Is ‘My 600-Lb Life’ Real?

The premiere of “My 600-lb Life” Season 6 is a day away, and some viewers will question whether the show, which is considered a reality series, is real or scripted. However, from the looks of the many stories told and weight loss goals achieved, it appears to be an authentic series.

“My 600-lb Life” first aired in 2012 detailing the struggles and journey of morbidly obese people who desire to undergo gastric bypass surgery in order to save their lives. Each weighing more than 600 pounds, the participants must travel to Houston to consult with a doctor and follow his rules in order to be approved for the high-risk operation.

The physician on the show, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, M.D., F.A.C.S., known as Dr. Now on the TLC series, is a specialist.

While some surgeons set weight limits for gastric bypass surgery, Dr. Now reportedly specializes in taking on “super-morbidly obese” patients and has done over 2,000 surgeries. Also specializing in weight loss management, Dr. Now advises the patients on how to successfully stick to their weight loss plan which will help them be approved for the surgery and allow them to reclaim their lives.

However, the drama starts when Dr. Now hands down his expectations and the patients fall back into their old ways. Even though some episodes tend to become repetitive featuring a participant who wants the surgery but won’t follow the doctor’s orders, there have been several real success stories throughout the previous seasons.

One participant from “My 600-lb Life” Season 4, Nikki Webster, made fans of the show believers when she went from 649 pounds to 236 pounds. Webster credited her family and friends for helping her lose weight following her surgery.

“My amazing support system is the reason I’ve been able to lose weight. My family, friends, and colleagues have shown me love and encouragement throughout this process,” she told Women’s Health.

Meanwhile, Season 2 cast member Christina Phillips went from 708 pounds to 171 pounds. She was able to maintain her weight loss by setting strict rules for her diet.

“It definitely wasn’t easy, but after learning about proper nutrition, measuring my portions, and sticking to a certain way of eating, I have reached and maintained my goal weight,” she told the magazine.

Even though all of the patients may not follow the doctor’s orders, the journey, tears and the transformations are real.

“My 600-LB Life” Season 6 premieres Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 8 p.m. EST on TLC.