heartbreak, guidance, and a voice so powerful it moved strangers to tears. And yet, behind every headline is a story far more human than sensational.
A Childhood Shaped by Poverty and Poor Nutrition
Justin’s weight didn’t sneak up on him — it was there from the start. By age three, he weighed close to 100 pounds. His mother, a single parent trying to raise two children on a shoestring budget, did her best. But fresh food was expensive, and time was short. Like many kids in similar situations, Justin survived on a diet of microwaved corn dogs, ramen noodles, frozen pizzas, mac and cheese, and sandwiches.
Those meals were quick, affordable, and unfortunately, calorie bombs.
“From what I was told, I only ate mac and cheese with chopped hot dogs when I was little,” Justin recalled. “We didn’t have the money or the time for anything else.”
By middle school, he had passed the 300-pound mark. By high school, he tipped the scale at 685 pounds. It wasn’t just the physical burden of his weight that wore on him — it was the emotional toll. He was exhausted, ashamed, and hopeless.
A Voice That Shook a Room
But underneath all that pain was something special. When Justin opened his mouth to sing for the first time in middle school, jaws dropped. His choir director was stunned. His voice was soulful, strong, and instantly captivating. The contrast between his appearance and his gift was stark.
Soon, he began performing and appearing on TV shows. People across the country were in awe of his talent. But opportunities were slipping through his fingers. He struggled to get to performances. His lungs couldn’t fully expand, and his diaphragm had limited range — a devastating problem for a trained vocalist.
It was clear: if he didn’t make a change, his dream — and his health — wouldn’t survive.
A High School Teacher and a Life-Changing Meeting
Enter Diane Porter, a nutrition teacher who wasn’t just another name on his schedule — she became a lifeline. She educated him on food and walked with him during lunch breaks to get him moving. But more than anything, she introduced him to someone who would change everything: The Biggest Loser contestant Joe Ostaszewski.
Joe didn’t just see Justin’s pain — he heard his voice and knew something had to be done. He offered him a lifeline: a gym membership, a food plan, and a chance at weight loss surgery. But first, Justin had to prove he was ready by losing 100 pounds on his own.
It was a steep challenge, but Justin didn’t back down. For the first time, he saw a future that didn’t revolve around shame and struggle.
The Turning Point: Surgery and a Second Chance
In October 2015, after months of hard work and lifestyle changes, Justin underwent bariatric surgery. The impact was immediate.
His mother, Julie, saw it in his eyes. “He was so angry before,” she said in a Discovery documentary. “He couldn’t move, he couldn’t live. Now, we don’t fight as much. We’re hopeful again.”
Post-surgery, the weight came off steadily. But more than the numbers on the scale, it was the return of joy that marked the biggest change. Justin started to feel alive again — and the world noticed.
From Student to Stage Performer
With his health improving, Justin set his sights back on his true love: music. He enrolled in college and didn’t stop until he had both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in vocal performance from West Texas A\&M University.
He graced stages, belting out songs with newfound ease. Gone was the breathless teen. In his place stood a confident performer who moved crowds to standing ovations.
Photos and videos began to circulate online. The once immobile teen now stood tall in suits and dress shirts, his face slimmer, his smile broader. He had become almost unrecognizable — not just physically, but emotionally. He radiated life.
Pandemic Setbacks and a New Diagnosis
But progress is rarely a straight path. When the COVID-19 lockdowns hit, Justin’s world was upended again. Gyms closed. Routines vanished. Depression returned. And with it, the weight began creeping back on.
“During the lockdown, it felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away,” he said. “I felt isolated again.”
Then came another blow: in 2023, he was diagnosed with arthritis — a common result of years of excess weight. The pain made movement difficult again. Every step felt like a setback. According to health experts, just 10 extra pounds can add 50 pounds of pressure on the knees. For Justin, the strain was overwhelming.
Today, he weighs around 440 pounds — still a far cry from his peak, but heavier than he wants to be.
No Insurance, No Ozempic — Just Sheer Willpower
Justin has considered using medications like Ozempic to help manage his weight, but the reality is harsh. Without insurance or money to cover the costs, that option is off the table — for now.
Still, he refuses to give up. “I’m fighting for the life I want,” he said. “I won’t quit just because it’s hard.”
A Message for Others Still Struggling
Justin knows his story is bigger than him. It’s for every teenager who feels trapped in their own body. Every person who thinks change is impossible. Every soul that needs a reason to keep going.
“Don’t give up,” he urges. “When you feel like you can’t take another step, think of something — anything — that brings you joy. Then move. Just one step. That’s all it takes.”
The Journey Isn’t Over — But He’s Walking It
Justin Williamson is still fighting. His weight-loss journey isn’t finished. His pain isn’t erased. But today, he’s walking toward the future — on his own two feet — with a voice that won’t be silenced.
He’s not America’s fattest teenager anymore. He’s a survivor, a performer, a fighter.
And now, finally, he’s becoming the man he was always meant to be.