Whopping Walter Hudson Chapter Notes | Main Course (Communicative English) Book Class 10 PDF Download

Key Points of the Story

• Walter Hudson was a man from Hempstead, New York, who became famous for being the heaviest man in the world, weighing around 540 kg at his peak.
• He was born in Brooklyn in 1945 and started eating large amounts of food at a young age, recalling that he began gorging at just six years old.
• By the age of 15, Hudson was so overweight that he could not walk and had to stay in bed, leading to a life mostly spent indoors.
• His eating habits were extreme; he would consume enormous meals consisting of multiple pounds of meat, several dozens of eggs, and a lot of sugary drinks.
• Walter's lifestyle included watching television, listening to music, and reading the Bible, particularly enjoying the Psalms.
• He struggled with his weight and health, and at one point got stuck in his bedroom door, which required the help of eight firemen to free him.
• After getting stuck, he decided to change his life and started a diet with the help of comedian Dick Gregory, who introduced him to a 1,200 calorie diet consisting mainly of fruits and juices.
• Walter lost a significant amount of weight and began to dream of doing things he could not do before, like visiting his mother's grave or riding on the subway.
• Unfortunately, despite his efforts, he passed away from a heart attack at the age of 46, weighing 508 kg, and rescue workers had to cut a hole in the wall to remove his body.
• Walter Hudson's life story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of extreme eating habits and obesity.

Clear all your Class 10 doubts with EduRev Join for Free

Join for Free

Detailed Summary

Walter Hudson, known as "Whopping Walter," was born in 1945 in Brooklyn, New York. From a young age, he had a profound love for food, which turned into an addiction. By the age of fifteen, his weight became so excessive that he could no longer walk, resulting in him spending most of his time in bed.

In 1970, Walter's family moved to Hempstead, but his weight continued to limit his mobility. He recognized his addiction to food, referring to himself as a "foodaholic," and openly admitted he had no excuse for his eating habits. His daily meals were astonishingly large, including breakfast with two pounds of bacon, thirty-two sausages, a dozen eggs, and more. His lunches and dinners were similarly extravagant, showcasing his obsession with food.

Outside of eating, Walter's life consisted of watching television, listening to music, and reading the Bible, particularly the Psalms. However, his health was in serious decline. Doctors advised him against prolonged sitting, and simple tasks took him an hour to complete due to his size.

A pivotal moment in Walter's life occurred in 1987 when he became stuck in his bedroom door for four hours before being rescued by firemen. This incident was not only embarrassing but also a wake-up call for him. Walter felt that it was a sign from God, prompting him to seek help.

Comedian Dick Gregory took notice of Walter's situation and introduced him to the Slim Safe Diet Scheme, which drastically restricted his caloric intake to 1,200 calories a day. Walter began his journey to weight loss, which included consuming raw fruits and orange juice, and engaging in light physical activity while in bed.

Initially, Walter faced challenges adapting to his new diet, but he gradually began to lose weight, even shedding 178 kg over three months. This success rekindled his hopes and dreams of living a healthier life, which included visiting his mother's grave and experiencing activities he had long been unable to enjoy.

Tragically, Walter's story did not have a happy ending. He passed away at the age of 46 from a heart attack, weighing 508 kg. Rescue workers had to cut a hole in his bedroom wall to remove his body, highlighting the severity of his weight issues.

Walter Hudson's life serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of food addiction and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. His journey illustrates the need for moderation and care in our eating habits, reinforcing that while food can be comforting, it can also lead to significant health issues if not managed properly.

Theme/ Message

• The main theme of Walter Hudson’s story is the struggle with obesity and its impact on a person’s life. It shows how unhealthy eating habits can lead to a life filled with physical limitations and health issues.
• Another important theme is the idea of seeking help and making changes. Walter’s journey reflects the importance of recognizing when one needs assistance to change harmful behaviors.
• The story also highlights the human desire for connection and the simple joys of life that can be missed when one is trapped by their own choices. Walter dreamed of doing things that most people take for granted.

Download the notes Chapter Notes: Whopping Walter Hudson

Download as PDF

Download as PDF

Difficult Words

• Obituary: A notice of a person’s death, often with a summary of their life.
• Notoriety: Being famous or well-known, usually for a bad reason.
• Braided: To weave together strands of hair or other materials.
• Cherubic: Having a sweet and innocent expression, like a little angel.
• Gorging: Eating a lot of food greedily or excessively.
• Ablutions: The act of washing oneself, often for religious reasons.
• Penchant: A strong liking or preference for something.
• Biological processes: The natural functions and activities of living organisms.
• Calorie: A unit of energy, often used to measure the energy content of food.
• Colossal: Extremely large or great in size.
• Rescue: To save someone from a dangerous or difficult situation.
• Heart attack: A serious medical condition that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked.
• Transported: Moved from one place to another.
• Negotiate: To find a way to deal with or reach something.
• Diet: The kinds of food that a person usually eats.
• Conductor: A person who directs a group of musicians or an orchestra.