Lizzie Velasquez, 56-Pound Woman, Must Eat Every 15 Minutes To Stay Alive (VIDEO)

Lizzie Velasquez suffers from a rare disorder and must eat every 15 minutes to stay alive.

Velasquez, a 21-year-old Texan, is unable to put on weight and must eat 5,000-8,000 calories a day. That's approximately 60 meals a day.

Velasquez is believed to be just a few in the entire world to suffer from Neonatal Progeroid Syndrome, which also accelerates with aging. She eats all kinds of food, including junk food, at will without gaining any weight.

She told the Telegraph, "I weigh myself regularly and if I gain even one pound I get really excited."

Gary Hamilton reported for CBS that Velasquez remains "upbeat" with life despite the disorder and strives to be a motivational speaker.

WATCH this video report on Velasquez to learn more:

Comments

[Joe847]

01:29 PM on 08/13/2010

ORDER LIZZIE'S BOOK NOW
Lizzie Beautiful: The Lizzie Velasquez Story is now
available on amazon.com

Lizzie shares intimate details about her struggles of living in a society that places great emphasis on outer appearance. Also, read never-before-seen journal entries Lizzie's mother wrote to Lizzie as a child. Lizzie gives you reasons to find hope and faith that can be infused into everything you do, so that you too - can achieve your dreams.

[Imasqre]

01:45 PM on 07/02/2010

1 of 3 in the WORLD!

what a special and amazing young woman.

[Riham005]

11:35 PM on 07/01/2010

Sad. May God help her....So many different diseases out there, amazing.

[Sandra Stipp]

02:31 PM on 07/01/2010

My prayers go out to this poor woman. What a horrible way to spend your life.

[Imasqre]

01:46 PM on 07/02/2010

she looked pretty darn happy,
I wouldn't pity her.

[yourmotherwasahamster]

11:49 AM on 07/01/2010

Never again will I wish to be able to eat whatever I want, as much as I want without gaining weight. That poor, dear girl.

[sallythewerewolf]

10:59 AM on 07/01/2010

Her brilliant smile says everything about her, doesn't it?

[TParrish]

10:53 AM on 07/01/2010

As thin as she is, she has enough guts to fill a smokehouse. I have always admired tenacity.

[Olampean]

10:00 AM on 07/01/2010

This woman is awesome.

I think she'll be one of the best motivational speakers ever.

[Conk]

09:19 AM on 07/01/2010

God bless this woman!

[FREEMORE]

09:06 AM on 07/01/2010

This is just scary. I wish the doctors could fix it.

[Imasqre]

01:47 PM on 07/02/2010

"it"s name is Lizzie Velasquez

[graciesgra]

04:59 PM on 07/02/2010

I believe Freemore meant the disease.

[jazzdad51]

08:44 AM on 07/01/2010

Stories like this gives us a moment to put away our differences in an insane environment. Compassion, though it hurts a little, is not a bad thing. She is truly an amazing young woman with a beautiful smile.

[bcmom]

11:59 AM on 07/01/2010

This is so true. We all get into our own little universe and look outside on occasion. There is so much we could do in this world if we think about this young lady's courage and how she faces each day.

[bzb]

08:41 AM on 07/01/2010

I would love to hang out with her.

[Cristancho]

08:07 AM on 07/01/2010

Lizzie's story is a very touching one indeed. Too bad clicking on the hyperlinks pulled up several diet pill pop up ads. Sheeeesh!

[paradoja]

07:39 AM on 07/01/2010

Easy now HP... Don't you go shocking us with..reality.

I think this story should serve as a reminder to be greatful. You could suffer far worse..

[KenClay]

07:14 AM on 07/01/2010

So Inspirational to see this woman give motivational speeches ..... We could ALL Learn from her strength and Valor! God Bless Her and Keep her in his care always.