Updates on My 600-lb Life Star James King: Life After the Show Explored

In Season 5 of My 600-lb Life, viewers were introduced to James King, who, at 791 lbs, stood out as one of the show’s heaviest participants. Despite his efforts, he found it increasingly difficult to shed pounds and adhere to a nutritious diet. Ultimately, James was discharged from the program after failing to comply with the prescribed weight loss guidelines, leaving the series at a weight of 840 lbs.

Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, the show’s renowned physician, aimed to transform James’ life by focusing on his eating habits and overall lifestyle. However, despite imposing a rigorous regimen, James’s health deteriorated, and he continued to gain weight. This led Dr. Now to suspect that James’ wife, Lisa Raisor King, was secretly bringing him food while he was hospitalized. Consequently, Dr. Nowzaradan reported her to Adult Protective Services and subsequently dismissed James from the program.

Following his departure from the show, James’ health took a severe downturn. On April 3, 2020, at the age of 49, he sadly passed away at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital located in Nashville, Tennessee.

According to a report by The Sun on April 6, 2020, James, a former cast member of My 600-lb Life, succumbed to kidney failure and was said to have weighed 500 lbs at the time of his passing.

The Challenging Upbringing of James King

James’s childhood was marked by the challenges of living in a fractured family. Struggling to cope with his circumstances, he turned to food for solace, which eventually spiraled into an addiction. Raised primarily by his father, who even remortgaged their home to afford James’s medical care, he faced many obstacles.

James had a complicated relationship with his mother, having met her only three times during his youth, and those encounters were marred by her intoxication. Consequently, her influence in his life was minimal. He grew up alongside his brother under their father’s care, who endeavored to provide both financial and emotional support.

Later in life, James reconnected with his mother, recognizing the fulfillment she brought to his life. Tragically, just three months after their reunion, she passed away, leaving him grappling with profound grief. Compounding his sorrow, he learned that their family home had burned down while they attended the funeral, plunging him into further despair.

Due to the burdens of his family’s poverty and the loss of his mother, James descended into depression, ultimately stopping his education. He recounted,

“I never knew if we were going to have enough to eat so I just started to eat as much as I could when I got the chance. And I remember the joy and safety there was in food.”

In December 2017, James was admitted to the ICU suffering from sepsis, cirrhosis, and kidney failure. Dr. Nowzaradan was concerned that Lisa was facilitating his unhealthy eating behaviors, thereby undermining his weight-loss efforts. Exasperated with James’s attitude, the doctor decided to discharge him from the program.

James continued to grapple with numerous health challenges and was featured in a follow-up episode titled My 600-lb Life: Where Are They Now? in 2018, revealing he had gained weight and was tipping the scales at 840 lbs after his time on the show.

Tragically, his health continued to decline, culminating in his death in April 2020. His obituary on the Milner & Orr funeral home’s website described him as a vibrant individual who loved sports like baseball, wrestling, and hockey. He also enjoyed connecting with friends via CB radio, where he was affectionately nicknamed “Cracker Jack.”

On April 7, 2020, TLC expressed its sorrow over James’s passing on social media, offering their sympathies to his family and friends.

Fans of My 600-lb Life recognized James for his love of egg rolls and his struggles with mobility, often labeling him a non-compliant patient. In his memory, many took to social platforms to share their condolences after his unfortunate demise.

Mark your calendars! Season 6 of 1000-lb Sisters is set to premiere on October 8, 2024, exclusively on TLC.

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