AN INFLUENCER who weighs 460 pounds called the police on a gym after he was allegedly refused a membership for “being too fat”.
Júlio Otávio Miranda da Silva, 35, claimed that staff at Academia Horizon, in the Brazilian region of São Paulo, described him as a “health and safety risk” after a trial swimming class.
“I went to take a trial class at a gym in the Campestre neighbourhood of Santo André, and today [January 22] they called me to say they cannot accept my registration as a member,” he said.
“Upset” by the decision, he reported the incident to the police, which have registered the case as “non-criminal”.
They warned that the gym’s actions could “constitute an abusive practice under consumer law… which prohibits discriminatory treatment, unjustified refusal of service, and practices that place the consumer at an excessive disadvantage”.
As such, Júlio was urged to “seek civil action” to hold the gym accountable.
A statement from the company said: “A visitor attended a trial swimming class, and during the session, it became clear there were difficulties that could compromise safety.
“After the class, we had an open conversation and explained that, under the current conditions of our facilities, it was not possible to continue with the enrolment without risking the participant’s safety.
“We want to emphasise that this decision was not based on prejudice, but on responsibility, caution, and concern for the visitor’s health and well-being.”
But Júlio stressed that the only challenge he faced was getting out of the pool – which required “a bit more energy”.
“I made it clear to them that it wasn’t a problem,” he told Brazilian media. “I was very upset.”
Júlio, who goes by “mamuteofficial” on social media, has 1.8million followers on Instagram and 915,500 on TikTok.
He documents his weight loss journey online, and has so far shredded more than 220 pounds.
Support for the influencer has been growing since the story about the gym’s refusal went viral online.
Carlos Secco, another influencer based in Santo André, shared a video with Júlio outside a police station, warning that”any kind of prejudice will not be tolerated.”
He wrote in the caption: “More than ever, we need empathy, love and giving to others.
“Evolving as a society is not just abiding the law, it is caring for people, looking at each other with humanity and social responsibility.”
Fans urged Júlio to “not bend your head and hold on tight.”
“I’m rooting for you!” one comment read. Another described him as their “inspiration” and praised him for “showing up” online despite the prejudice.
Brazil is often described as “the world’s obesity capital” as the condition among adults has doubled over the last two decades, to nearly a third of the population.
The Sun previously reported on how the country is responding to the crisis, by measures to improve health – but also embracing larger bodies by introducing a special “fat rights” day in several states.
As far back as 2014 during the World Cup, almost 5,000 extra-wide seats were offered to help fans with obesity – a disease which is classified as a disability under Brazilian law.
