'1000-lb Best Friends': Vannessa Cross' rough childhood led her to find comfort in food

Between not having a stable roof over her head to being bullied in school, Vannessa turned to food
Vannessa Cross will feature in '1000-lb Best Friends' that will premiere on TLC and discovery+ (@vannessa_toolarge/Instagram)
Vannessa Cross will feature in '1000-lb Best Friends' that will premiere on TLC and discovery+ (@vannessa_toolarge/Instagram)

If you believe in the power of friendship, then '1000-lb Best Friends' is just what you need! The series follows four friends, Vannessa, Meghan, Ashley, and Tina, on their journey to get healthier and happier, as they support each other every step of the way. As the synopsis of the series mentions, "From camping to swimming in the ocean, these friends are+ determined to get out of the sedentary habits that have led them to where they are now. Whether it's exercise, doctors' appointments, or therapy sessions, they'll rely on each other to get through it all. But with four big personalities, they are bound to ruffle each other's feathers. Will the gang be able to overcome their insecurities and self-doubt in time to attend their high school reunion as a fiercely fabulous, united front?"

If you're a TLC fan, be sure to tune in to shows such as '1000-lb Sisters', 'My 600 lb Life', 'Darcey and Stacey', and '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days'.

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Who is Vannessa Cross?

Fans were first introduced to both Vannessa and Meghan as they were featured on TLC's 'Too Large'. Since middle school, the duo had been friends and had been bullied for their weight since then. During the time of the episode, Vannessa weighed 440 lbs. As reported by Gossip Next Door, even growing up, she turned to food for comfort. Between ages 4 to 5, she lived in a car with her mother, and her mother often comforted her with food. "I was big because my mother comforted me with food. Anytime I cried, I was happy, anything, she gave me a cookie," she said. 



 

Eating healthy proved to be an obstacle for Vannessa because of her financial status. The food she and her family mainly consumed came from food banks, and the high sodium content was causing health issues. She even resorted to washing canned vegetables to get rid of the sodium. While she exercised regularly, Vannessa could not get to the required weight to get the surgery. 

'1000-lb Best Friends' follows her journey as she tries to make better choices, with the help of her friends, as they all hope to get healthier in the process. With regards to her personal life, Vannessa is the mother of three sons, Jacob, Justin, and Werner Cross. 



 


When does '1000-lb Best Friends' release, and where can you watch it

'1000-lb Best Friends' premieres on TLC and discovery+ on Monday, February 7 at 10 pm ET/PT.


 

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