Body Bizarre Season 2 Episode 11 World's Tallest Couple
- TV-PG
- March 28, 2015
- 42 min
Body Bizarre is a show that looks at some of the world's most unique and unusual medical cases, examining the fascinating ways in which the human body can surprise us. In season 2, episode 11, titled "World's Tallest Couple," we meet two individuals whose heights are, quite simply, astonishing.
The episode begins by introducing us to Sun Mingming, a man from China who stands at a whopping 7 feet 9 inches tall. Mingming's height is due to a rare condition called gigantism, which caused his body to continue growing beyond its natural limits. Despite the challenges that come with being so tall - cramped living quarters, difficulties finding clothing that fits, and constant attention from curious onlookers - Mingming has managed to make a successful career for himself as a professional basketball player. We see footage of him on the court, dwarfing his opponents and easily sinking baskets thanks to his incredible reach.
Next, we meet his wife, Xu Yan. Like Mingming, Yan also suffers from gigantism and stands at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches tall. The couple met at a basketball game and quickly fell in love, sharing a bond over their shared experiences of being so much taller than average. Despite their size, they seem incredibly sweet and down-to-earth, laughing and joking together as they take us on a tour of their home.
As we learn more about the couple's lives, we see how their height affects every aspect of their daily routine. We watch as they navigate the cramped hallways and doorways of their apartment, struggling to fit comfortably in their furniture and constantly ducking under low-hanging light fixtures. We also see the challenges they face when it comes to buying clothes that fit - Yan often has to buy men's clothing simply because it's the only option available in her size.
Despite these difficulties, however, the couple seems to have a very positive outlook on life. They're grateful for the opportunities they've had thanks to their stature - both have had successful careers in basketball and as performers in a Chinese variety show - and they're clearly very much in love. It's heartwarming to see such a unique couple thriving despite the challenges they face.
The latter half of the episode delves deeper into the medical side of the couple's condition. We learn about the diagnosis of gigantism - a rare hormonal disorder that causes the body to produce too much growth hormone - and the treatments available to manage its symptoms. Doctors interview Mingming and Yan, conducting a series of tests to monitor their health and ensure that their bodies aren't being negatively affected by their height.
Overall, "World's Tallest Couple" is a fascinating look at two people who have truly unique bodies. Mingming and Yan's height sets them apart, but their loving relationship and positive outlook on life is what makes them truly special. The episode strikes a nice balance between the human interest story and the medical aspects of their condition, leaving viewers with a greater understanding of gigantism and the ways in which it can affect the body. It's an inspiring and heartwarming episode that's sure to stay with viewers long after it's over.