- Author: Milorad Radusin MD
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Is it Possible to Become an Obese Patient from Apollo in Just a Few Years?
The King’s Case
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His family moved to Memphis when he was a teenager, and it was there that his remarkable journey in music began. A charming young man with a captivating voice, Elvis became a household name at just 20 years old. Today, he remains an iconic figure, with his charisma and influence still resonating across generations.
Elvis’s combination of stunning looks, dynamic stage presence, and exceptional vocal talent made him a cultural icon. Tragically, he passed away prematurely at the age of 42. While obesity was not the primary cause of his death, it significantly contributed to the decline of his health. This article explores how the King transitioned from being a paragon of youthful vitality to battling obesity, and the role it played in his untimely demise.
From Apollo to Obesity: The King’s Transformation
A Legend of Talent and Charm
Elvis was not just a musical pioneer but also one of the most attractive men in show business history. His charm and good looks, combined with his immense talent, made him an unforgettable figure.
Youthful Perfection in Early Recordings
Early video recordings of Elvis showcase a vibrant and handsome young man with a healthy physique. At this stage in his career, his ideal weight was a key part of his appeal.
Fit and Healthy in Hollywood
Elvis maintained his lean and healthy appearance in his early and later movie roles. In Blue Hawaii (1961) and Change of Habit (1969), Elvis appeared fit, radiating youthful vitality.
The Peak of Perfection in 1968
Elvis reached the pinnacle of his career during the 1968 Comeback Special. His appearance was immaculate, and his energy on stage showcased his peak physical condition.
The Early Signs of Change (1971)
Photographs from the latter half of 1971 show subtle changes in Elvis’s physique, marking the beginning of his battle with weight gain.
Weight Concerns Become Noticeable (1972)
By June 1972, during his legendary Madison Square Garden performance, Elvis’s weight gain became more noticeable.
Clear Obesity by 1975
By 1975, Elvis was clearly obese, as evident in photographs. This period marked a steep decline in his physical health.
The Last Performance (June 26, 1977)
In his final concert, Elvis was significantly overweight. However, his obesity was not unusual for the time, as he became part of a growing trend of unhealthy lifestyles in the population.
Causes of Elvis’s Obesity
Elvis’s weight gain was not merely a result of poor diet but a complex interplay of emotional and lifestyle factors:
Marital Problems
: Elvis’s separation from Priscilla Presley in 1972 and their divorce in 1973 significantly impacted his emotional well-being, which likely contributed to unhealthy eating habits.
Dietary Choices
: Elvis’s diet included high-calorie, unhealthy foods such as peanut butter and banana sandwiches paired with sugary sodas.
Sedentary Lifestyle
: Over time, Elvis became less physically active, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that contributed to his weight gain.
The Role of Drugs in Elvis’s Decline
While obesity played a significant role in Elvis’s health deterioration, the most pivotal factor was his extensive use of prescription drugs:
- Overprescription of Medications: Elvis’s physician, Dr. George C. Nichopoulos, faced professional consequences for overprescribing thousands of pills in 1977 alone. These included barbiturates, tranquilizers, amphetamines, and more.
- Drugs Found in Elvis’s System: An autopsy revealed 12 drugs in Elvis’s tissues and blood, including barbiturates, morphine, diazepam, and codeine.
- Unhealthy Sleep Patterns: Elvis’s habit of being active at night and sleeping during the day also contributed to his deteriorating health.
The Causes of Elvis’s Death
Elvis Presley died of a heart attack on August 16, 1977. While his unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and resulting obesity contributed to his health issues, the misuse of prescription drugs was likely the primary cause of his untimely death.
Conclusion
The process of becoming obese can be surprisingly fast, as seen in Elvis’s case. His transformation from a youthful Apollo to an obese man within just a few years serves as a reminder of how quickly health can deteriorate when poor lifestyle choices and emotional struggles go unchecked. Obesity is not just an aesthetic or social concern but can exacerbate other health issues, leading to devastating consequences. Elvis Presley died too young, with so much more to give to the world. His story remains a cautionary tale of fame, health, and human vulnerability.
