The Tragic Final Chapter: What Happened To James King From My 600-lb Life?

As of December 2025, the story of James King from TLC's *My 600-lb Life* remains one of the show's most heartbreaking and widely discussed narratives. James, who appeared in Season 5, faced an overwhelming battle with morbid obesity, becoming one of the heaviest patients ever featured on the series. His journey was marked by intense struggles, dramatic conflicts with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, and ultimately, a tragic end that shocked the show's dedicated fanbase. This article provides a comprehensive look at his life, his tumultuous time on the show, and the final, definitive answer to the question, "Where is James King now?"

The unfortunate reality is that James King passed away in 2020, but the details surrounding his final years and the specific health crises he faced offer a crucial, if painful, update. His story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating toll of food addiction and the complex challenges of extreme weight loss. We honor his memory by detailing the entirety of his fight, from his initial weight loss motivation to the final, sad chapter of his life.

Complete Biography and Profile of James King

James King’s appearance on *My 600-lb Life* cemented his place as one of the most memorable—and controversial—cast members. His initial weight and the challenges he faced with compliance made his episode a focal point of the show's history. Here is a detailed look at his life and profile.

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• Full Name: James King
• Date of Birth: June 6, 1970
• Hometown: Paducah, Kentucky
• Debut Season: Season 5 of *My 600-lb Life* (2017)
• Highest Recorded Weight: At one point, James reportedly reached a staggering 843 pounds, though his weight at the start of the show was 791 pounds.
• Family Status: Loving husband and father to six children, and a grandfather ("pappy") to his grandchildren.
• Death Date: April 3, 2020
• Age at Death: 49 years old
• Cause of Death: Kidney failure attributed to septic shock, with other complications like congestive heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver noted.

James King's Tumultuous Journey on *My 600-lb Life*

James King’s story on the TLC series was one of extreme peaks and valleys, chronicling his battle against a crippling food addiction that left him bedridden and dependent on his family. His initial episode showed him struggling immensely to meet the goals set by Dr. Nowzaradan, which is a common hurdle for many patients on the show.

The Shocking Starting Weight and Dependency

When James first sought help from Dr. Now, he weighed 791 pounds, making him one of the heaviest patients in the show’s history at the time. His mobility was severely limited, requiring the constant care of his wife, Lisa. The emotional and physical toll of this dependency was a central theme of his episode, highlighting the pervasive nature of his morbid obesity.

Conflict with Dr. Nowzaradan and Compliance Issues

A major point of contention in James’s journey was his inability to consistently follow Dr. Now’s strict diet and exercise regimen. The doctor’s frustration grew as James's weight loss stalled, and at one point, his weight even increased, reaching a peak of 843 pounds. This lack of compliance led to one of the most memorable and intense confrontations in the show’s history, with Dr. Now questioning James's commitment and the family's enabling behavior.

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The medical team required James to lose a significant amount of weight—up to 200 pounds—to even qualify for bariatric surgery, which was seen as his only viable path to a healthier life. However, James was eventually dismissed from the program for failing to adhere to the rules, a devastating setback in his weight loss motivation.

The *Where Are They Now?* Update

James returned for a *Where Are They Now?* episode, which provided a glimpse into his life after the initial treatment. Despite the challenges and the dismissal from the program, he did manage to lose some weight, though his health continued to decline due to the severe strain on his body. His struggles with addiction and health complications persisted, painting a picture of a man fighting a battle on multiple fronts.

The Tragic Final Chapter: What Happened to James King?

The definitive answer to "600 lb life james now" is a somber one. James King tragically passed away on April 3, 2020, at the age of 49. His death was a profound loss to his family and the community of viewers who had followed his incredible struggle for survival.

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Official Cause of Death

Reports and autopsy details confirm that James King's death was caused by kidney failure, which was attributed to septic shock. Septic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's overwhelming response to infection, which can lead to organ failure. His long-term health issues, including a history of sepsis, cirrhosis of the liver, and congestive heart failure, were all contributing factors that severely compromised his body’s ability to fight off the final infection.

At the time of his passing, sources indicated that James weighed approximately 500 pounds, suggesting he had achieved a significant weight loss from his peak of 843 pounds, even if it wasn't enough to save his life. This final weight loss is a testament to his continued, albeit private, struggle for a healthier existence, even after leaving Dr. Now’s care.

A Legacy of Struggle and Awareness

James King is one of several cast members from *My 600-lb Life* who have sadly passed away, highlighting the extreme dangers of the disease of morbid obesity. His story continues to be a powerful, cautionary tale that generates discussion about food addiction, the complexities of family dynamics in recovery, and the critical need for medical intervention.

The family shared that James was a loving man who enjoyed sports and cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. While his weight loss journey did not end in the success story many had hoped for, his willingness to share his vulnerable fight brought immense awareness to the severity of this condition. His memory lives on through his family and the countless viewers who were touched by his human, heartbreaking story of resilience and tragedy. TLC itself issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the loss of James King, acknowledging the bravery it took for him to share his personal life with the world.