The Truth About My 600-Lb Life's Track Record

"My 600-lb Life" has enthralled viewers over the years with its stories of people struggling with obesity who want to lose weight for both their self-confidence and well-being (via InTouch). Participants on the show seek out the help of renowned surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, better known by patients and viewers as Dr. Now. In order to be approved for the high-risk gastric bypass surgery, participants must abide by Dr. Now's incredibly strict 1200-calorie diet, which is low in both fat and carbs, and high in protein.

The show has been the backdrop for incredible transformations, but also for tragedies. The grueling nature of what participants go through, as well as the variability of weight loss, begs the question: how many of the transformations on "My 600-lb Life" actually stick? While there have been cases of unfortunate outcomes for some participants, the show seems to have a mostly successful track record.

"My 600-lb Life" has given an incredible amount of people a new lease on their lives. There are many participants who combine Dr. Now's strict diet with further exercise and self-care to keep the weight off for good. One incredible transformation that comes to mind is that of Season 4's Brittani Fulfer, who dropped over 300 pounds over the course of her transformation (via Women's Health). Similarly, Season 1's Melissa Morris has kept her weight off after undergoing gastric bypass surgery as well.

One of the most common factors in every success story has been the practice of mindfulness, when clients really stop and think about the food they eat. Season 2's Christina Phillips, who went from 708 pounds to an astonishing 171 pounds, said that she meal preps in order to stick with her regimen. Paula Jones from the same season dropped over 300 pounds, and uses her social media to keep herself and her fans motivated (via Distractify).

Unfortunately, despite the numerous success stories from "My 600-lb Life," there are cases of relapse of food addictions and even several deaths either during or after filming concludes. Dr. Now's process of weight loss is difficult, which he fully admits. In an interview with "People," he explained why some people fail to lose weight, saying, "Not realizing how much of their struggle is psychological and not just physical can be the biggest obstacle for change with patients. Many refuse to admit they have any emotional compulsions or compulsive psychological disorders driving them to overeat" (via InTouch).

Additionally, some people simply have too many health complications to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Take for example Kelly Mason, a participant who tragically died during the filming of her episode (via Distractify). Despite the fact that Mason was on track with her weight loss, her heart failure and other high-risk health problems were too severe to overcome.