How do the My 600-lb Life seasons stack up against each other? Since its premiere in 2012, the TLC docuseries has captured the attention of its audience with intense, captivating, and sometimes tragic stories. The show follows patients who are under the care of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan.
Typically referred to as "Dr. Now," Younan is a surgeon and weight loss expert who practices in Houston, Texas. He has worked with patients on all ten My 600-lb Life seasons. Episodes focus on patients who are morbidly obese, and hoping to lose weight with the help of Dr. Now and his staff members.
Although some weight loss techniques utilized in the series have changed over time, and certain patients are unable to lose enough weight to qualify for bariatric surgery in the allotted time frames (like Kenae from season 9), many cast members have been helped. Dr. Now has publicly and privately assisted hundreds of people, empowering them to live healthier lives during the show’s run. Some seasons are better to re-watch than others, though, and numerous patients have continued on their health journeys.
1. My 600-Lb Life - Season 1
Although the first season of the series is a bit different from the rest, it is the best overall, as it gives a much bigger picture of the patients' journeys. Filmed over the course of seven years, season 1 provided more context, allowing viewers to really understand the patients it followed. It also showed fans where the patients are today.
2. My 600-Lb Life - Season 5
Season 5 was dramatic, which made it one of the more interesting seasons of My 600-lb Life to date. It opens with the stories of Brandi and Kandi Dreier. These twins have collectively shed over 400 pounds.
3. My 600-Lb Life - Season 4
This season offered a plethora of stories, and the show included Brittani Fulfer, who definitely had a successful journey. She shed an incredible 230 pounds during the program. The reality alum continued to lose weight after the show finished filming.
4. My 600-Lb Life - Season 3
Season 3 provided viewers with an incredible array of patients, and found its footing after the shift from season 1 to season 2. Angel Parrish, the subject of the fifth episode of the season, lost a whopping 309 pounds. Her journey made this installment a must-watch.
5. My 600-Lb Life - Season 6
This season did give viewers access to memorable stories, such as Karina Garcia's. She lost over 230 pounds during the 12-month period, and then became a successful YouTuber. However, it was ultimately riddled with some heartbreaking dismissals that made it difficult to watch sometimes.
6. My 600-Lb Life - Season 2
The shift from season 1 and season 2 was a bit rough for viewers. Moving from the patients being filmed over a span of seven years, to a much quicker timeline of just one year, it was jarring to watch. It resulted in less depth in the patients' stories.
7. My 600-Lb Life - Season 7
This season saw the majority of patients get dismissed, or make the choice to leave the program, which was disheartening for viewers. It did have a few redeeming episodes. Overall, however, it was tougher to watch than most seasons.
8. My 600-Lb Life - Season 8
While this season did show several patients moving successfully through the program, the installment is difficult to appreciate, in part because several patients passed away. Coliesa McMillian died in 2020, due to surgical complications, and her passing was a heartbreaking loss. Viewers had watched her struggle, and succeed, during her time in the program.
9. My 600-Lb Life - Season 10
The most recent installment of My 600-lb Life was filmed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and for that reason, it just wasn't as entertaining. While many of the patients did well over the course of their year with Dr. Now, the episodes are a bit difficult to follow. Also, they give far less access to patients than viewers enjoyed in previous seasons.
10. My 600-Lb Life - Season 9
While My 600-lb Life season 9 began with Samantha Mason, who had the most significant weight loss of any patient in the show’s history, it has the same issues as season 10, as it was also filmed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The patients in season 10 fail to show up for appointments. Ultimately, several are dismissed from the program. This makes the season somewhat unwatchable.