Food challenge fanatic, Jimmy Judge opens up about mental health and his passion for helping others

Townsville’s own Jimmy Judge has captivated social media users and increased his following exponentially with epic food challenges, but it’s his charitable work off camera that drives him. Here’s how he’s included giving back in his viral videos.

Jimmy Judge began his online journey more than a year ago and since then has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, but as he continues dominating extreme food challenges the fitness fanatic is also using his platform for good.

For the 29-year-old, inching closer and closer to 200,000 followers on Instagram and having people ask for photos on the street is a humbling experience, one he never thought he’d experience when he first began documenting his passion for food.

“I didn’t ever think I’d get past 10,000 (followers),” he said.

“I never really planned to try and do anything with the food (challenges), it was just something that I really loved and I think people saw me having fun … and it all flowed very organically.

“It almost feels like within the space of a few months things have tripled … the support has just been unbelievable in the best possible way.”

Online content creator and personal trainer Jimmy Judge taking on the giant 4 kilo burger challenge at Claw Brisbane.

While his love for food runs deep, his passion for giving back to the community runs even deeper as he uses his impressive following and challenge opportunities to help people who may be facing their own struggles.

“Honestly I didn’t anticipate living past 30. I’m 29 now and as unfortunate as it was, in my younger years I really didn’t think I’d be free or alive at this age,” he said.

“When I was younger I felt kind of lost and angry at the world.

“I’ve battled some pretty hectic anxiety at times … I think sometimes we put people up on a pedestal not realising they are literally just the same as us.

“To look around now and have such a good life, to have such wonderful people around me and to feel so supported and loved from a place where I really didn’t feel love for myself … it’s very surreal.”

Using his platform to speak openly about his own mental health struggles, Judge said he has received so many heartwarming messages from his followers, with businesses also reaching out to do their part in giving back.

Jimmy Judge has amassed a large following online as he completes extreme food challenges

His most memorable of these included a 30 custard waffle challenge set by Burger Urge, where once completed they would donate $5000 to the mental health organisation Livin’.

He also created a viral challenge where mates would compete against each other to see who could eat a McDonalds happy meal the fastest.

The loser would pay for the meals and donate $10 to $20 to the hunger relief charity, Foodbank.

“I really am trying to make a big difference in any way possible,” Judge said.

“I didn’t want to ever put myself into a box where it was only just food, I wanted to be able to at least try and give something back at the same time.”

Online content creator and personal trainer Jimmy Judge taking on the 3.2 kilo breakfast bagel challenge from UE Bagels

“I never want to take how blessed I am for granted so at the very least I could try and help some other people that might not be feeling the love as much.”

Despite taking on two to three intense challenges a week, including a one metre pizza, a four kilo burger or an epic 3.2 kilo breakfast bagel, Judge said he feels the healthiest he has ever felt.

“I know that it’s not the healthiest thing in the world to be eating such big volumes of food, so I really need to take care of myself,” he said.

“In between challenges … there’s no real room to slack anymore so I’ve got to really be attentive to (my fitness and diet) all the time so it’s definitely the healthiest I’ve ever been, which sounds crazy.”

Recently relocating to the Gold Coast and working as a personal trainer, Judge’s plans for food domination don’t stop there as he begins preparing to do a challenge tour of America.

“I think by the end of January 2026 I will aim to take it global and travel around America … the food challenge capital of the world,” he said.

Originally published as Food challenge fanatic, Jimmy Judge opens up about mental health and his passion for helping others