Shocking Transformations: The Incredible Journeys of 'My 600-Lb Life' Stars

My 600-Lb. Life has been a truly transformative journey for its participants, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. Since its premiere on TLC in February 2012, this reality show has been dedicated to chronicling the weight loss efforts of obese individuals. Guided by the experienced bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, or Dr. Now as he is affectionately known, the show takes viewers through the arduous process of developing healthier eating habits and, in some cases, undergoing a gastric bypass procedure.

Dr. Nowzaradan shared with Houstonia magazine in October 2017 how the series came about, saying, "It just happened." He revealed that he was frequently performing surgeries on individuals weighing 600 pounds or more.

In addition to helping his patients, the surgeon had hopes that the show would also benefit viewers and his colleagues. Speaking at the 2016 ObesityHelp National Conference, he expressed his desire to provide education for everyone. He explained, "That's the reason I started the television series, to make an impression on the medical community and encourage them to take better care of these patients." Another important reason for him was to create a show that would inspire people and challenge biased opinions about individuals with morbid obesity within the medical community.

Nowzaradan is renowned for his tough love approach, but he empathizes with the complex nature of his patients' issues. He acknowledges that their circumstances are not of their own choosing, but rather stem from a metabolic and genetic predisposition. These individuals do not have control over their condition, as it is a disease that goes beyond their high-risk status. It is important to recognize that their struggles are not a result of a lack of discipline or overindulgence in food.

The doctor genuinely has his patients' best interests in mind, even if he delivers news that they may not be prepared to hear. He understands that people often seek a simple solution to their problems, but the reality may not align with their desires. As he stated in an interview with Houstonia, surgery cannot single-handedly alter people's behavior towards food.

Nowzaradan is driven by a deep sense of duty to provide assistance wherever he can. He recognizes the moral obligation to help individuals who are trapped in a life devoid of hope, offering them a chance at a better existence.

Devoting long hours to his work, the renowned reality star tends to a staggering number of patients each day, ranging from 60 to 80. Regardless of whether their appointments are being filmed or not, he remains steadfast in his approach, treating each and every individual with equal care and attention. He firmly believes in maintaining consistency, asserting, "The presence of a camera does not influence my behavior towards any patient. I provide the same level of care, whether the camera is present or not."

Scroll through the gallery below to see where stars from My 600-Lb. Life are now.

Credit: Courtesy Amber Rachdi/Instagram; Cillas Givens/Facebook; Donald Shelton/Instagram; Marla McCants/Instagram

‘My 600-Lb. Life’ Stars: Where Are They Now?

Throughout its run, My 600-Lb. Life has been a truly life-changing experience for its participants. Since its premiere on TLC in February 2012, the reality show has been dedicated to documenting the incredible journeys of individuals struggling with obesity. Under the guidance of renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, commonly known as Dr. Now, the show follows these patients as they not only adopt new eating habits but also undergo transformative gastric bypass procedures.

"It just happened," Nowzaradan explained in an interview with Houstonia magazine in October 2017, referring to how the series came into existence. He revealed that he had been performing surgeries on numerous individuals weighing 600 pounds or more.

With the show, the surgeon aimed to not only assist his patients but also benefit viewers and his fellow colleagues. "We continuously strive to offer education for everyone. This is why I initiated the television series, to make an impact on the medical community and emphasize the importance of caring for these patients," he stated at the 2016 ObesityHelp National Conference. "Additionally, it was crucial to me to create a show that could inspire and challenge biased perceptions about morbidly obese individuals, both for the general public and the medical community."

Nowzaradan is renowned for his tough-love approach, yet he empathizes with the complex nature of his patients' struggles. He acknowledges that their circumstances are not of their own making, but rather a result of their metabolic and genetic predisposition. Their lack of choice is evident, as this disease surpasses the control of even the most high-risk patients. It is crucial to recognize that their condition does not stem from a lack of discipline or an indulgence in excessive eating habits.

Despite the sometimes disheartening news he delivers, the doctor always prioritizes his patients' best interests. He understands that individuals often seek a singular solution to their problems, but he is not afraid to present them with an answer they may not desire. Surgery alone cannot bring about a transformation in people's relationship with food.

Nowzaradan embraces a strong sense of duty in providing assistance wherever possible. He recognizes the profound moral obligation to transform the lives of individuals who are currently devoid of any semblance of a fulfilling existence. This dedicated reality star goes above and beyond, working tirelessly to attend to the needs of an impressive 60 to 80 patients each day. Regardless of whether their appointments are being filmed or not, he remains steadfast in his commitment to treating each and every patient with equal care and compassion. The presence of a camera has no sway on his behavior, as he consistently delivers the same level of dedication and support to each individual he encounters.

Scroll through the gallery below to see where stars from My 600-Lb. Life are now.

Credit: YouTube

Larry 'Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits' Myers Jr.

Myers, an aspiring gospel singer, bravely shared his story on season 10 of My 600-Lb. Life, shedding light on the immense challenges he faced while weighing 940 pounds and being confined to his bed. Following his appearance on the TLC series in 2022, Myers experienced significant personal growth and transformation.

Tragically, in June 2023, Myers's cousin Todd Darrell sadly announced that the beloved reality star had passed away just days after celebrating his 49th birthday.

Credit: Courtesy Melissa D. Morris/Instagram

Melissa D. Morris

After undergoing gastric bypass surgery and shedding an astounding 500 pounds during her appearance on the show in 2012, the former contestant, who was originally 653 pounds, faced new challenges when she became a mother. She candidly admitted that parenthood made it incredibly difficult to stick to her diet, as she found herself constantly surrounded by food while caring for her children.

Morris is still dedicated to her health and is focused on raising her children.

Credit: Courtesy Donald Shelton/Instagram

Donald Shelton

Shelton, a contestant on season 1 in 2012, experienced a significant weight loss following his operation, dropping from 675 to 295 pounds. However, his journey took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that causes nerve damage due to the immune system attacking the nerves. As a result, he regained 200 pounds. Despite facing these obstacles, Shelton remains determined to once again shed the weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle. His Instagram profile reveals that he is currently "disabled and in a wheelchair," but this doesn't stop him from seeking enjoyment and actively participating in various activities.

Credit: Courtesy Zsalynn Whitworth/Instagram

Zsalynn Whitworth

Whitworth's weight exceeded 600 pounds when she made her appearance on season 2 in 2014. However, she successfully shed 300 pounds following her gastric bypass surgery. In a 2015 Where Are They Now? special, she candidly disclosed that she had parted ways with her husband, as he struggled to see the positive aspects of her transformation. Presently, Whitworth is devoted to raising her daughter, Hannah, and resides in Texas.

Credit: Courtesy Christina Phillips/Facebook

Christina Phillips

Phillips underwent surgery and successfully reduced her weight from 708 pounds to 183 pounds. During season 2 in 2014, she shared her weight loss journey with the audience. However, in a 2016 Where Are They Now? special, Phillips opened up about her struggles with food and revealed that she would go for days without eating due to her fear of gaining weight. Despite her anxieties, she was determined to overcome them. Recently, in February 2021, Phillips joyfully welcomed her son Ethan into the world.

Credit: Courtesy Tara Taylor/Facebook

Tara Taylor

Taylor, who weighed 606 pounds during her appearance on season 2 in 2014, made a resolute decision to prioritize her health and maintain her weight loss. Hailing from Louisiana, she is a single mother and was previously engaged to Eugene Perkins.

Credit: Courtesy Amber Rachdi/Instagram

Amber Rachdi

Rachdi's remarkable transformation journey began on season 3 in 2015 when they weighed a staggering 660 pounds. However, they recently shared on Facebook in February 2019 that they have made the decision not to appear on television again unless it is for an extraordinary achievement or a significant accomplishment. They expressed their desire not to have their entire life defined solely by the number of pounds they have shed.

Credit: Courtesy Marla McCants/Instagram

Marla McCants

The contestant from season 3 of the show had a starting weight of 800 pounds in 2015. However, during her interview with Sister Circle in December 2019, she revealed that she had successfully lost an impressive 560 pounds within a span of two years. Currently, she resides in Tennessee and has transformed herself into a motivational speaker and philanthropist.

Credit: Courtesy Brittani Fulfer/Facebook

Brittani Fulfer

The season 4 alum made her debut on the show in 2016 weighing 605 pounds, but she successfully shed 200 pounds following gastric bypass surgery. In September 2018, she expressed her satisfaction with the results, stating, "I am now stronger, healthier, and more alive than I ever believed possible!" On Facebook, she emphasized that her priority is not to be skinny, but rather to be healthy. She encouraged others to embrace self-love and count their blessings.

Credit: Courtesy Octavia Nichelle/Instagram

Octavia Nichelle

The season 7 alum weighed 692 pounds during her televised journey in 2019. In August 2021, she shared her progress on Instagram, emphasizing that she is focused on sustainable weight loss rather than resorting to unhealthy methods. She stated, "I'm committed to doing my best, taking it slow and steady to achieve long-term success." Besides her weight loss journey, she also runs a small business where she creates and sells jewelry.

Credit: Courtesy Cillas Givens/Facebook

Cillas Givens

Givens underwent a significant transformation during his season 7 journey in 2019, shedding an impressive 388 pounds from his initial weight of 729 pounds and reaching 341 pounds. Following his journey, he relocated to Enid, Oklahoma, where he embarked on a new professional path as a warehouse specialist in July 2021. Givens is happily married to Jessica Erin Givens.

Credit: Courtesy Janine Mueller/Facebook

Janine Mueller

She faced challenges in sticking to her recommended diet during her appearance on the 2019 episode, as revealed by the season 7 alum. Although she managed to reduce her weight from 629 to 566 pounds at that time, she has continued to shed more pounds and has been actively sharing her remarkable transformation on various social media platforms. In terms of her professional journey, she has ventured into the jewelry business and now sells her own creations.