My 600-lb Life has shown the raw, emotional journeys of people battling extreme obesity. Each story is different—but all are about reclaiming health, dignity, and life. Here are 17 powerful transformations that prove change is possible.

1. Amber Rachdi
Amber weighed 660 lbs when she started. With a gastric bypass and major lifestyle changes, she shed the weight—and her unsupportive boyfriend.

2. Christina Phillips
Christina turned to food during family turmoil. After surgery, she dropped hundreds of pounds, but now doctors worry she’s at risk of going too far.

3. Marla McCants
After surviving a traumatic kidnapping, Marla reached 793 lbs. A serious health scare pushed her to turn her life around.

4. Donald Shelton
Donald lost weight despite a diagnosis of Guillain–Barré syndrome. He’s now in a wheelchair but refuses to give up his fight.

5. Melissa D. Morris
Melissa dreamed of motherhood but weighed 652 lbs. After surgery and hard work, she dropped nearly 500 lbs—and had a baby.

6. Chuck Turner
Grieving his wife’s murder, Chuck reached 692 lbs. He turned things around, lost weight, and now helps raise his son.

7. Susan Farmer
Susan lost over 400 lbs after surgery and exercise. One of her proudest moments? Buying her first pair of jeans in years.

8. Nikki Webster
At 649 lbs, Nikki had to lose weight before she could safely have surgery. She did—and later found love and marriage.

9. Paula Jones
Paula lost a dramatic amount of weight, removed excess skin, and now lives a healthy, active life.

10. June McKaymee
After losing her son, June turned to food and reached nearly 600 lbs. She began therapy and transformed her health.

11. Brittani Fulfer
Brittani battled obesity and thyroid cancer but still managed to lose 332 lbs. She’s committed to getting stronger every day.

12. Diana Bunch
Diana’s trauma led her to emotional eating. She weighed 600 lbs but eventually dropped to 222 and reclaimed her life.

13. Zsalynn Whitworth
Zsalynn divorced her unsupportive husband and found someone new who encourages her healthy lifestyle.

14. Lupita Samano
Lupita faced cruelty from her ex, even as she lost weight. Now at 209 lbs, she’s in a happier place—and in a better relationship.

15. Charity Pierce
Weighing 798 lbs, Charity wanted to walk down the aisle. She lost over 400 lbs and continues to fight lymphedema.

16. Olivia Cruz
Olivia began at 579 lbs and now weighs under 200. She followed her dream and became a chef.

17. Mayra Rosales
Once 1,100 lbs, Mayra took the blame for her nephew’s death to protect her sister. When the truth came out, she vowed to lose weight to care for her family—and succeeded.