The Tragic Final Update: 5 Shocking Details From James King’s Controversial My 600-lb Life Journey
The story of James King from TLC's My 600-lb Life remains one of the most heartbreaking and controversial chapters in the show's history. Fans who watched his journey in Season 5 and the subsequent Where Are They Now? episode have long searched for the definitive final update, especially regarding his peak weight, his dramatic dismissal from Dr. Nowzaradan’s program, and the tragic circumstances of his passing. This article, updated in December 2025, provides a deep dive into the difficult reality of his struggle with extreme obesity and the shocking details that led to his unfortunate end.
The journey of James King serves as a sobering reminder of the complex interplay between food addiction, mental health, and the challenges of family support in the face of morbid obesity. While his television appearances ended years ago, his story continues to resonate with viewers who witnessed his fight for survival, a fight that ultimately came to a tragic conclusion.
James King: A Biographical Profile and Tragic Timeline
James King’s time on My 600-lb Life was marked by a struggle against overwhelming odds, both physical and emotional. His initial appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about episodes for its dramatic twists and profound sadness.
- Full Name: James King
- Date of Birth: June 6, 1970
- Hometown: Paducah, Kentucky (moved to Houston, Texas, for treatment)
- Initial Appearance: My 600-lb Life, Season 5, Episode 10 (2017)
- Initial Weight: 791 pounds
- Peak Weight: Approximately 840–843 pounds (recorded while hospitalized)
- Relationship Status: Married to his wife, Lisa Raisor, who appeared on the show. He was also a loving father and "pappy" to his grandchildren.
- Date of Death: April 3, 2020
- Age at Death: 49
- Place of Death: Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee
- Cause of Death: Kidney failure, following complications from septic shock.
The Controversial Journey: From 791 Lbs to 843 Lbs
When James King first sought help from Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, he was almost completely bedridden, dependent on his family for basic care, and weighing in at a staggering 791 pounds. His goal, like all patients on the show, was to lose enough weight to qualify for life-saving bariatric surgery. However, James's journey took a dramatic and controversial turn, making his episodes some of the most difficult to watch.
1. The Unprecedented Weight Gain in the Hospital
While many patients struggle to lose the initial weight required for surgery, James King’s case was unique and deeply alarming. Dr. Nowzaradan admitted James to the hospital to closely monitor his diet and health, a critical step for patients with such extreme obesity. Despite being under professional medical care, James continued to gain weight. His weight peaked at an astonishing 840–843 pounds, setting a record for one of the highest weights recorded on the show. This gain was a clear sign that the strict, low-calorie regimen was being sabotaged, leading to one of the show's most dramatic confrontations.
2. The Role of Family and the Food Sabotage Scandal
The core of the controversy centered on the alleged enablement by his family, specifically his then-fiancée (later wife), Lisa Raisor. Dr. Nowzaradan, famous for his no-nonsense approach, grew suspicious as James's weight continued to climb despite his hospitalization. It was revealed that Lisa was reportedly sneaking high-calorie, non-approved foods to James while he was a patient. This act of sabotage was a critical moment, highlighting the devastating impact of codependency and food addiction on the entire family unit. The food was seen as an expression of love, but it was, in reality, a life-threatening act of enablement.
3. Dr. Now Calls Adult Protective Services (APS)
The situation escalated to a point where Dr. Nowzaradan felt he had no choice but to intervene beyond medical treatment. Due to the severe nature of the food sabotage and James's inability to care for himself, Dr. Now called Adult Protective Services (APS) in an attempt to protect James from the dangerous circumstances created by his environment. This was an extremely rare and dramatic step on the show, underscoring the severity of James's condition and the failure of his support system to adhere to the life-saving program. The intervention led to a temporary separation, but ultimately, James’s struggle continued.
The Final Chapter: Dismissal and Tragic Death
James King’s inability to meet the program requirements and his continued weight gain led to his eventual dismissal from Dr. Now's care. This decision is one of the most difficult a bariatric surgeon must make, but a patient who cannot adhere to the pre-surgery diet is not a candidate for the operation, as the risks outweigh the benefits. His dismissal marked the end of his televised journey but not the end of his battle with extreme obesity and its complications.
The Final Health Decline and Cause of Death
Following his departure from the program, James's health plummeted rapidly. Extreme obesity puts an unbearable strain on all major organs, and for James, the consequences were fatal. He died on April 3, 2020, at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. The official cause of death was kidney failure, which was reportedly triggered by a severe case of septic shock. Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of infection, and for morbidly obese, bedridden patients, the risk is incredibly high due to mobility issues, skin breakdown, and chronic underlying health conditions.
Legacy and the Importance of Mental Health
While James King’s story is often remembered for the controversy and the tragic outcome, it also highlights crucial issues surrounding extreme weight loss. His childhood trauma, including having an alcoholic and absentee mother, was a contributing factor to his food addiction, a common thread among patients on the show. Dr. Nowzaradan consistently stresses that bariatric surgery is a tool, not a cure, and that the underlying psychological issues—the "head hunger"—must be addressed for long-term success. James's story is a powerful testament to the necessity of comprehensive psychological support alongside medical intervention in the fight against morbid obesity.
James King leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren. The updates on his passing were met with an outpouring of sadness from fans who had hoped for a different outcome. His legacy on My 600-lb Life remains a poignant, cautionary tale about the critical need for adherence to medical advice, the dangers of enabling behavior, and the devastating power of food addiction.
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