Donna Simpson (born 1967) is an American internet personality who gained media attention in the late 2000s for publicly pursuing extreme obesity as a personal goal. She announced in 2008 that she intended to become one of the world’s heaviest women, setting an initial target weight of 800 lb (approximately 360 kg) and later expressing an ambition to reach 1,000 lb (≈ 455 kg).
Early life
Simpson was raised in Mogadore, Ohio, near Akron, as the youngest of four children. She reported experiencing bullying in school and a difficult relationship with a stepmother who allegedly encouraged restrictive dieting during her adolescence. By age 18, she said she had reduced her weight to 154 lb (70 kg).
Weight‑gain campaign and internet presence
In 2007 Simpson launched a subscription‑based website that streamed videos of her eating large quantities of food and documented her body measurements. Subscribers paid to view these materials, and the site attracted a small but dedicated audience. By June 2010 she weighed 602 lb (273 kg), down from a reported 630 lb (286 kg) in 2008. Her daily caloric intake was claimed to be as high as 12,000 kcal.
Guinness World Record
On 13 February 2007 Simpson gave birth to a daughter, Jacqueline, via Caesarean section while weighing 532 lb (241 kg). This made her the heaviest woman recorded to give birth, a distinction noted by Guinness World Records.
Public commentary and advocacy
Simpson positioned herself within the fat‑acceptance movement, publicly criticizing societal stigma toward large bodies. She appeared in various media reports and interviews, discussing her motivations and the health challenges associated with her weight, including diabetes and hypertension.
Shift in goals
In August 2011, following personal changes—including a separation from her partner Philippe Gouamba and a return to Ohio—Simpson announced a new objective to reduce her weight to approximately 370 lb (170 kg) to improve her health and self‑sufficiency as a mother. Subsequent public updates on her weight have been limited.
Personal life
Simpson was married to chef Robert Simpson, with whom she has a son. She later entered a relationship with Philippe Gouamba, a fellow participant in online forums for overweight individuals; the couple reportedly reconciled after a period of separation. As of 2010 she resided in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey.
Legacy
Donna Simpson’s online presence exemplifies a niche form of internet celebrity that intersected with discussions of body image, health, and the monetization of personal lifestyle choices. Her case has been cited in academic and journalistic examinations of “feederism,” extreme dieting, and the ethical considerations surrounding the promotion of self‑destructive eating behaviors.