Summary

My 600 lb Life exposes the struggles of morbidly obese individuals seeking weight loss through bariatric surgery with Dr. Now.
Legal issues arise as former show contestants accuse producers of negligence and mistreatment, leading to lawsuits and disputes.
Despite legal battles, the production company behind My 600 lb Life, Megalomedia, managed to have the cases dismissed in court.

My 600-lb Life is one of the best reality TV shows that follows morbidly obese patients as they try to qualify for bariatric surgery, and some show alums filed lawsuits against the series' producers. On the show, cast members try to lose weight by working with renowned bariatric surgeon and weight loss expert Dr. Younan Nowzaradan aka "Dr. Now." The participants travel to Houston, Texas, and are given regimented weight loss plans by Dr. Now, with a chance for future bariatric surgery. Ahead of My 600-Lb Life season 12, it's time to unpack the lawsuits filed against production.

My 600-lb Life was created by producer Jonathan Nowzaradan, son of Dr. Now. The series debuted in 2012 and has aired 11 seasons to date. While My 600-lb Life's Dr. Now is a role model, the series has been called out for its problematic handling of cast members. The show has shown people fulfilling their weight-loss goals and becoming healthier, but it has also documented many of patients' most humiliating moments. This has made plenty of former cast members unhappy, and some regret doing the series.

The Late My 600-Lb Life Star James Bonner Wanted Justice

james bonner my 600 lb life black shirt in car CROPPED(1) final

James Bonner was featured on My 600-lb Life season 6, and he was pretty endearing, thanks to his laid-back persona. He would end his stint on the show by losing over 200 pounds. Tragically, My 600-Lb Life's James “LB” Bonner would die by suicide in 2018 at the age of 30. It was after his death that his family called out My 600-lb Life producers, accusing them of playing a role in James’ passing. According to the family, after refusing to pay medical bills as agreed, the series' producers showed no concern when James reached out to them for mental health support.

My 600-Lb Life's James Claimed Production Didn't Care

James Bonner from My 600-Lb Life sitting in front of a red background.

One higher-up from the show reportedly responded to James’ cry for help with, “Fake it till you make it,” according to Starcasm. Therefore, the family of the late reality star filed a lawsuit against producers, alleging “gross negligence,” claiming that the company backed out of several promises to James. They also allegedly pressured him to film when he wasn’t comfortable or prepared. Additionally, it was claimed that they failed to provide him with mental health care (despite warning signs) after he appeared on My 600-Lb Life.

The late Gina Marie Krasley from My 600-Lb Life season 8 also filed a lawsuit in early 2020, alongside Jeanne Covey and Maja Radanovic from season 7, seeking $1 million in damages from the My 600-Lb Life production company. The trio sought compensation because of the producers’ alleged negligence. The former cast members claimed that producers knew the risks of extreme dieting and didn’t provide adequate mental health support and services. Gina also contended that producers wanted her to consume large quantities of food while the cameras were rolling to support the show's narrative.

Although the outcome of each lawsuit is unclear, Megalomedia, the production company behind My 600-lb Life, managed to have the cases brought against them dismissed by the court. According to Jackson Walker, the law firm that defended Megalomedia, all the cases were dismissed. This was likely upsetting to the contestants and families who sought justice for their mistreatment.

One primary reason for this decision was that the show's participants signed waivers and liability forms that protected Megalomedia from abuse claims. Although the cases were dropped, those who passed away after participating in My 600-Lb Life will always be honored. Their personalities and legacies won't be forgotten. The series should also treat contestants more respectfully in the future. Their health and lives are on the line and shouldn't be purely used for entertainment.