Guinness World Records is saddened to learn of the passing of Manuel Uribe, who held the world record for the heaviest man. Our condolences are extended to the family and friends of Mr Uribe.

Manuel, who was from Monterrey, Mexico was awarded the Guinness World Records title of heaviest man - living back in January 2006, after making a television appeal for help with his condition. At that time Manuel weighed 560 kg (1,235 lb; 88 stone).

After receiving medical assistance following his TV appearance, Manuel slowly started to lose weight and by 2007 was reported to have lessened to 381 kg (840 lb, 60 stone).

Nevertheless, he remained morbidly obese and was unable to stand up on his own, having been bed-ridden since 2002.

He proceeded to put weight back on; in December 2009 he weighed 416 kg (917 lb; 65.51 stone) and in March 2012 444.6 kg (980 lb; 70 stone).

Manuel Uribe with wife.jpg

Pic: Reuters

In 2008 Manuel married Claudia Solis, pictured above, with the wedding marking one of the few occasions he had left his home during the past decade.

His death was confirmed this morning by an official of the health department of Nuevo Leon state, where the city of Monterrey is located. The spokesperson went on to confirm that Manuel had been taken to hospital earlier this month because of an abnormal heartbeat. Doctors have yet to confirm the cause of death.

Craig Glenday and Manuel Uribe.jpg

Manuel receives his certificate from Craig Glenday

Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting with Manuel at his home in Monterrey when he first agreed to be weighed. Despite being bed-bound, he had a redoubtable spirit and vowed to do all he could to lose his world record status.

“He was very open and honest about his condition, and hoped that by bringing his story to the wider public, Guinness World Records could help him secure the medical attention he needed.

“Although his record remained unchallenged, it was inspiring to see him succeeding in his subsequent weight-loss efforts and face his challenges with a smile. He'll be a much-missed member of the Guinness World Records family.”