Tragic Passing of Model Renee Biran Highlights Health Struggles

Renowned plus-sized model Renee Biran, known for her participation in the ‘fat fetish’ community, passed away at the age of 56 on May 14, 2021, in Tennessee. Biran, who weighed over 630 lbs (approximately 45 stone), had a tumultuous journey marked by significant health challenges and personal struggles.

Biran’s health issues came to a head during a visit to a weight loss clinic, where she collapsed en route. In a distressing moment captured on her reality television series, My 600lb Life, she expressed her fears to her husband, saying, “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.” Following a call to Dr. Younan, a bariatric surgeon, Biran was advised to abandon her appointment and seek emergency care instead.

Upon arriving at the hospital, medical staff discovered that her heart and kidneys were failing. Biran was hospitalized and managed to lose approximately 3 stone in the following month. Despite initial progress, her journey was fraught with setbacks. She struggled to adhere to a recommended water aerobics routine, resulting in a mere 8 lbs weight loss over two months before her health deteriorated again.

In an effort to address the underlying causes of her weight gain, Biran began psychotherapy, during which she revealed a history of abuse from her mother. This process contributed to her weight loss journey, allowing her to shed an impressive total of 30 stone. She ultimately underwent gastric sleeve surgery and reached a weight of 15 stone.

Following her surgery and significant weight loss, Biran’s health took another turn for the worse as she developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that affects the peripheral nervous system. This illness led to muscle weakness and mobility issues, ultimately resulting in her relocation to a nursing home.

Biran’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between mental health and physical well-being, particularly within the context of body image and societal expectations. Her journey, filled with both triumphs and challenges, continues to resonate with many who face similar struggles.