A Rhode Island man who weighs nearly 800 pounds (363 kilograms) says he’s determined to slim down and he dreams of becoming an actor one day.
Steven <g data-gr-id="26">Assanti</g>, of Cranston, refers to himself now as a monster. He wants to eventually inspire others who struggle with their weight.
The 33-year-old said he’s addicted to pizza, as long as it’s not topped with anchovies.
“I love food. I always loved to eat,” he told the Associated Press on Monday. “I didn’t think it would cause me harm and make me into the monster that I am right now. I don’t feel human.”
<g data-gr-id="27">Assanti</g> spoke to a Rhode Island television station, WJAR-TV, last week after he said he was kicked out of Rhode Island Hospital for ordering pizza.
The television production company for TLC’s “My 600-lb Life” then contacted <g data-gr-id="28">Assanti</g>. The owner’s assistant at Megalomedia said they may be interested in filming him, though not necessarily for that show.
<g data-gr-id="29">Assanti</g> wants to have gastric bypass surgery. At 6 feet 1 inch tall, he said he must slim down to 550 pounds to be eligible. After, he hopes to eventually drop to 180 pounds.
<g data-gr-id="30">Assanti</g> has been putting on weight since high school. He tried countless diets.
Now at Kent Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island, <g data-gr-id="39">Assanti</g> said he eats 2,000 calories a day or less, he’s taking antibiotics for a leg infection and he roams the hallways using a walker for exercise. He doodles his name on scrap paper, a longstanding habit, in case <g data-gr-id="32">people</g> start asking for his autograph someday. Rosie O’Donnell, who had weight-loss surgery, inspires him.
“I want to make that change, show people the new Steven,” <g data-gr-id="40">Assanti</g> said. “I want to live a life.” Three months ago, <g data-gr-id="41">Assanti</g> said he went to Rhode Island Hospital because of the leg infection. <g data-gr-id="35">Staff</g> there agreed to monitor his behavior and help him lose weight, he said.