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Every reality series has that one unforgettable episode that defines the show’s legacy. For fans of “My 600-lb Life,” James King, known as “James K,” is arguably that defining moment for the entire franchise. King’s struggles with obesity, his tumultuous relationship with food, and his journey on the reality show struck a chord with viewers
Biography
James King’s story began with a challenging childhood. Hailing from Kentucky, King shared that his mother was an absentee parent, leaving him and his brother, Donald, in the care of their father. He recounted that he only saw his mother a few times during his childhood, and she was intoxicated on each occasion. This early abandonment, combined with the tragic loss of their family home in a fire on the same day their mother passed away, had a profound impact on his life.
The scars of this difficult upbringing, coupled with the subsequent depression that set in, led to a significant weight gain. King admitted that he turned to food during his times of sorrow, which ultimately caused his weight to balloon and hindered his ability to participate in school and social activities.
By the time James King appeared on the fifth season of “My 600-lb Life” in 2017, he was bedbound and weighed a staggering 791 pounds. He relied heavily on his wife, Lisa, and their children for daily care. His youngest daughter had even dropped out of school to assist in looking after him. His health had deteriorated significantly, with ulcerations on his legs and various medical problems, including the need for a CPAP machine.
It was James’s father, Donald, who encouraged him to participate in the show, and with the support of his family, he took the leap and applied.
Despite his commitment to the weight loss program led by Dr. Nowzaradan, King’s journey was marked by an ongoing battle with food cravings. He frequently resisted the prescribed diet and exercise regimen, leading to numerous confrontations with the medical team. The stress of his health issues and his struggles with cravings only exacerbated his condition.
Challenges
King’s first episode ended in disappointment as he failed to meet the weight loss requirements for bariatric surgery, even gaining weight instead of losing it. This recurring theme of resistance to dietary guidelines and exercise persisted throughout his appearances on the show.
James King returned to the “My 600-lb Life” spin-off series, “Where Are They Now?” in 2018, still facing an uphill battle. He struggled to adhere to the program, and his weight continued to increase. Dr. Nowzaradan accused Lisa of overfeeding him, although she vehemently denied it. Their tumultuous relationship was a focal point of the episode, leading to Dr. Nowzaradan threatening to ban Lisa from the hospital.
Despite his protests, King was dropped from Dr. Now’s program when he refused to comply with the doctor’s conditions regarding Lisa’s presence.
What was James King’s Cause of Death?
James King’s journey on “My 600-lb Life” did not conclude with the success story viewers hoped for. Tragically, he passed away on April 3, 2020, at the age of 49. Before his untimely death, he had managed to lose 340 pounds since his 2018 “Where Are They Now” episode. However, his health continued to deteriorate, leading to liver and kidney failure, and ultimately, heart failure.
References
https://www.looper.com/445273/the-tragic-real-life-story-of-james-king-from-my-600-lb-life/
https://screenrant.com/what-happened-james-king-my-600-lb-life/
