My 600-lb Life (2012– ) User Reviews

Expensive

[childers-3 · 7/10 · 10 April 2017]

I guess the show pays all the expenses for these patients. The cost must be astronomical. Not counting the surgery, there's transportation, whether it's gas for their personal cars, ambulances, etc., weeks or months in the hospital BEFORE surgery, to try to get them to the weight they need to even have the surgery. Plus, they don't seem to have income from working. They must be on some kind of assistance. I don't see how they can afford to do this. I guess if I paused through the credits, it would say something about that.

Most of the patients are ready, willing and mostly able to go through this process. I'm cheering for them all the way. What makes me angry is when some of them are petulant, spoiled and uncooperative. They usually come around near the end of the episode, but boy, it's hard to have sympathy for some of these people. This show really makes you think about your food choices, both quality and quantity.

Love this show!!

[brendamartin-74523 · 8/10 · 8 September 2019]

The only thing I'd change about this show is the updates. I would love to see more..

I Like the Show But...

[holeyfield-45926 · 8/10 · 16 April 2020]

There are too many episodes where the people wanting to lose weight become confrontational with the doctor. I watch the show to see how they progress and lose the weight, not to see them being disrespectful and argumentative with the doctor. I don't know if they are encouraged to do so, by the producers and directors, but if they are, I think it is a big mistake, because it's a turn off, and I end up switching the channel to watch something else.

Great Show

[OliveNymph · 10/10 · 11 April 2019]

Some viewers might think Dr. Now is too strictvand harsh, but dont realize what he's actually doing. These people are surrounded by enablers and loved ones too afraid to speak openly with them, or just gave up trying. Dr. Now doesnt caudle or baby them like their use to. He holds them accountable and calls them on their behavior , especially if its manipulative.. People forget these are addicts above all. An addict will cry, make excuses, lie and do whatever they can to justify their habits. It's a grueling process that some are successful with and others need more time. If anything he shows compassion and concern for them which is why he pushes them.

about life

[Kirpianuscus · 16 July 2019]

People in profound health problems. Reactions, dialogues, family, medical advices, a huge fight for their survive, against their body . It is not exactly only a serie about weight. But a long gallery of portraits. So, a serie about life, hope, selfishness, food refugies , surgery, kilos and a long, painfull, risky process, needing a lot of determination. So, a special serie about life. And the force, courage to keep it.

A disgusting show that should be a wake up call

[frankperkins-76225 · 7/10 · 8 August 2021]

When Michelle Obama wanted kids to eat healthier, this documentary should have been shown alongside with her platform. This show is completely disgusting and gluttonous. I have had problems with my weight throughout my life, but I do one thing these people do not. I exercise five days a week, and I try to follow a proper diet. These people eat like pigs, and they get upset when people make fun of them. Being like them is not a disease, it is a lifestyle choice. I am against, and always will be, gastric bypass surgery. It is a waste of tax dollars since these people do not work, and they think it is the only way for them to better their lifestyle. The problem is, when they get it, they still eat junk.

America is a deeply divided nation in every way; politically and socially. The majority of the country is overweight, and does not get enough exercise. School kids in America are fed trash rather than a proper diet filled with fruits and vegetables. This show, that people watch for entertainment, is not for that purpose. It is a satire of sorts. You question whether you feel bad for these people. I watched it with my sister once, and she said, these people did it to themselves. It is their fault. You show them salads they give you a disgusted look. I saw one episode where for breakfast they showed this person a yogurt with granola, a croissant, and coffee with steamed nonfat milk and sugared substitute for breakfast and she called it disgusting. To me, that is an ideal breakfast. That is at least what my mother would serve us for breakfast before school when I was a youngster.

Americans need to watch this.

Get ready to be disturbed.

[landfather · 10/10 · 21 February 2019]

This show serves a great purpose in my opinion. It really lets people know what the consequences of becoming morbidly obese can be, and it isn't pretty. Plus, I find that since I've been watching it, it actually makes me take a good look at my diet and it scares the tar out of me. Time to start munching on carrots and celery instead of chips and candy. The success stories make you feel very happy for the ones who come through with flying colors, and the failures can actually make you want to shake your head and say "Dude, what were you thinking?" I like how it makes you think about consequences, the importance of taking care of ones body, and how brave the people are who are on the show. They're baring all for everyone to see and I can only imagine how difficult and embarrassing that is. Dr. "Now" holds no punches and tells it like it is, and you can tell it isn't easy for the people to hear. I like this show, even though it can be very disturbing at times.

Entertainment for when your bored

[jeremyhess-34902 · 6/10 · 11 September 2022]

This show is actualy ok, the premise is very simple, the show follows severely overweight people on their path to losing weight. Its semi engaging and its good background tv, if theres nothing else to do and you just can't think of something to watch then these types of shows fill that void perfectly. I get the feeling that while watching this some of the people it follows are a bit overdramatic but i've personally never known anyone who has the severe weight issues that these people have so it may be authentic, but at first glance some of it seems a little overdramatic for the sake of being infront of the camera's. But all in all its a good watch and it does the trick when i need to fill my boredome with something.

Very inspiring TV Series!

[jenpepler · 10/10 · 5 December 2019]

Once I first watched a full episode of My 600lb life, I was hooked! I find it addictive for some reason. Although I have never been close to 600lbs, I too have been overweight most of my life. I often understand the participants thought processes as I too have had the same thoughts. "Just one cheat day", "I wil start watching what I eat tomorrow", "I am too stressed to start a diet" etc. The list can go on. However, I think what keeps me coming back is the sincerity of Dr. Now & how he always tells the patients the hard truth & how he really goes above and beyond to try and get his patients to wake up before it's too late!. It also helps keep my eating habits in check and holds me accountable. I find that the up date shows are even better than the original as you get to see if the patients have truly changed their lives around. This is the number one show on my pvr for order of importance! I hate missing one! I often watch re runs over other TV shows and I don't know why because I have already seen it:) Lol

I would fail

[oldcapecod-425-966198 · 7/10 · 17 December 2023]

I watch because I'm fascinated by the patients who succeed. I could never do it.

Dr. Now likes GI surgery. People? Not so much. He's firm, which is necessary, but he's a bit cold.

The weight-loss program doesn't cover all the bases. Psych care should be mandatory. Patients should be provided with recipes and food prep tips. There are ways to make healthy food tasty. Ever had a roasted Brussel sprout? Yum!

As I write, Octavia's on the screen reaming Dr. Now about not addressing underlying issues and simply giving patients "a piece of paper." Go girl!

Invariably, these patients are surrounded by obese friends and family on high horses. It rarely occurs to them that their diets aren't exactly exemplary. They'll scold and belittle the patients with a mouthful of deep-fried ice cream. The worst part of these stories!

What happens next???

[shelley-48742 · 1/10 · 5 April 2018]

The old shows actually showed you there end stories. Now it's an hour of drama about there past. This show really disappoints me now.

Update to my original review

[jenpepler · 10/10 · 5 December 2019]

As I can't see a way to up date my review, I will just add this!

Although I give this show a 10 star rating, I really wish it would give even some basic information on how these morbidly obese patients can afford to eat the way they do? I don't understand that! It seems as though they are on a type of disability payment (I use that term loosely). If so, how can they afford to order that much food in every day, often multiple meals per day are ordered and consumed. I guess their financial situation is none of my business, but I truly don't understand how they can afford a roof over their heads and still dine out as often as they do? I live in Canada, perhaps fast food in the USA is really cheap?? I don't know?

Well...

[bdbj77 · 5/10 · 16 February 2020]

I barely can understand one thing that the doctor says. Please give subtitles.

Get Serious or go home!

[stellacb83 · 10/10 · 3 February 2020]

The amount of excuses these obese ppl give Dr Now come up with are pathetic, he gives him a strict guidelines as to what they have to do lose certain amount of weight before the surgery because he wants to see their level of commitment most of them continue to go down the wrong road and when they come in and if they blame everyone around them that it's their fault for them not losing weight it's Dr. now it's fault for them not losing weight and it's even the skills fault. seriously quit stuffing the hamburgers and nachos and donuts in your face while you're supposed to be on a 1200 cal diet how else do you expect to get healthy? For the most part these people have enablers , People who cater to their every need Withers going to McDonald's or Taco Bell or making a greasy food and then serving it to them instead of telling them no.. there are success stories were the patient was determined to lose the weight and to get healthy so it can't be done it's a matter of will and determination some have it some don't...

Dr. Now is the star!

[dakjets · 8/10 · 2 November 2019]

The best thing about this series is undoubtedly Dr. Now himself. He's the star! In the series of these people with incredible challenges, he is wonderfully straight forward in his way of dealing with them. Beyond that, it is both fascinating, sad and shocking to see the situation of his patients. Obesity has really become a major, major societal problem and in this series we see the most serious consequences of this. There is a life and death struggle for these patients, but Dr. Now is the right man to help them. And of course it is amazing to see those who are able to get a new and better life.

Addicting. Muah xo

[gigifoo · 10/10 · 16 October 2020]

Oh good lord, I don't know if this show motivates me to lose weight or order a pizza. All I know is that I am addicted to watching these people eat crappy junk food and Dr. Now "ripping them a new one" for doing it. MUAH xo.

Hard to watch but hard not too!

[crazybaker-84693 · 9/10 · 4 March 2021]

The excuses these people come up with when they don't meet the goal set by Dr. Now, the fact that he doesn't give up when he hears the amount of lies speaks volumes . I'd be like " fine, go home and stuff your face till you croak " The success stories are the best ... but who pays for all this? The procedure , the skin removal etc? Does the show pay for this? Do these people have insurance ? Most are on disability due to their weight.. almost seems unfair to the ones who actually work... Dr Now doesn't hold back and I appreciate his candor , although he's one Dr I'd never want to see.. nothing personal ..

Good show!

[dmk_12345 · 10/10 · 22 February 2018]

Its entertaining to watch, its fun to watch people regain control of their lives, and be happy in the end. Some scenes can be funny, some of the patients are awful and are not even willing to try. Some are rude, they dont seem to care, they just give up. this show also (at least for me) made me want to try to eat healthier. So its a good show, the cost though for everything must be astounding. Overall though, great show, and entertaining (at least in my opinion)

Love it

[Tandafla-173-265062 · 9/10 · 2 February 2020]

Love this show! The characters are great! Love the dr...he can be harsh as he should be!!

Good series, but it left me with disturbing questions

[Bernard-Weasley · 10/10 · 4 March 2017]

In a nutshell, this TV series tells people that obesity is a hormonal / insulin problem, and if you correct the hormonal / insulin problem by getting a gastric bypass (equivalent of fasting - just without the surgery), then you can reverse your diabetes, and lose hundreds of pounds of weight within a year - or the equivalent of fasting for a year.

I also understand that almost every 600 lbs person featured in this series had traumas/issues which goes way back to their childhood, and that made them crave food for relief to fill the void throughout their upbringing. Therefore they needed the gastric bypass surgery instead of simply performing fasting for their 6 months plus period.

But back to the issue at hand, the thing that I didn't get is why, after the obvious fact that gastric bypass and/or fasting can cure and reverse diabetes type 2, then why did the American Diabetes Association still persistently state that diabetes type 2 is an irreversible/incurable disease, while in fact it's clearly documented over and over again in this series that gastric bypasses (or fasting) clearly cures and actually reverse diabetes permanently for the long run.

Furthermore, the doctor in this series even recommended low carbs diet in order to lower and correct the patients' insulin problem for the long run. However this is the exact opposite of the recommendations by American Diabetes Association to consume more carbs - which worsen the insulin problem, and then recommends type 2 diabetes patients to buy more insulin injections/drugs/etc products, and getting the patients hooked for life by buying more insulin related drugs, knowing that the core of the problem is actually the excess of INSULIN in the first place.

Now how on earth can you cure type 2 diabetes' insulin resistance by injecting / ingesting more insulin, while in fact it's clearly documented in this series over and over, that by actually reducing / correcting our body's insulin level with doing gastric bypass actually reverses the insulin dependence and cures diabetes type 2 for the long run. What is going on here? Is there a huge corruption link here between the ADA and the big pharmas? The government ought to investigate this scandal.

The Amazing Doctor Who Helps Dangerously Fat People Make Change and Find Hope

[drakeking1 · 10/10 · 3 February 2024]

My 600-lb Life is a reality TV show that follows the journeys of morbidly obese individuals who seek to transform their lives through weight loss surgery and lifestyle changes. The show is not only about shedding pounds, but also about overcoming emotional and psychological issues that often contribute to obesity.

One of the most admirable aspects of the show is the role of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, or Dr. Now, as he is affectionately called by his patients. Dr. Now is a bariatric surgeon who performs the operations that help his patients lose weight and improve their health. But he is not just a doctor, he is also a mentor, a coach, and a friend to his patients.

Dr. Now does not sugarcoat the reality of obesity and its consequences. He tells his patients the truth about their condition and the risks they face if they do not change their habits. He also sets realistic goals and expectations for them, and holds them accountable for their progress. He does not tolerate excuses or dishonesty, and he challenges his patients to confront their fears and insecurities.

But Dr. Now is not harsh or uncaring. He is compassionate and supportive of his patients, and he celebrates their achievements and milestones. He also recognizes that obesity is not just a physical problem, but a mental and emotional one as well. That is why he requires his patients to get psychotherapy as they go through his program. He understands that losing weight is not enough, they also need to heal their wounds and traumas that may have led them to overeat in the first place.

Dr. Now is a remarkable doctor who has helped hundreds of people reclaim their lives and happiness. He is an inspiration and a role model for anyone who struggles with obesity or any other challenge. He is one of the reasons why I love watching My 600-lb Life, and I have a lot of respect for him and his work.

"That is not reality."

[babybirda · 10/10 · 11 October 2023]

Dr. Now is compassionate but no nonsense. Everyone should have a Dr. Now in their life.

I don't know why they bother with a family history at the beginning because it is always the same. Extreme child abuse. What else could cause a human being to try to eat him or herself to death and completely check out on every part of life but food.

I hope Sean Millikin and James King are resting in peace because they never caught one break in this world. Sean's mama was nuts but when she died, the only person on the planet who loved him died. Evil Lisa used James King from the time he was a boy. Those were not his children but he was desperate to believe the lie. Even Dr. Now screamed at evil Lisa, "this is a miserable life for human being to live." It never got better.

What this show does not do and perhaps they should consider a spin off to answer why these supersized men and women are almost aways married or living with someone. Rubbing on someone's hand or their arm does not fulfill normal human needs. These partners are as damaged and as wounded as the 600+ pound mates to which they attach themselves. Some are clearly there for a place a sleep, for food or for drug money. Others, like the chick who saw her on-line love of one year for the first time, siting in a filthy house, hair uncombed, taking a #2 in a wastebasket and bathing in a pot. Instead of running for her life, she was so desperate for love, she moved in.

Or the spouse of the woman who bathed once a month, sleeping on the couch, the only one in the house working and she allowed herself to be verbally abused by her wife and her wife's family. Or the unemployed men who are verbally abused by their supersized wives/girlfriends and controlled with money.

What always amazes me are the supersized women who are shocked to find out their husband/boyfriend is cheating. Paul put Lindsey out of her own house, so he could move his woman in, Can you believe that? I don't know but somehow, I think that cheating is a given. As Dr. Now says, "you're delusional," if you don't know that.

All the lonely people Where do they all come from?

All the lonely people Where do they all belong.

Not always the most pleasant to watch, but overall an eye opening reality series

[tiffanie_says_stay_in_your_lane · 9/10 · 19 August 2023]

If you stop and think about it, how many reality TV shows truly show us real life? What's so real about a bunch of rich women who constantly argue and gossip? Or people finding love on a tropical island? My 600-lb Life is probably the only reality show that's a 100% accurate depiction of someone's existence. I know there's people who think it's gross, and it makes them feel uncomfortable. Yes, you'll see the morbidly obese individuals sitting on the toilet, and then taking a shower (each episode starts by filming them when they get up in the morning). And they recount stories of their traumatic childhood experiences, which means sexual and physical abuse are often discussed, along with other forms of maltreatment. But perhaps that's the issue with society nowadays - so many people would rather bury their head in the sand, than face what's going on in the population. If you ask me, I think the human race would start improving if there wasn't so much fear around having an open dialogue about difficult subjects. Experiencing discomfort leads one on the path to change. This show is greatly beneficial, seeing as how a lot of people eat junk food, and don't realize the damage it's doing to their body. I mean, even I have to admit, it's somewhat hard for me to watch, occasionally, and I love food... But I don't use it as a coping mechanism. These people don't eat for nourishment. They eat because, after growing up feeling alone and unwanted, food is their best friend. It is really fascinating to watch them change. Many of them do exercise and start eating a healthy diet in order to receive gastric bypass surgery, albeit they do it kicking and screaming. Honestly, I don't even blame them. I blame the people they're living with, whoever it is. Whether it's their spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. - they're the ones who are in the kitchen making them crappy meals, and getting them fast food. Dr. Now is the first person they've encountered who's straightforward. He shows them tough love, which is something the people in their household should've did a long time ago. It's not exactly the most joyous thing to watch, but it's really thought-provoking. It makes you think about obesity in general, and it might even start to make you focus on your own health.