William Joseph Cobb, known to wrestling fans as Happy Humphrey, was a figure of immense proportions, both in stature and in the world of professional wrestling. Billed as "Happy Humphrey, the World's Largest Wrestler," Cobb tipped the scales at over 800 pounds. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when health concerns forced him to confront his weight. This article explores Happy Humphrey's remarkable weight loss journey, the dietary approaches he underwent, and the lessons learned from his experience.
From Wrestling Giant to Obesity Research Volunteer
Cobb's career was marked by his ability to use his weight to his advantage, often winning matches by simply sitting on his opponents. However, in 1962, heart trouble began to slow him down. Experiencing shortness of breath, he found himself needing to rest after minimal exertion. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Cobb sought medical intervention and volunteered for obesity research at the Medical College of Georgia's Clinical Investigation Unit in Augusta. At the time, he weighed 644 lbs.
The Rigorous Weight Loss Program
For 83 weeks, Cobb lived a carefully regulated life at the clinic. To prevent fluid loss through sweat, he was confined to the air-conditioned facility and restricted from exercising. His diet was meticulously controlled, with a daily intake of approximately 1,000 calories. The study involved 56-day cycles, during which Cobb was assigned to one of three different diets:
- High-Protein Diet: This diet consisted of eggs, skimmed milk, ground beef, margarine, toast, tomato soup, ketchup, green peas, and applesauce.
- High-Carbohydrate Diet: This diet included toast, corn, lima beans, shortbread, peaches, applesauce, pineapple, puffed rice, skim milk, grape juice, orange juice, and a bit of sugar.
- High-Fat Diet: This diet featured salt-free mayonnaise and butter, tomatoes, eggs, whipped cream, and cream cheese.
Results and Dietary Insights
After completing the program, Cobb had successfully reduced his weight to 232 pounds. Dr. Wayne Greenberg, the Unit Director, observed that Cobb's weight loss was similar across all three diets. However, the composition of the weight lost differed significantly:
- High-Protein Diet: The majority of the weight lost was body fat, and Cobb reported feeling less hungry between meals.
- High-Fat Diet: Two-thirds of the weight loss was fat, while the rest was primarily water. Notably, this diet led to an increase in cholesterol and other blood fats.
- High-Carbohydrate Diet: Only half of the weight loss was fat, with the remaining portion comprising muscle and fluid, often resulting in temporary weight fluctuations.
Life After Weight Loss
Following his weight loss journey, Cobb transitioned to a new chapter in his life. He found employment at a shoe-repair shop in Augusta. Cobb maintained his new figure by returning to the hospital for checkups every other week. He emphasized the importance of willpower in his success, stating, "There's a heap more will power connected with it than anything else."
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Dr. Greenberg echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Cobb's success was not due to any "magical" solution but rather to the controlled environment where he had no access to extra food.
The Heavyweight's Legacy
Happy Humphrey's journey serves as a remarkable example of weight loss achieved through strict dietary control and medical supervision. While his initial weight loss was substantial, it's important to note that he unfortunately regained much of the weight later in life. Despite this, his story provides valuable insights into the impact of different macronutrient ratios on body composition during weight loss.
Beyond the Scale: Humphrey's Personal Struggles
Humphrey's life was not without its challenges. His immense size made everyday activities difficult. He faced stares, discrimination, and physical limitations. Stories circulated of him getting stuck in a phone booth, requiring the assistance of multiple police officers, and becoming wedged in a movie theater seat.
Despite these difficulties, Cobb's wrestling career brought him a degree of fame and recognition. He wrestled against notable opponents, including Haystacks Calhoun, and even shared the ring with a young Harley Race, who served as his driver and occasional opponent.
Lessons and Considerations
Happy Humphrey's story highlights the complexities of weight management and the importance of addressing underlying health issues. While his experience in the research clinic demonstrated the potential for significant weight loss through controlled dieting, it also underscores the challenges of maintaining weight loss in the long term.
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His story offers several key takeaways:
- Dietary Composition Matters: The type of diet can influence the composition of weight loss, with high-protein diets potentially favoring fat loss and satiety.
- Medical Supervision is Crucial: For individuals with extreme obesity or underlying health conditions, medical supervision is essential for safe and effective weight loss.
- Willpower and Support are Key: Maintaining weight loss requires ongoing commitment, willpower, and a supportive environment.
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