When the UK’s heaviest man was requested to go to the London Zoo for an X-ray

When Jason Holton, the heaviest man in the UK, was being treated, physicians had to make a unique medical choice because of how difficult it was to get an essential X-ray due to his unusual size.

Holton had a catastrophic medical ailment at the age of 33 that was marked by substantial edema and may have been caused by a blood clot and organ failure. Unfortunately, his excessive weight prevented him from having a typical X-ray at a typical hospital. Medical professionals considered the possibility of sending Holton to the London Zoo for the X-ray while using a specialized large-scale equipment generally used for evaluating zebras as an innovative option.

Medical need and cost-effectiveness were two important considerations in the decision-making process about the unorthodox strategy. According to Holton, who spoke to The Sun via The Daily Star, “My mom was worried I’d had a little heart attack and my doctor was startled by my condition- he couldn’t believe I was still alive. Even the idea of transporting me to the London Zoo to have my heart and lungs examined using machinery meant for big animals like zebras was discussed.

“They advised me that getting an accurate cardiac X-ray was the only option. Although my doctor thought it was the best course of action for my health, they ultimately decided against it, and I’m not completely sure why. I believe the price may have been a factor, he said. When Holton realized how perilously near he was to death in this crucial scenario, he was overcome with terror. He feared that his body was about to break catastrophically due to the extreme swelling.

Thankfully, he eventually stabilized and was transferred to East Surrey Hospital for the critical medical care he needed. Sadly, doctors now say he may not survive beyond the age of 40 because of his exceptional stature. Holton said, “I think my time is over in general. As I get closer to 34, I realize I need to prioritize it for everyone who needs help, not just those who are obese. I don’t think that is the cause of the issue.