Austin says he was always a heavy kid, and with parents and several family members who are obese, there was never any focus on healthy eating growing up. The oldest of three children, he was born in Redlands, California and raised in Pasadena, where he attended Pasadena City College to get a certificate in radio broadcasting. After nearly losing his father to a medical emergency, Austin decided to get healthy for himself, but also to become a good role model and motivator for others in his family struggling with health and weight issues. At 21 years old and 396 pounds, he suffers from sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and is pre-diabetic. After he loses weight, he looks forward to going on trips with friends, riding a rollercoaster, and not having to worry every time he goes out whether he will be able to fit in a restaurant booth or in a seat that won't break.