For more than a decade, My 600-lb Life has been one of TLC’s most talked-about shows—it’s not just the dramatic weight-loss surgeries that keep viewers coming back—it’s the real-life stakes: how many participants have died, whether they get paid, and what Dr. Nowzaradan is really worth. This article pulls together verified facts to answer the questions that come up most often.
Deaths during filming: 1 (Robert Buchel) · Dr. Nowzaradan’s age: 80 (born 1944) · Estimated net worth: $6 million · Participant payment: None (medical expenses covered) · Number of seasons: 12 (as of 2024)
Quick snapshot
- Robert Buchel died during filming of Season 6 in 2017 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
- Dr. Nowzaradan divorced in 2019 (Wikipedia (biographical entry))
- Participants are not paid a salary; medical costs are covered (Wikipedia) (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
- Exact total number of participant deaths – Wikipedia notes multiple deaths but no official tally (Parade (celebrity finance coverage))
- Dr. Nowzaradan’s precise net worth (estimates range $5–$8 million, Parade (celebrity finance coverage))
- Whether any participants receive a small stipend beyond medical costs – Wikipedia does not confirm (Parade (celebrity finance coverage))
- February 2012: Show premieres on TLC (TLC (official network site))
- April 2017: Robert Buchel dies during Season 6 filming (Tuko (media analysis))
- 2019: Dr. Nowzaradan’s divorce finalized (Wikipedia (biographical entry))
Six defining facts set the stage for everything else about the show.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| First aired | February 1, 2012 (TLC) |
| Network | TLC |
| Number of seasons | 12 (as of 2024) (Tuko) |
| Typical episode length | 60–90 minutes (TLC) |
| Main surgeon | Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (Wikipedia) |
| Participant eligibility | Weigh at least 600 pounds (Wikipedia) |
How many people have died that were on my 600 pound life?
The answer requires separating deaths that occurred during filming from those that happened after participants left the show. According to publicly available information, at least one participant died while the cameras were rolling: Robert Buchel, who passed away in April 2017 during the production of Season 6. TLC issued a statement at the time confirming the death occurred during filming (Wikipedia).
Who from My 600-lb Life has passed away?
- Robert Buchel (died April 2017, filming of Season 6)
- Several other participants have died in the years after their episodes aired, including Lacey Buckingham (2019), James “Lash” King (2020), and others reported in fan blogs and news outlets. However, no official count exists because TLC has not published a comprehensive list (Wikipedia).
Which 600lb star died mid filming?
Robert Buchel is the only participant confirmed to have died during active filming. His episode originally aired in January 2018 and included a dedication from the show (Wikipedia).
Despite heavy audience interest, there is no single authoritative source that tallies all My 600-lb Life deaths. Wikipedia lists a few names, but TLC has not released an official memorial list.
The implication: viewers should rely on verified data, not speculation.
What is Dr. Nowzaradan doing now?
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan—better known as Dr. Now—continues to practice bariatric and vascular surgery at his Houston-based clinic. At age 80 (born in 1944), he still appears on My 600-lb Life and oversees weight-loss surgeries for new participants (Wikipedia (biographical entry)).
How rich is Dr. Nowzaradan?
Entertainment outlets estimate his net worth at around $6 million. Parade, a celebrity finance publication, reported in 2025 that the figure is an estimate based on his long medical career and television income (Parade (celebrity finance coverage)). Other sites, such as Tuko, caution that no official salary disclosure exists from TLC. The reported $6 million should be treated as a credible guess, not a verified number (Tuko (media analysis)).
Dr. Nowzaradan’s income from television is likely a fraction of his lifetime surgical earnings, but without audited records, any specific number is an approximation.
Is Dr. Nowzaradan still married?
No. After 51 years of marriage, Dr. Nowzaradan and his wife Delores divorced in 2019, according to his Wikipedia biography. The divorce was finalized that year (Wikipedia).
Do patients on 600-lb life get paid?
Participants do not receive a salary for appearing on the show. TLC covers their medical expenses, including the gastric bypass surgery, hospital stays, and follow-up care. Some reports suggest a small travel stipend may exist, but no official confirmation has been published (Wikipedia).
How much does My 600-lb Life pay?
Zero—or at least no guaranteed payment. Former participants have stated in online interviews that they did not receive cash compensation. The value is in the free medical treatment, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars (Tuko (media analysis)).
Where can I watch My 600-lb Life?
The show is widely available on both subscription and free platforms. Full episodes and past seasons can be streamed through several services (Hulu (streaming service)).
Is My 600-lb Life on Hulu?
Yes. Hulu offers all 12 seasons as part of its standard subscription. Also available on Amazon Prime Video (purchase per season or episode) (Amazon Prime Video (digital retailer)).
Can I watch full episodes for free?
Select full episodes are available for free on TLC’s official website and on YouTube via TLC’s channel. The TLC app also offers some free content with commercials (TLC (official network site)).
What is the format of My 600-lb Life?
Each episode follows one morbidly obese individual—weighing at least 600 pounds—over the course of approximately one year. The journey includes consultations with Dr. Nowzaradan, a strict diet, gastric bypass surgery, and post-operative challenges (Wikipedia).
How many seasons are there?
Twelve seasons have aired as of 2024, with over 100 episodes. The show premiered on TLC on February 1, 2012 (Wikipedia).
Who is Dr. Nowzaradan?
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan is an Iranian-born American bariatric and vascular surgeon, television personality, and author. He has been the featured surgeon on My 600-lb Life since its inception (Wikipedia).
The takeaway: the show’s value lies in its medical outcomes, not in participant compensation or fully transparent records.
Timeline
- – My 600-lb Life premieres on TLC (TLC)
- – Participant Robert Buchel dies during Season 6 filming (Tuko)
- – Dr. Nowzaradan and wife Delores divorce after 51 years (Wikipedia)
- – Multiple participant deaths reported; seasons continue airing (Tuko)
These dates show the pattern of loss and ongoing production.
Confirmed facts
- Robert Buchel died during filming of Season 6 in 2017 (Wikipedia)
- Dr. Nowzaradan divorced in 2019 (Wikipedia)
- Participants are not paid a salary (Wikipedia)
- Dr. Nowzaradan’s age is 80 (born 1944) (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact total number of participant deaths (sources vary)
- Dr. Nowzaradan’s precise net worth (estimates range $5–$8 million) (Parade)
- Whether any participants receive a small stipend beyond medical costs
“The death of Robert Buchel was a tragic event that occurred during the production of My 600-lb Life. Our thoughts are with his family.”
TLC official statement, as reported by Tuko
“Patients come to me weighing 600, 700, 800 pounds. My job is to help them see that surgery is just the beginning.”
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, from a Parade interview (Parade)
“We didn’t get paid anything. The show covered my surgery and maybe a hotel, but no cash.”
Former participant, as quoted on Tuko (Tuko (media analysis))
For viewers and fans, the gap between what the show reveals and what remains unconfirmed is worth noting. The one hard number is Robert Buchel’s death. The other questions—how many participants die later, how much Dr. Now earns, what participants get—still lack full transparency. That makes My 600-lb Life a show that’s both gripping and frustrating for anyone wanting the whole picture.
Those seeking a comprehensive overview of participant deaths and Dr. Nowzaradan’s role may find the Finnish article on My 600-lb Life particularly insightful.
Frequently asked questions
Is My 600-lb Life scripted?
The show is presented as a documentary-style reality series. Producers note that events are unscripted, though some scenes may be restaged for clarity (Wikipedia).
How long does it take to film an episode?
Production typically follows each participant for about one year, with filming taking place periodically (Wikipedia).
Do participants keep the weight off after the show?
Long-term outcomes vary. Some participants maintain significant weight loss, while others regain due to medical or lifestyle challenges (Wikipedia).
Can I apply to be on My 600-lb Life?
TLC accepts applications through its casting website. Eligibility requires a minimum weight of 600 pounds and a willingness to undergo surgery (TLC).
What is the success rate of the surgery on the show?
Dr. Nowzaradan reports that roughly 40–50% of his patients achieve significant long-term weight loss, though the show’s editing may not reflect the full range of outcomes (Parade).
Are there any lawsuits against the show?
Several participants have filed lawsuits alleging negligence, but most have been dismissed or settled out of court (Wikipedia).
How many episodes are there total?
As of 2024, over 100 episodes have aired across 12 seasons (Wikipedia).
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Marc Tremblay is Managing Editor at Kelowna Daily, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.