Gabriel Freitas, a beloved Brazilian reality TV star, passed away at the age of 37 from a heart attack on December 30th. His death comes as a shock to millions who were inspired by his remarkable 32-stone (approximately 200 kg) weight loss journey. This transformation, documented on the popular Brazilian show *Programa do Gugu*, catapulted him to fame in 2017, earning him widespread recognition and admiration. His incredible feat of shedding over 200 kg in just 18 months, achieved through diet and exercise, was celebrated as an almost impossible accomplishment.
However, Freitas’s life was not without its challenges. Following the devastating loss of his father and brother, he faced setbacks in maintaining his weight loss, ultimately reaching nearly 60 stone (approximately 400 kg) at the time of his passing. Despite these personal tragedies, Freitas remained a beacon of hope for others struggling with weight and life’s difficulties. He continued to share motivational messages on his social media accounts, inspiring his followers to persevere even in the face of adversity. His YouTube channel, “My Parallel Universe,” served as a platform to document his ongoing battles and triumphs, offering support and encouragement to his viewers. In one of his earliest videos, he stated, “My name is Gabriel Freitas. I decided to share my struggle to lose weight with all of you to help you with motivation and to show that it is possible to lose weight without surgery or medication. Welcome to my life.” Just months before his death, in October, he announced plans to embark on another weight-loss journey.
His close friend, Ricardo Gouvea, shared the heartbreaking news of Freitas’s passing, reporting that he died peacefully in his sleep. Gouvea described Freitas as “a very good person with a very good heart,” emphasizing his strength and determination. The outpouring of grief on social media reflects the profound impact Freitas had on countless lives, demonstrating the enduring legacy he leaves behind. Tributes poured in, with fans expressing disbelief and extending condolences to his family and friends, remembering him as a “warrior” who fought until the very end.