The Brutal Reality of Life At 600+ Pounds

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Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Production Director and Editor: Dan Owens
Managing Editor and Producer: Sam Bowers
Editor and Designer: Caroline Weigum
Editor: Juan Carlos Zuniga
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** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[@aidans666]

Dr Mike as someone who was 600 pounds thank you for not being judgmental. You speak clearly in a medical context. I would have loved for a Dr to speak to me like this when I was 600 pounds 5 years ago. I am now down to 310 pounds and am fighting every day.

[@pinky.k-d6t]

Whattt that's amazing, good for you :)

[@zebefreod871]

I'm ashamed they don't teach de-escalation and communication at med school. I have seen a lot of brilliant doctors failing miserably at human conncection.

[@elise7650]

congratulations!! keep fighting 💪

[@cindz4618]

Keep going! Well done so far too! ❤

[@readingwithkaylee]

congratulations! you are doing very good that’s very tough and not a lot of people can do that!

[@mixMartina]

I'm just impressed that she can manage to go to work and take care of five children, many people in her situation doesn't do half of what she does!

[@karenguillen5893]

For sure, mad props to her

[@masilomoshesh1475]

As long as she's still mobile there is a lot of hope for her life to improve.

[@BadChess56]

It's pretty impressive

[@Yohan_MatthewSuratos]

Doctor mike Please play FNAF great game is like playing horror movies

[@ironheavenz]

Bro I'm skinny and muscular and I tremble in fear of having to do all that, this woman is as sad of story as it is admirable

[@jiaswan22]

Her daughter is an absolute gem with all she does for her mom. Helping clean her legs, volunteering to walk with her. I hope the daughter has a strong support network of her own that keeps watch over her and supports her like she supports her mom.

[@4805-o6g]

Unfortunately no, these kids miss out on being kids because they are busy wiping their parent’s bum, bathing them and not to mention serving them food because they can’t even get up to get it for themselves.

[@Meg-ic1sc]

She is wonderful but she's damaging her child in the long run. She's parentalizing her daughter when she should be the one being taken care of and spending her time developing as a child

[@domcap70]

Mike hit it with the "you still have to eat food to survive, imagine having an alcoholic need to have a few drinks a day, but not overdrink" Food addiction is a real thing

[@billbill6094]

And that has a literal application too since as many alcoholics know alocohol withdrawal is absolutely brutal, and can _kill you._ So you have to wane an alcoholic off with alcohol, which is difficult because you're givimg them the substance causing the addiction. The same way going cold turkey can kill an alocolic, you can starve an obese person to death. The excess tissue may be fat, but that fat tissue is just as much a part of the body as any other and adds to the body's caloric intake demand to survive. Those insanely low caloric intakes are basically starving someone who's looked to food for comfort their whole lives, with zero adjustment period. And yet we wonder why weight loss is very rarely long term and almost nobody meets the weight loss quota on this show.

[@randomperson6433]

I made this argument years ago and got torn apart for it. Like how there are food ads blasted in your face 24/7 but it’s not like there are commercials for meth every 2 minutes of the day. Glad my thought process mirrors that of a medical professional rather than online bullies.

[@actually5004]

@@randomperson6433 People are making the choice to blast themselves with food ads 24/7. Books have no food ads. I bet you blame the spoons as a contributing factor too.

[@romysv]

this is the same for other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, the fact a doctor gets it is amazing.

[@astridblak]

@@romysvexactly! When I was recovering from anorexia, I hated that I had to eat at all. I was binge eating at times and basically scared of food at that point. And the fact that you can’t just go completely without the thing you fear but have to figure out how much is “okay” is so hard.

[@GloomCookieLex]

Doctor Mike, I am absolutely sobbing at your commentary right now. There is nothing more validating and encouraging than to hear a real medical professional saying out loud the thoughts I have had about these types of shows and even real life medical experience I’ve had. As an overweight woman, daughter of an overweight woman, I have so many negative experiences with doctors and weight and hearing your educated compassion is such a monumental relief that people like you can deal exist. Thank you.

[@CodedEnough]

Ignore all the negative feedback and just keep working hard to do what you believe in. Keep fighting!

[@sweetybambi]

Exactly! That's what I was thinking too.

[@Masa_Moth]

Shame on everyone who calls him fat phobic. This man ain't even judgemental at all

[@dianaahakim2001]

What? He’s so kind! He’s being educational and understanding! Who is saying that?

[@TheMadhousePodcast]

@@dianaahakim2001 trolls

[@Masa_Moth]

@dianaahakim2001 I saw on this other vid on tik tok

[@frawog]

@@Masa_Moth tiktok will forever spout nonsense, it's tiktok after all

[@umarrazvi]

Why even shame them, they stupid. Im proudly fatphobic your feelings are irrelevant. Lose weight and forget the politics.

[@SabrinaScarred]

Love your respectful commentary and thanks for calling out the 1200 calorie diet Dr. Now gives to the people without ANY time to adjust to that low of a calorie intake. No idea how the patients do it, huge respect to them!

[@obsidianwing]

I did the slow down myself , slowly eating lesser sweet stuff until it was no longer so pleasant and my body got used to enjoy the fewer Times of sweet snacks even more. At Hard times I fall back in eating the entire bag of stuff. But I'm aware of it and stop it after or reduce the overall Carbs Empty Calories of the Day after this. But I need lot Mental Energy. But over Years I reduced my Apettie very natural. Currently I need to eat more and frequently , but I hate the feeling of a Full stomach so much

[@sandrathompson800]

I've often wondered that myself. For somebody who has a food addiction and then taking them down to a 1200 calorie diet, Dr Mike's right, it's setting them up for failure

[@mariasol1545]

Yall don’t get it??? They’re morbidly obese… they don’t have TIME to take it slow

[@Ezel_142]

Honestly just any lowering of calories would probably cause some weight loss in extreme situations like this. Going from 4000 calories to the bare minimum of 1200 is just pretty extreme, it's literally coming from overeating to undereating. Also there should be some talk with a dietitian who would recommend healthier replacements for food, for example fruit instead of candy, etc. The show has aged so poorly these days in terms of medical recommendations.

[@marysparks3769]

I think why he gives such a low calorie count is to work on getting less calories- I think Dr Now knows that many won’t get this low of calories, but drastically reducing what they consume will get them started on weight loss. Plus many need to drop weight as fast as they can because they are in dire circumstances.

[@Mr.Rachmaninoff]

i still find it crazy people say he's fat shaming. He consistently addresses this issue with genuine care and respect. We love you Doctor Mike❤️ edit: my brother said he would give me 30 bucks if we get 10k can we do it guys😝

[@laurahubbard6906]

What's fat-shaming is the fact that TV networks put these programs up as entertainment.

[@LiverpoolianBeat]

Omg really? Thats wild, I had no idea people say that. He’s literally the most reasonable person when it comes to this stuff

[@kaitlincampbell2405]

It’s because people these days call anything fat shaming. Nobody wants to hear anything except “You are perfect in every way and don’t change.” And that is how we are where we are in today’s society. Dr. Mike handles it beautifully. People just don’t want to hear it.

[@Alton7771]

If be fair I think those are a small number I feel like 95 percent of his fans will say he is not.

[@shroomyk]

There was an episode many years ago now (I think about body positivity) that I remember I didn't really like his take and it felt kind of hostile, but since then he has demonstrated compassion and empathy so I let it slide, or maybe he has learned to be better since then (i don't know).

[@mercedesortega44]

The fact that you addressed that food addiction is actually a problem was amazing! A lot of people think that we are fat by choice but the honest truth is that we have a problem and is not easy to just give up food without some kind of help. Thank you for the validation!

[@mercedesortega44]

@ if it were that easy to minimize don’t you think that everyone would be able to do it? The problem with someone with an addiction is the fact that you can’t stop thinking about the thing that you addicted to. That is where these GLP-1 medications come in, it helps our brain to not think about food and our next meal and it helps us feel full so we don’t over eat which is another problem we tend to have!

[@4805-o6g]

@@mercedesortega44 I know about addiction. I used to smoke a cigarette. And quitting was hard. I the noise your talking about. I've experienced physical pain for a couple of months. I know our brain creates the noise because as a human we always seek comfort and familiarity, in my case it was nicotine. But believe me you are stronger than you think stop listening to these scientists telling you that “you can not do anything about it” or it is not your fault or its genetics. For your own sake, research Dr Ken Berry, Dr Kiltz, Dr Shawn Baker, Steak and butter gal ( she has an amazing community where you can hear others’ stories of how they overcame their food addiction ). Good Luck! We are stronger than our addictions

[@kimberlybeth]

I extremely dislike my 600lb life. It does not show even a fraction of what it takes to be approved for weight loss surgery. And it leaves a door open for people to make nasty comments and cast judgement on these people who are struggling. There is nothing easy about weight loss surgery. Also thank you to Dr. Mike for a non judgmental review/reaction to this show.

[@4805-o6g]

It is designed that way because, patients need to prove that they have changed their lifestyle/ eating habits otherwise if they continue to eat the way they do , there is a risk of complications. The stomach could bust open and result in death. And don’t forget stomach stretches again if you keep eating the way you do before surgery. So, the challenges that are put there is for your own good.

[@AnymMusic]

@@4805-o6g Let's be real though, it's mostly for the shock value and entertainment value of it to get people to stick. Like, shows such as these are entertainment first, medical showcase second

[@Michelle_Lynnn]

FURTHER EVIDENCE THAT DR. MIKE IS NOT FATPHOBIC 💯 He’s a compassionate licensed physician

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Do you know what phobia means? Clearly not.

[@b0jack__]

​@@PROVOCATEURSK Do you know what homophobia is? Is it a fear of gay people? No. Its being discriminatory to that group of people. The same type of language is used for discrimination against those of a larger weight. Very ironic that you were acting all high and mighty when being wrong yourself.

[@Gonkygong]

Fatphobia isn't even real. It's just fat people who don't want to be held accountable for their crappy life choices

[@Michelle_Lynnn]

@@PROVOCATEURSK Yes I absolutely do and that’s precisely my point. Dr. Mike has been accused of being fat phobic in the past, which is absurd. Hence, my previous statement that he is in fact, not fat phobic based on his genuine nature and care demonstrated in this video, in addition to his other uploads. Maybe your intent to debate with people should be directed towards those who falsely accuse him of being fat phobic and not me.

[@cheems6193]

​@@PROVOCATEURSK your own English language yet your so bitter enough to completely unable to comprehend what you're reading about. Ashame.

[@bluejedi723]

One thing I've noticed about my 600 pound life folks- Mental Health is not an afterthought. Mental health is the most important part of the process that should be done from day one BEFORE surgery

[@person35790]

Part of the problem is that they fly these people across the country - It probably is just a judgement call that a therapist a person only sees for a month is not worth it. Its better to get someone who can support the patient better in the long run.

[@Pnol_10]

The fact that I see more care and sadness in his eyes regarding this person than judgment is exactly why I think Dr. Mike is an incredibly good, trustworthy doctor. Thank you! ❤

[@ghostbuster_winchester]

Her kids love her so much and it shows in the way they support her. She's a great mom and i hope she's doing better now.

[@456death654]

How do you know she is a great mum? Just because she is shown to the world? And who is to stay the kids are forced into that position

[@Bl00dBl055um]

As an RN who works with people with obesity and who used to be morbidly obese it is helpful to hear you discussing this subject with kindness and sensitivity. It's hard to not overwhelm people with information because there is a lot to know.

[@RavenTheElder]

I was someone who struggled with my weight my entire young adult life. I used to talk to myself like the TLC doctor talks to his patients, thinking that shame would somehow motivate me. Well, it didn’t. In fact, I ended up very overweight and I still feel the damage to my joints. It was only after I started talking to myself like Dr. Mike is talking here-using compassion and understanding to get to the root of my issues-that I saw improvement. I’m down to a healthy weight, and can truly say that mindset changes everything. Be kind to yourself. Bullying won’t help you.

[@ofsailorsandsirens]

Congrats! Honestly! 🎉 And you are so right, shame talking to oneself does not help. Makes the bad feelings worse.

[@michellejones5541]

That doctor on my 600lb life drives more people to carry on eating in a destructive way because of his attitude towards them

[@boingyboop4960]

A little compassion goes a long way

[@pemanilnoob]

I feel like a lot of KZbin comments also think shame will motivate. It won’t. It’s sad to see how common it is to see people shame strangers on how their life is, when they don’t know why it’s like that. Even under this video is full of comments saying that “people get triggered and call you fatphobic if you don’t validate everything they do” which is so black and white.

[@ofsailorsandsirens]

@pemanilnoob Yes!

[@williaml.buckiv9214]

I've been following you since you started posting. I'm 67 - you are the most authentic compassionate Dr. I've watched. You taught me to be my own advocate & happy to report I have an awesome PCP & Cardiologist. They both welcome my questions. I'm in good hands. I can't thank you enough!

[@angelsoto8010]

Hey Dr. Mike! My name is Angel. Im 20 years old and I had bariatric surgery last year (Aug 2023). With the introduction to all of these new meds i completely regret having the surgery. I was never really an active person and I also used food as a coping mechanism for my depression and anxiety. After I had gotten the surgery my body went into shock from losing weight too fast and I lost mobility in my legs. I wasn't able to walk and I needed to do physical therapy for around 7 months to regain mobility. I'm still trying to lose weight and guide myself in the right direction. Thank you for giving a non judgmental point of view as a doctor covering this topic. We need more doctors like you!

[@gh0stly_retr048]

I'm so sorry that happened to you! I wish you the best

[@VampireSexGoddess]

I didn't even know that could happen.

[@jessieb7290]

You might beed to see a dietician, it may be an eating disorder…. Which should of been discussed before surgery. Hope you are ok. Maybe try and have foods that stimulate circulation (if your allowed them) things like ginger or pomegranates, walnuts, beets etc. I think some chilli’s do that too. Try and research and see what you can find. You might be able to find a device online that can help to massage/activate muscle tissue as well ❤

[@Blue-y1h]

Off topic, but the name Angel is such an amazing name! Wish you the best

[@mzdrea9468]

10:38 as someone who has gastric bypass i remember being fine for about a month. You have zero food cravings and you are so focused on the prescribe diet you are very numb. However, I remember breaking down crying around week 4-5. Bad day at work and my usual coping mechanism was gone. I cried out of frustration, embarrassment, shame all of it. It was bad. But eventually I adjusted.

[@Dexy83]

I had surgery in 2003. I remember feeling the same way a few months after surgery. Such a powerful emotion, that even 22 years later, I remember that awful feeling. Hope you're doing well!

[@HexDeck]

A bottomless well of respect for the clear, kind, passionate, and humane way he addresses these issues.

[@pandakicker1]

One person is glad and the other cringes. I am the one who cringes at being treated like an infant. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@teresadiodato]

When Doctor Mike gets upset, that shows even more his passion and care for people's health. I liked this video very much!

[@reviewsbygen5591]

99% people who are at that weight is due to mental illness, trauma response or addiction to cope with certain situations. There is a reason you don’t see rich or even middle class people, who have access to help and health insurance, deal with these situations. They do not have to resort to having to use the bathroom or showering naked on national TV for help to pay for surgery and therapy. I cringe when I read how gym bros are claiming “they just need to eat keto/carnivore, snort protein powder and do CrossFit.” It’s much deeper than that. If you don’t focus on the root of the problem, the person will never get better.

[@wellhellothere6347]

99% of people also ignore that fact that the tobacco industry (you know, the ones who gave out free cigarets to soldiers in battle in WWI and WWII to addict them) took over the food industry, and used the same tactics to addict people to their highly processed and addictive foods. That makes it even harder for people. Rich people have access to cooks, better foods, and plastic surgery too. With that addition, I agree with you 100%

[@reviewsbygen5591]

@ absolutely agree. My grandma was even told that cigarettes were healthy and would keep her skinny…. Ugh I hate lobbyists

[@mendmywings7238]

Yeah that's the equivalent of telling a heroin user to just stop taking it. If you don't treat the underlying cause...

[@kricku]

Yes, if we file plain old "dumb as bricks" under mental illness (applies for some)

[@mariomario1462]

Uhm rich people ARE the ones who suffer from it the most. 😂 try again

[@Ceaser_cl0wn]

I love how he reacts and talks about things like this in a respectful way he's doing great ❤

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Judgement and shame kept population in check since the beggining of time.

[@Mama_Bear524]

Agreed. He’s so compassionate

[@elysej91]

Food addiction is what I'm struggling with right now, I've been binge eating so long that it's just how I eat now. Doctors like Mike are desperately needed, who have compassion and empathy for the patient. It's the only thing that will help when it gets to this degree. ❤ Thank you for these vids! It's nice hearing a doc actually sound caring, gentle, and loving.

[@ingridn0g]

I absolutely LOVE how Dr Mike is a sensible doctor, always thinking of how to better approach people. How to heal and/or help without making someone feel bad. How to make the treatment accessible, feasible.

[@Black-Swan-007]

"My doctor prescribed therapy for me to deal with my trauma and food addiction but I definitely don't need it so I'm going to stop seeing him while I fight this battle with my mental health that the surgery wasn't a magic fix for." Girl. No one gets that big and doesn't have serious trauma. Therapy will help. My goodness.

[@triciaramgoolam4045]

I think she is continuing the therapy, but isn't going to see Dr. Now.

[@alexandragatto]

@@triciaramgoolam4045 I don't believe she went to the therapist at all, or she went a handful of times and decided it wasn't helpful and quit.

[@wolfsdream499]

Yes therapy is the right way to deal with this - but it's not easy and can be very frustating, time and strenght consuming finding the right one... In something as intimate as therapy you have to be lucky to match with your therapist. Otherwise it isn't helpful at all but can even be harmful.

[@akNature_]

@@triciaramgoolam4045 she clearly said not going to therapy. this is a known factor that people with problems suddenly gets defensive when asked to take therapy. having Mental problems is still looked at as a bad thing and the affected person starts thinking that people will call me crazy if i take therapy.

[@MereMeerkat]

It's a case of "worst guy you know makes a good point." Therapy would be good, but I can understand not wanting to take any more 'instruction' from that doctor.

[@greekfountain9303]

I really appreciate how well spoken Dr. Mike is and how much he cares about subtlety when it comes to patient communication. Words have power.

[@ValeaAlvida]

Thank you for acknowledging how difficult these extreme changes are and that not everyone will be able to succed under these conditions.

[@kathybiggs2258]

I hate it when people say just eat less to overweight people, but there’s so much more that goes into it other than just less eating and for some people like this lady, it’s difficult for them to stop

[@suhasisathischandra1950]

Doctor Mike always address weight issues with empathy, kindly, in medical point.. Thank you 🙏

[@confessionsfromadangerousmind]

12:00 As a recovering addict, I like this comparison between alcohol and drug addiction vs food addiction because you can't just quit eating food.

[@VD-cc4hx]

at what weight did you realize you were an addict? 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 pounds?

[@confessionsfromadangerousmind]

@@VD-cc4hx Ah, I apologize for my ambiguous comment; I am an addict in terms of struggling with drug abuse, including alcohol, not food.

[@evadietz7359]

@@therabbithatyou absolutely can be addicted to food. The sugar, the salts & fats, the dopamine hit- you can be addicted

[@aidans666]

@@therabbithat I disagree. Hyper palpable foods are so good that you simply can’t stop eating them for some people

[@MazTheMeh16]

​@@therabbithat food like fast food is literally designed to be addicting so you go and buy more. If people can't get addicted to food, i.e. a food addiction, that wouldn't work. People would just stop.

[@pistachiostars]

I’m really glad medication like ozempic can help people like this who are struggling so much because of uncontrollable food cravings. She’s showing up and taking care of her kids, I hope her and people struggling like her can get back some control over their lives.

[@wellhellothere6347]

So you are glad rich people get help. Got it.

[@Skeletons_VA]

​@@wellhellothere6347I'm seeing you all over this comments section and all you do is complain.

[@JaBaitedJacob]

​@@wellhellothere6347🤡

[@babybear9443]

I have a diabetic friend who can't get hold of it because they're selling it to people for weight loss. It's mental. They should only give it to people like this, people so morbidly obese that their life is in danger, not any random person that just wants to lose 10 pounds.

[@Aenlorrocksinwow]

@@babybear9443at my heaviest I was 353, my family wanted me to get ozempic because I was pre diabetic, but my doctor and dad convinced me to try just an appetite suppressant like Phentermine first. I’m glad I did because it curbed the cravings to the point I didn’t need it anymore and I didn’t have to use ozempic. I’m now 310 a few months later

[@AgentOrange96]

Per lack of diet advice, as in what she should be eating, do remember this is a cut for television. It's entirely possible that Dr. Now goes into a lot more detail either off camera or just outside of what made the cut. ALSO Dr. Now on The Checkup would be really interesting!

[@nailsofinterest]

He gives them a diet, written down, (basically no carbs high protein) and exercises. Even in bed excerises!

[@wellhellothere6347]

@@nailsofinterest Which has been done for 100 years, and has been shown to be useless by itself.

[@gints2766]

I’ve seen stories from these people after and they do give more info, paperwork on what they can eat that’s low carb and 1200 calories included. Still 1200 calories from someone who was maintaining at 4000.+

[@milosstojanovic4623]

Do not believe that guy a thing, nor believe his knowledge, because judging by his look, he is also overweight, not extremely, but it shows. People need to listen their own advice, or go and "upgrade" their knowledge about the matter. Not everyone is affected the same with universal advice. Someone can lose weight for example even if consuming 2k calories, someone can lose weight even if eating junk food, someone may need different type of exercise. People have different variables.

[@4805-o6g]

What else do you expect Dr now to do? He gives the nutritionist, physical therapist and psychiatrist he even arranges for some patients to stay at the hospital where they provide all their food if he feels they would benefit from it. He genuinely cares about theses people. Apart from these he has sent some patients to an eating clinic where their food intake is controlled. Given a a guidance and resources, it’s honestly up to the person themselves to choose which way to go. I admit it’s a good Tv for the rest of us. But when I see how their kids and people around them suffer just because they can’t stop eating, I can’t help but get frustrated

[@lynnepaquette4124]

Thank you for not body-shaming and judging them. You seem like a really kind man and we need more doctors like you.

[@vivrelajournee]

I love that you are addressing this show. There is more to this program than what you are seeing. I would love to see you dig deeper into the ENTIRE program.

[@zawadzkadaria]

The amount of clarity and reducing food noise when I was on Ozempic - was absolutely amazing. I lost over 20kg in 10 months (141kg to 121kg) and my pre-diabetic state was reversed. I still need to reduce a significant amount of weight., but I wish there was a medicine that would help with the food noise by itself. Even though I work with psychodietitan and now being off Ozempic - this noise in head came back with such force I cannot describe it with words. It is sometimes overwhelming to the point that nothing helps.

[@maritoh.6710]

Set some personal or professional goals for yourself to keep you mind distracted with different things or noises. It's hard but when you have too much free time you can become your own worst enemy. Even playing with your kids or volunteering in different places will help a lot!

[@byuftbl]

Possibly look in to hypnotherapy….could help to be hypnotized to not crave foods that are unhealthy or eating too much.

[@Ford_prefect_42]

That's amazing. My friend started ozempic and it isn't getting rid of his noise. He's using a different name medication but it's like that. I wonder if he would switch

[@kenzie_23]

I'm on a med to help reduce food noise... topiramate or something like that. It's been great! Edit: it is generally used as an Anticonvulsant but my doctor told me it can also reduce food noise when taken with phentremine (which i am)

[@zawadzkadaria]

@@maritoh.6710 I do agree on that so-sooo much. I started to incorporate additional stuff to do around my daily basis - even to reduce amount of self-destructive thoughts, which in my case before went straight to emotional overeating. I still have to work on changing my job situation and that is a plan for next year:) Thanks for sharing this advice!

[@lleexxii]

Seeing videos like this breaks my heart..we lost my father in law during covid, he was over 500lbs, his organs couldn't handle him being sick and everything shut down. His girlfriend was over 400 and her organs also shut down and she passed away too. We found out we were pregnant exactly a week after they passed. It took a while to get over the anger because we told him SOOO many times that he needed to lose the weight so he could be around for his grandkids but he missed it, by a damn week. He had plans for weight loss surgery but cancelled them when he found out he could only be on a liquid diet for a little while after. Ugh it's so sad. If you're this same boat PLEASE seek help and lose the weight..your kids and grandkids want you around as long as possible

[@McFiesty]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your family is healing and finding peace

[@Da_Maya_Fam]

I’m really sorry for ur loss❤...I hope that ur father in law and his girlfriend will rest in piece ♥️

[@Kaloapoele]

I hope you heal from the blame you seem to put on him. It is very sad.

[@unclebozo9845]

less and less people have kids these days, let alone grandkids...

[@lleexxii]

@unclebozo9845 it might be less and less but there's still millions born every year and you should try to stay healthy for yourself and them

[@rosettasilvermist]

The way you react to these just shows how much of a compassionate person and doctor you are. You encourage people to live their best life in such a caring and considerate way. Both you and your family should be proud you're such a good man.

[@maddiejoy5927]

Petition for dr mike to take over and remake this show actually helping the patients more than the doctor on the show

[@pedrostormrage]

7:03 "Just the fact that they vocalized it, rather than you did, will already go further in their success rate" That's a teaching/psychology method called guided discovery, and it's based on the fact people are more likely to accept and internalize information when they feel they have played a role in discovering it. It also alleviates the discomfort/resistance caused by cognitive dissoance ("the mental disturbance people feel when they realize their cognitions and actions are inconsistent or contradictory") and confirmation biases, since they weren't directly confronted about the issue (but only guided to the answer by considering what you presented them).

[@laurenspiridigliozzi1272]

Thank you for being compassionate towards people who struggle with their weight.

[@HenryCharme]

Thank you Lauren for saying that, it means a lot. I think everyone has their own challenges, and it takes real courage to face them, like you have. Honestly, your story is motivating. What keeps you going on tough days? I’m always curious about what inspires people to push forward.

[@laurenspiridigliozzi1272]

@HenryCharme I am always looking for information. I look online, I've talked to my doctor, I checked out my health insurance to see if they have any programs I can utilize. I found out I can talk to a nutritionist for free and immediately signed up for the service. We talk about my challenges due to my schedule, what kinds of things I struggle with physically and emotionally. My problem is I like her suggestions but I have days where I can get it together and days where I don't always do great. I am not on a specific diet. My nutritionist gives me ideas and asks that I make small changes.

[@Studio_WabiSabi]

The world would be a better place if all doctors were like you, Dr. Mike. You treat these people with complete and total compassion and no judgement. You explain everything so clearly, and take their quality of life into consideration before their appearance, which is probably such a game changer for so many patients. Please keep up the awesome work! :D

[@ScyborneOG]

I agree. I live in the UK and wish I had Dr. Mike as my doctor because I have seen so many doctors about my weight, and they just do not care at all. They will not even refer you to the right specialists. As a child, I was referred to an epilepsy specialist for my weight, which did nothing than cause trauma due to the abuse and mistreatment I received from that doctor.

[@DerekKanakaraj]

I’m 175lbs eating at 1,600 to 1,900 calories and that’s hard to sustain for me on its own. They want this lady to eat at 1,200?

[@RecoveryAndLife]

Yea I mean she was probably easily hitting 4000 cal a day, I don’t see how just cutting that in half wouldn’t still be beneficial. 1400 is extreme

[@TheSirGoreaxe]

@@RecoveryAndLife I mean in the one sitting at school that they showed she had 3 pizzas. That's at least 4,500 cal in one sitting. Getting her on a 2,500 cal diet would have been better, but still hard.

[@Nephale]

@@TheSirGoreaxe Aren't 2500 still on a calorie surplus? A healthy woman needs ~2000 a day. Not sure how it looks for her since moving requires more energy but she also barely moves as a result.

[@ChaseJonas75]

@@Nephalebut she was moving. She was working and taking care of her kids still. Either way, having such a high weight means every part of your body is working harder meaning your basal metabolic rate is higher. Simply existing each day at 600 lbs burns around 3,000 calories a day.

[@bolbyballinger]

If anything that's just gonna set her body into starvation mode. On top of rapidly lowering her metabolism there will also be mental effects. Before it was her mind telling her she needed more. Now her body will actually be in agreement with that.

[@rachelgrace2001]

I have so much respect for Dr. Mike. He approaches everything from a medical point of view while still having empathy and not casting judgement. He’s a true professional.

[@kiaradewrance]

We need more doctors like dr Mike in this world

[@KxNOxUTA]

I got on the scale today with the opposite struggle of too little weight. Thankful not an ill low degree yet, but heck it's close to that. And without any intentions to be there. Weight and food can be such difficult topics. It's rough no matter which side of the spectrum you fall onto. What a timing you have Dr. Mike!

[@rosettasilvermist]

It's very important for people to remember that both ends of the scale are dangerous. Stay strong and i hope you are OK ❤

[@kellyshuffler1599]

Have you talked to your doctor? Drastic weight loss without trying can be a concern for other health issues. Just thought I’d mention it.🩵

[@milosstojanovic4623]

If there is no other health issue, just fast metabolism, just eat 3k calories, or add up calories gradually, skinny people do add weight more slowly, but it is a good thing that they can change their diet however they like, and can meal cheat because excess carbohydrates will just provide even more energy for exercise, should not spare on eating fats, but also would need lots of protein to build muscle.

[@bluedarkness7125]

Underweight? I am one of them too. Just 106 lb as female adult. My bone is so easily visible. And I do not have ability to feel growling from my belly so I forgot when I should eat something as few days without food. ARFID make me a difficult time to eat something without vomiting. I do not know how little I eat in calories but it can be 0 calories sometimes. It get bad that my body getting numbness and weakness. In fourth days which is my first time and last time that I go without food ended riding wheelchair as I am too weak to move my body. I easily get hurt so badly by lightly hits. I get few black spots where it was hit. I am very easily to get sick since I do not eat balance meal often. And have depression cause me lost interest in food. I try eat more food but easily gets full with just small amount of food. As half of burger or mini burger. By way, I usually cook by myself, not go to restaurants thank to ARFID.

[@chrislatiandy]

​@bluedarkness7125 have you tried a feeding tube

[@ArianaGramsci]

I love how you approach this, with no judgement to her. There's a lot of guilt and shaming when we're fat and people can be really cruel when they talk about it. The way you discuss this, especially how you're aware that food is a cultural thing, especially for latino families - I am Brazilian and I can confirm. I wish all doctors - and even people who aren't doctors but love to discuss other people's health, often uninvited - had the same level of respect and thoughtfulness as you do.

[@nadasalhi5249]

I learn from ur channel more than I do from my classes. Thank you !

Dear Dr. Mike, thank you for all the work you do! Happy new year, and may the universe bless you with at least double the love and care you spread!

[@teimo4117]

8:44 He does give them recommendations! If you dig into the show, you'll see the patients have very detailed instructions of what they should and shouldn't eat and what exercises they should do. That's why his program is so successful in the first place. He gives detailed instructions and clear goals, not just "well lose some weight".

[@4805-o6g]

Yes! He does amazing job with these people. I would have cancelled majority of them if I was in his position because I don’t have the patience.

[@pmc2999]

It's a TV show with limited time. I occasionally watch it. From things said, sure, on the show, he hands them a diet and is very stern. But he also has them seeing a nutritionist and mental health support off-screen. There is more than one way to address an issue. It's called a wake-up call for a reason. Some of his patients are close to dying and have failed or been discharged from other programs. And for some of them who were really trying it was indeed too late and they died. Soft and encouraging may be the best way but some of us need a brick bat up side of the head and that's ok too. Stern versus mean and demeaning are not the same.

[@MazTheMeh16]

I wish it was explained better in the show even just a little.

[@shiryo9995]

Funny story from someone who had childhood epilepsy. The only thing that induced my seizures was deep breathing. Sports, she’s down. Being told to deep breathe to calm down, lights out. My brain still has subconscious control over when I do this. Nothing will happen but my brain keeps telling my body that we’re going to black out.

[@nailsofinterest]

Dr. Mike notes that he gives a diet and exercise program. It's in the papers he gives them and often their caretaker, too. He does ask them if they need anything to even just call. He offers therapy, physical therapy, dietician, etc. He really prefers they ask vs. force them. I've watched *a lot* of this show. You can see he's trying so hard to get them to say they need help. Or to recognize what their main issue is. Yeah, many times, his 'bedside' manner could use work. Comparing earlier episodes to current ones is very eye-opening. (Edited typos.)

[@maritoh.6710]

I 100% agree! You can't help someone if they are not up to fight for themselves! He knew she had a bigger issue but in the end she didn't want to go to therapy so it's her choice, he can only go as far as the patients let him.

[@4805-o6g]

He even lets them stay in hospital for months if he feels they are in bad shape ( bad hygiene, infection and bad overall health). He also sends them to eating clinic as a last resort. I have seen him arrange accomodation for those patients who are homeless. We need more doctors like him who tells it how it is not cuddling the mentally weak patients. Not many understand why theses surgeries have challenges to get. Stomach could bust open after surgery if they stuff their face like they used to. Stomach doesn’t stop to stretch after surgery. What people don’t know is surgery isn’t magic, but it’ll help you achieve your goals easily if you put in the work ( change eating habits)

[@LittleUniverse-qy8mq]

Thank you Dr. Mike for approaching the subject delicately and with a reasonable medical point. These types of programs always bring tears to my eyes, I know it must be complicated for the patients. I just pray that they all achieve their goals and are happy or happier than they already were. Greetings to all and to Dr. Mike from Spain 💜

[@SaeedahS]

Watching the last video Dr Mike posted last year. Happy new year‼️ In shaa allah this year will be amazing for everyone reading this

[@memz5028]

I love that show and seeing people succeed, even with Dr. Now’s (lack of) bedside manner. You never know what someone is dealing with in life, and it’s not up to us to judge their coping mechanisms. Thank you for offering compassion to people who struggle, Dr. Mike. ❤

[@UnicornCentaur]

Thank you for addressing food addiction. Regardless of whether or not it is a "real" addiction, like you said, it behaves that way and has the same effects on a person's life

[@TheYoutubeFrenchPie]

Yessir Mike posted again, have a good watching time everybody

[@Mymounjaroney]

Awake and already went to the gym...thanks for the motivation ❤it is hard being that big but it's not impossible to change. 50 pounds down since August, I couldn't walk more Than 2 minutes without getting out of breath now i can jog, I can run up the steps without stopping, I spent 2.5hrs at the gym lifting weights and cardio. Do not give up! I still have severe food cravings and want to give up but I go to the gym every day if I don't I workout at home and I try to eat natural unprocessed foods high in protein and fiber. U might feel like giving up or u might lose hope but remember u are amazing and worth taking care of yourself ❤

[@roor6846]

Keep doing your best. I hope you reach a goal you're happy with and can maintain. I'm struggling to stay on track myself but trying.

[@bethray469]

I love this so much, you addressed every single problem I have with Dr. Now's approach to weight loss with his patients, especially the sudden drop to 1200 calories a day. I'm relatively healthy (compared to a few years ago, I have Crohn's that's currently in remission after getting an ileostomy) and I will pass right out trying to be even moderately active on 1200 a day. I can't even imagine trying to do literally anything while carrying an extra 500ish pounds around. I wish he would give more credit to his patients, instead of following every praise with a BUT. And when someone doesn't meet his expectations he can get outright vicious. You'd think he would realize that overweight people are exposed to disparaging comments by people every single day, and obviously that isn't the way to motivate someone. You have yourself a new subscriber!

[@l4xd36]

Having a healthcare provider like you who has this type of approach (non-judgmental, unbiased, understanding and caring) is literally life changing. I had one for about 3 years and followed her to every clinic she transferred to across my state until she suddenly up and quit a couple months ago. I miss truly miss her. So now I’m on the hunt again for another provider, but finding another one like her is SO damn rare to find. But thank you, Dr. Mike for all that you do and HOW you do it❤

[@joannas2533]

I agree with you Doctor Mike, the show and the doctor on it are very old school methodology - it may even be old episodes. Thank you for your ongoing compassion, education, and care. Happy New Year to you!

[@HenryCharme]

Happy New Year to you, too! It’s great that you’ve been watching and reflecting on those methods, it’s fascinating how approaches to health and nutrition evolve over time. What’s been the most surprising or thought-provoking thing you’ve noticed from the show or Dr. Mike’s insights?

[@storm.85]

Cant believe people say mike is fatphobic.Its his literal job to care for patients and hes entertaining and educating us,FOR FREE!!!

[@Kuzka_]

Stating the fact that someone is fat, in these modern times, is considered fatphobic. Or just saying anything that would imply the weight being a problem. Words that end with -phobic or -ist or -ism are used so much they're loosing their meaning, and more often become an excuse to dismiss what someone else says.

[@storm.85]

​@@Kuzka_exactly the mindset of fat influencers

[@tarynbisbee2991]

Shoutout to her daughter, Ukiah for being apart of her support system at such a young age 👏

[@ColleenFischer22]

I don't know any med-youtuber who is as respectful, professional, patient, intelligent and emphatic as Dr. Mike. I wish that everyone got a doctor like you. Greetings from Germany, we love you. ❤ Thank you so much for your work!!

[@tab8294]

True i love Dr. Mike ❤

[@livin4thelamb499]

5:57 For a class assignment, we needed to sit in an open Alcoholics Anonymous meeting of some kind (didn't have to be alcohol-related) and we chose to go to OA (Overeaters Anonymous) and...just observing changed my life. Hearing the people's stories, their pain, their struggles with an addiction of a substance that they HAVE to consume in order to survive, it kinda broke me. And not one of the people there looked the same. They all had differing body types, ages, heights, backgrounds, etc. It was very humbling.

[@BalzersEdits]

1:17 Why are they recording her shower...

[@SJ-qf2tz]

For shock factor. I agree that it is unnecessary

[@_Chickin_]

I mean she almost definitely signed up for showing her life on the show but I do agree that it’s unnecessary

[@FORsumkid117]

What is she gonna do, chase after them?

[@reviewsbygen5591]

@@BalzersEdits they get an extra $1k for it. No joke, I know someone from this show and it’s horrible how they exploit people in this show. Some don’t want it but they have the choice between using the bathroom or showering naked.

[@TiaMarie96]

To show how they live and how hard it is. Plus the shock factor. This show is awful to the people that join it

[@crimsythecat]

crazy how a video posted 3 minutes ago is on my reccomended :sob: w video ngl keep it up

[@jolie7neige]

It is now known that reducing calories drastically throws the metabolism a curve ball that is handled terribly, both during the diet AND post dieting. Great video, Dr Mike!!

[@asiabgood]

Such a thoughtful reaction to this condition. Thank you for not being judgmental and showing kindness. Speaking medical truth with being compassionate. Well done 👏👏👏

[@piiohhhhhhhj368]

Doctor Mike is so amazing, he literally just shared his positivity it’s amazing

[@Dreawess2000]

As a person who is fighting extreme obesity. The pain just piles on the depression. The depression is overwhelming.

[@leesashriber5097]

Thank you Dr. Mike. You always keep it real and never judge. 😊❤️🙏

[@Max-isThegoodestBoy]

2:21 watching while eating 💀

[@amyhunter6649]

Right 😅

[@CloudyLawrence]

Don’t feel ashamed!

[@uhdb_lickety05_cbas72]

Always! 😁

[@angelagrant9163]

Dr. Mike, your professionalism is beautiful 😊 learn so much by you😊❤😊

[@novestt]

This is so sad, hope they’re doing better

[@FantomaBatePalma01]

They're not

[@mauriciosarkis]

I am a bariatric surgeon from BRazil. And I am very pleased to see how doctor Mike Adresses such complex situation. Indeed the surgery is not de cure, nor the resolution to all the problems of obesity. THe surgery is only one strategy to tackle the situation

[@jane-annarmstrong6562]

I had gastric sleeve surgery in 2023 I have lost 130lbs to date … I have arthritis in my knee my weigh loss has made it possible for me to have a job now and my mobility has improved significantly. My sleep is better everything. Best decision I have made

[@AutumnSun140]

I really like the comparison to other addiction and how difficult it would be to balance that. It really puts things into perspective.

[@zwartkatdre]

Dr Mike, ty for being so logical and empathetic. My best friend is a big lady and through her ive learned how deep and complex weight issues can run psychologically, and how people, including some doctors, will treat an obese person. Thank you for not being like that :)

[@Teslabomb89]

To be entirely fair, I’m sure Dr. Now is making diet recommendations. They’re just not showing him actually doing that.

[@alecrechtiene558]

5:08 she’s still working?!? Woah, talk about work ethic.

[@dyndor]

I am so offended with what this doctor tried to make this woman eat, as a calorie deficient diet. It is setting someone up for failure. I was 210 lbs and 5'6" and my ex was on my case daily, he got me to do intermittent fasting, and i was reporting to him if I ate after 13:00 hrs and what did I eat, and did I exercise. I failed. So he tried to get me to eat one can of tuna and one pear daily. An actor did this type of diet for a movie, but with an apple instead of a pear. I don't like apples, so he said I can have pears. I couldn't do it, and I gained weight from being miserable. Drinking alcohol to cope with him, and eating for comfort. He is gone now. So I am trying again at 229 lbs

[@laurenl720]

Hope she’s doing better now. Thanks for being non-judgmental while reviewing this show Dr. Mike. ❤

[@qtpaulie]

you are genuinely a good doctor. your prespectives on medical gatekeeping and addiction are so refreshing. even your interview with the trans care specialist shows you truly care.

[@fonnydoge]

as soon as i saw new vid i dropped everything

[@gabor6259]

I hope it wasn't your grandma's china plates.

[@TransgenderGenshin]

fr

[@zoealderson]

you saved my life dr. mike tysm

[@McNugget_plays]

help i thought u said dr. mike tyson 😭

[@zoealderson]

@McNugget_plays hahaha

[@GojiBall-Z]

@McNugget_playssame bro 🤣

[@randomgeminiastronaut46]

@McNugget_plays😂😂

[@AdamHarahsheh]

​@McNugget_plays you need help cuz ur Jake Paul 😂😂

[@itskaiok]

I’ve struggled with my weight for the majority of my 26 years of life and I always appreciate the way you handle this topic. You’re the reason I have really started consulting doctors and striving for a healthier life/body. Thank you, Doctor Mike! 💜

[@kaiya1zumi139]

This is why I truly love Cynthia and her journey of weight loss, I am so glad to see you reacting to it. She was one of the very few on this show that not only realized her problems with weight and food but she actively tried to help her family and herself in other ways. She also had the self confidence and awareness to see how the direction the doctor was putting her on may not have been fully in her best interest. So she stopped seeing him after post-op appointment yet continued some of the regimens he suggested: like taking walks. I do agree that therapy would have been best before surgery and Cynthia still should have gone but it’s her decision plus she is clearly sticking to working on herself to better her health. So I’d gladly say I am proud of how far Cynthia has gotten and so should she since she only got that far by making the hardest step of all which is the first: admitting to having a problem and asking for help.

[@rachelle_banks]

I was just talking to a friend last night about all of the nuances surrounding a food addiction. He and I have a mutual friend on 1000 lb Best Friends and she has told me she wants to make choices to be healthier and prepare for bariatric surgery because of how much her health is affected. I don't want to have surgery but I am definitely needing to do something different because what I did to lose weight in my early twenties does not work the same now. All of that said, I appreciate Doctor Mike just telling the truth, very mindful to neither shame or excuse.

[@rxg9er]

11:52 As recently as one hundred years ago, alcohol was the only way to guarantee safe drinking water for a lot of people. The percentage of alcohol needed to kill microbes is incredibly low, but it meant that children were exposed to alcohol at a very young age.

[@Rentheworld]

Dr. Mike always reminds me why I wanted to get into medicine. I switched my major to wildlife biology because animals are better than people but I still want to be there for my fellow humans.

[@karwreck]

hello clone! i'm the exact same. human medicine and animal medicine are highly interconnected

[@amaliap12376]

He is a liar!!!! I got soooo disappointed about him til i found out about the things that he did!!!

[@smallbeginning2]

Way to devalue humanity. Gross.

[@chandelier6811]

@@smallbeginning2how many holocausts did animals do

[@Tye2real]

Hi doctor Mike I love your videos and you have given me great inspiration to become a doctor and I think you are a very kind and funny person👑

[@HenriOnuigbo]

props to the first lady for her perseverance and for taking care of the kids despite her situation. and props to Doctor Mike to giving advice from a medical standpoint in a non-offensive way!

[@maewatson8371]

I appreciate that he brings culture into the conversation. That’s huge that I also feel people don’t talk about.

[@romicor9]

I had a basic nutrition class in college and it was enough to know you can't recommend a 1200 kcal/day diet to everyone, even when they're very obese. There are several formulas to know how many calories would be a "calorie deficit" in your individual case and it rarely equals 1200 (in the last 10 years I bet there are new calculations that take into account her ethnicity too). I remember our professor making us write down hours of sleep, how many hours we spent sitting/standing up, time cleaning the house/walking to places/caring for children/studying among other things.

[@DEVENDER_301]

they overlook ebooks like Magnetic Aura by Takeshi Mizuki because its insights on attraction challenge conventional thinking

[@Daniel-J-B]

First of all, Dr. Mike is very respectful towards the people shown in the video. Imagine how hard it is for that women to show things like the daughter cleaning her legs on TV . It also clearly shows that being morbidly obese dramatically reduces your quality of life and negatively affects your health. These new overblown body positivity trends that try to deny these fact are doing a dangerous disservice to susceptible people.

[@Summerman000kesamies]

as someone who's been overweight their entire life it's so empowering to see someone let alone a doctor to speak about an overweight person with respect and compassion

[@RavenMari]

"Dr. Mike, I always appreciate your thoughtful approach to health and well-being. Your breakdown of My 600-lb Life is so insightful, especially the way you emphasize the importance of mental health alongside physical health. It’s crucial to remember that these are real people, not just numbers on a scale, and your compassionate perspective really helps raise awareness. Keep up the great work!"

[@nikdo0816]

I feel like the doctor did not communicate well at all. She needed help not only setting up a helthy diet, but also training regime and he should have explained, why therapy is helpful on her journey. Otherwise she might slip once, maybe during a stressful period, and go "well, everythings lost" and give up on her new regime.