The reality show My 600-lb Life has brought to light the difficult journeys of individuals battling severe obesity and seeking help from Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, widely known as the 600 Pound Life Doctor. This dedicated surgeon, often referred to as Dr. Now by his patients, has become a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their lives through weight loss. While many success stories have emerged from the show, it’s also a somber reminder that not every journey has a happy ending. Sadly, several participants who bravely shared their struggles on My 600-lb Life have passed away after their episodes aired. These individuals, while facing immense health challenges, touched the hearts of viewers and are remembered for their courage and vulnerability.
This article aims to remember some of the beloved stars of My 600-lb Life who are no longer with us. It is important to acknowledge their battles and the impact of Dr. Nowzaradan’s tireless efforts to help them, even when the outcomes were tragically different.
Henry Foots: An Early Patient of the 600 Pound Life Doctor
My 600-Lb Life Season 1
Henry Foots was featured in the very first season of My 600-lb Life, introducing viewers to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Nowzaradan in 2012. At 47 years old and weighing around 715 pounds, Henry sought Dr. Now’s expertise to transform his health before his high school reunion. Dr. Now, known for his direct approach, guided Henry through a rigorous weight loss program. Despite a critical moment during surgery where Henry flat-lined, he demonstrated incredible resilience. He successfully lost 440 pounds under Dr. Nowzaradan’s care, becoming an inspiration to many viewers.
Tragically, Henry passed away in May 2013 at the age of 54. While his death was reported to be unrelated to his weight loss journey or a bus accident he was involved in months prior, his passing was a stark reminder of the underlying health complexities faced by individuals with severe obesity, even after significant weight loss achieved with the help of a 600 pound life doctor like Dr. Now.
Sean Milliken: Battling Grief and Weight with Dr. Nowzaradan’s Support
My 600-Lb Life Season 4
Sean Milliken My 600-lb Life in bed under blanket
Sean Milliken’s journey on My 600-lb Life, which aired in 2016, highlighted the emotional and physical struggles associated with extreme obesity. Weighing over 900 pounds when he first consulted Dr. Nowzaradan, Sean faced immense challenges. Under Dr. Now’s guidance, he achieved significant weight loss, losing over 400 pounds. However, the loss of his mother in 2017 deeply affected Sean, leading to grief-related weight regain. Despite further hospitalizations and attempts to get back on track with Dr. Now’s program, Sean’s health remained fragile.
Sean tragically passed away in 2019 at just 29 years old due to cardiac arrest resulting from an infection. His story underscores the complexities of obesity and the emotional factors that can impact a patient’s journey, even with the intervention of a dedicated 600 pound life doctor.
Kelly Mason: A Heartbreaking Loss During Her Transformation with Dr. Now
My 600-Lb Life Season 7
Kelly Mason’s story on My 600-lb Life season 7 is particularly poignant as she passed away during filming, becoming the second person to do so. At 41 years old and over 700 pounds, Kelly was facing severe health issues, including shortness of breath and congestive heart failure, when she sought help from Dr. Nowzaradan. Despite her critical condition, Kelly showed remarkable determination. She lost 220 pounds initially and underwent weight loss surgery under Dr. Now’s care, followed by another 100 pounds lost. Her progress was a testament to her commitment and Dr. Now’s expertise.
However, in February 2019, just days before her 42nd birthday, Kelly passed away in her sleep due to cardiac arrest. Dr. Now expressed his deep sadness at her passing, emphasizing that it was not due to relapse but rather the irreversible damage her weight had inflicted on her heart. Kelly’s story serves as a somber reminder of the severe and sometimes irreversible health consequences of long-term morbid obesity, even with the best medical intervention from a 600 pound life doctor.
Gina Krasley: The Perils of Food Addiction and a Life Cut Short
My 600-Lb Life Season 8
Gina Krasley’s journey on My 600-lb Life season 8 brought to the forefront the devastating impact of food addiction. News of Gina’s passing in August 2024 at the young age of 30 was met with widespread sorrow, highlighting the life-threatening nature of this condition. While the official cause of death was not disclosed, it was widely understood to be related to health complications stemming from her weight.
Gina’s story is a stark illustration of the battles individuals face with food addiction and the tragic consequences when it is not overcome. While the article doesn’t detail her specific journey with Dr. Nowzaradan, her inclusion in this list underscores the broader struggle faced by many who seek help from a 600 pound life doctor and the heartbreaking reality that not all battles are won. Gina is remembered for her passions and talents, reminding us that those struggling with obesity are individuals with full lives beyond their weight.
James “LB” Bonner: The Despair Behind the Weight Loss Journey
My 600-Lb Life Season 6
James “LB” Bonner’s story is perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching. Like Gina, James also passed away at the age of 30, but tragically, his death was by suicide. His journey on My 600-lb Life season 6 showcased his physical transformation under Dr. Nowzaradan’s care, but it also hinted at the deep emotional struggles he faced. James had endured significant trauma in his life, including the loss of a leg in a car accident, which profoundly impacted his physical and emotional well-being.
While James’s external journey with weight loss seemed positive, his internal battle with despair ultimately proved insurmountable. His passing serves as a tragic reminder that for many individuals with severe obesity, the challenges are not just physical but deeply psychological. Even with the support of a 600 pound life doctor and the physical changes achieved, the underlying emotional pain can be overwhelming. James’s story calls for greater compassion and understanding for those struggling with both obesity and mental health, emphasizing that the journey to health is multifaceted and complex.
My 600-lb Life, guided by the expertise of Dr. Nowzaradan, provides a crucial platform to understand the realities of morbid obesity. While the show celebrates many successes, the stories of Henry, Sean, Kelly, Gina, and James remind us of the fragility of life and the immense challenges faced by individuals battling this condition. These stars, who bravely shared their journeys, will be remembered for their courage, resilience, and the lasting impact they made on viewers. Their stories underscore the vital role of dedicated medical professionals like the 600 pound life doctor, Dr. Nowzaradan, in offering hope and treatment, while also highlighting the ongoing need for greater understanding and support for those facing the complexities of severe obesity.
Sources: People, James Bonner/Instagram.
