Ep 1. Thirty-One-Year-Old Baby

In the first episode of Body Bizarre season 1, we are introduced to a truly astounding medical mystery. A man named Gabby Williams is featured, and he appears to be a literal baby, despite being 31 years old. Gabby has an incredibly rare condition that, as of filming this episode, has only been diagnosed in six people worldwide. Known as "syndrome X," Gabby's affliction has left him unable to age and has kept his physical and cognitive development at that of a newborn.

The episode takes us through Gabby's daily life, which is managed by his devoted mother Mary. We see Gabby being fed, changed, and cared for as if he were an infant. Gabby is non-verbal and cannot communicate beyond basic sounds and gestures, so Mary has had to learn to interpret his needs and wants intuitively. Mary explains that Gabby's condition has come with many challenges, including making it difficult for her to find adequate medical care and support. Despite this, she remains fiercely devoted to Gabby and fiercely hopeful that a cure will one day be found.

We also hear from doctors and researchers who are trying to understand the underlying cause of syndrome X. Genetics experts explain that the condition is likely caused by an extremely rare mutation, perhaps in a single gene. However, because the condition is so rare, it has been difficult for scientists to gather enough data to form more concrete theories. We also hear from a psychologist who specializes in treating families with rare diseases. She discusses the psychological impact of caring for a child who cannot age, pointing out that many parents of affected children feel isolated and unsupported by society at large.

The episode also features other medical mysteries, highlighting the incredible diversity of the human body. We meet a man named Claudio who has a rare cranial condition that causes his skull to continue growing throughout his life. As a result, his head is much larger than average, and he experiences a range of mobility and health issues. Despite these challenges, Claudio maintains a positive outlook and encourages others to embrace their differences. We also hear from a woman named Brandy who was born with a skeletal disorder that makes her bones extremely fragile. Despite suffering many broken bones over the years, Brandy is a determined athlete and is determined to live life to the fullest.

Overall, the first episode of Body Bizarre season 1 presents a fascinating glimpse into the vast array of ways in which our bodies can differ from each other. From Gabby's condition to the stories of Claudio and Brandy, we see people overcoming incredible adversity with courage and perseverance. Throughout all these stories, the show emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with empathy and compassion, regardless of how different their bodies may appear.