The Tragic Timeline: 5 Shocking Facts About James King’s Final Days After My 600-lb Life

The story of James King from TLC's *My 600-lb Life* remains one of the most heartbreaking and complex narratives in the show's history, even years after his passing. As of late 2025, fans continue to look back at the Season 5 participant's struggle, which saw him reach a peak weight of over 800 pounds, making him one of the heaviest patients ever featured by Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. His journey was a turbulent mix of hope, devastating setbacks, and controversy, ultimately ending in tragedy that has since become a cautionary tale about the complexities of severe food addiction and obesity. The most crucial and tragic update is that James King passed away on April 3, 2020, at the age of 49. His death, which occurred at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, shocked the reality TV community and highlighted the severity of the health battles he faced both during and after his time on the show.

James King: A Comprehensive Biographical Profile

James King’s life was defined by a lifelong struggle with his weight, which began in childhood and escalated dramatically over the years. His televised journey provided a raw, unfiltered look at the physical and emotional toll of morbid obesity.

• Full Name: James King
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1970 (Approximate)
• Date of Death: April 3, 2020
• Age at Death: 49 years old
• Hometown: Paducah, Kentucky (at the time of the show)
• Location of Death: Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee
• Peak Weight on Show: 843 pounds (one of the heaviest patients in the show's history)
• Initial Weight on Show: 791 pounds
• Appeared On: *My 600-lb Life* (Season 5, 2017) and *Where Are They Now?*
• Known For: His turbulent relationship with Dr. Nowzaradan’s program, and the controversy involving his wife.

The Struggle on *My 600-lb Life* and Dr. Now's Frustration

James King first appeared on *My 600-lb Life* Season 5 in 2017, weighing 791 pounds, a staggering figure that immediately put him at high risk. His goal was to lose enough weight to qualify for bariatric surgery, following the strict diet plan laid out by Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, famously known as Dr. Now. Despite the high stakes, James’s journey was immediately fraught with difficulties. He failed to adhere to the stringent diet and exercise regimen. The situation became increasingly dire when his weight continued to climb, eventually peaking at 843 pounds, an alarming gain that astonished and frustrated Dr. Now. The doctor requires patients to demonstrate commitment by losing a significant amount of weight—often 50 to 100 pounds—before he will consider approving them for the life-saving surgery. The core of the conflict, which played out dramatically on screen, centered on the role of James's then-wife, Lisa. Dr. Now accused Lisa of enabling James’s food addiction by bringing him fast food and other high-calorie items while he was hospitalized. This controversy led to a heated confrontation and ultimately resulted in James being dismissed from Dr. Now's weight loss program for failing to follow the rules. This dismissal was a major setback and a turning point in his televised journey, leaving his future uncertain.

5 Shocking Facts About James King's Tragic Final Days

The tragic end of James King's life underscores the severe and often fatal consequences of untreated morbid obesity and the complex psychological factors—such as depression and food addiction—that contribute to it. His death in 2020 brought to light several shocking details about his final health battles.

1. He Was Dismissed Before His Journey Was Complete

Unlike many participants who complete the 12-month program, James was dismissed by Dr. Nowzaradan. This was a direct result of his inability to follow the strict diet and the alleged interference from his family, specifically his wife, who was accused of sneaking him food. His dismissal meant he did not receive the bariatric surgery that was his best chance at long-term survival.

2. His Peak Weight Was Over 800 Pounds

James King was one of the heaviest individuals ever featured on the TLC series. While his initial weight was 791 pounds, his weight gain during the program pushed him to a peak of 843 pounds, a figure that placed immense, unsustainable stress on his internal organs and skeletal structure.

3. The Official Cause of Death Was Multi-Faceted

While his obituary simply stated he died in Nashville, sources close to the family and subsequent reports revealed the devastating complexity of his health collapse. The primary cause was reported to be kidney failure, which was compounded by septic shock. He had also battled other serious conditions, including sepsis and cirrhosis of the liver, all consequences of his extreme weight and lifestyle.

4. He Had a Brief Moment of Hope

Despite the setbacks, James did manage to lose a significant amount of weight at one point. In his *Where Are They Now?* episode, he was able to drop 119 pounds in 12 months, a testament to the brief periods where he was able to commit to the program. However, this momentum was not sustained, and the underlying health issues proved too severe to overcome in the long run.

5. His Life Was Marked by Mental Health Struggles

The episode touched upon the deep-seated emotional issues fueling James's addiction. He constantly struggled with depression and obesity throughout most of his life. He attributed his food dependency to past traumas and emotional pain, a pattern common among patients in Dr. Now’s program. The psychological component of his struggle was arguably as significant as the physical one.

The Lasting Impact of James King's Story

The tragic passing of James King at the relatively young age of 49 serves as a stark reminder of the deadly nature of morbid obesity and the need for comprehensive support, including intense psychological counseling, for those battling severe food addiction. TLC publicly expressed their sadness, stating they were "deeply saddened by the loss of James King, who shared his weight-loss journey on *My 600-lb Life*." His story, though ending in sorrow, continues to resonate with viewers who recognize the immense challenges faced by individuals fighting for their lives against the grip of obesity. The legacy of James King is one of a man who fought a difficult battle, providing a poignant and necessary look into the harsh realities of this pervasive public health crisis. The complexity of his struggle, including the controversial family dynamics, makes his episode a frequently revisited case study among fans of the show.

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