"Depression's not the way I wanna go" — Jonathan shares his struggles with Dr. Nowzaradan in a My 600-lb Life preview

TLC series, My 600-lb Life, is set to premiere a new season on January 1, 2025, documenting the weight-loss journey of "morbidly obese" individuals who seek Dr. Younan Nowzaradan's help to give their lives a makeover. Among them is Jonathan, whose life worsened after his parents' deaths, causing him to binge eat to cope with the grief, ultimately slipping into depression.

In a preview clip released on TLC's official Instagram handle on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Jonathan was shown visiting the clinic of Dr. Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now, for his first weigh-in. Dr. Now asked the cast member to detail what caused matters to get out of hand.

While narrating his life story, Jonathan revealed that his weight increased as he grew older. Although he tried a few things to keep his weight in check, he ultimately lost control after his parents' deaths. However, he was determined to turn his life around.

"I've chosen that depression's not the way I wanna go with my life and I'm ready to change it," he said.

Jonathan used to be an EMT first responder, helping others in need. However, his life spiraled out of control and the My 600-lb Life cast member resorted to debilitating eating habits that restricted his movements and trapped him inside the four walls of his house. He sought Dr. Now's help to give himself a second chance at leading a healthy life.

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"I'm relieved it's not higher" — My 600-lb Life star Jonathan reacts to weighing 641.5 pounds

When Jonathan walked into Dr. Now's clinic for his first weigh-in, he hoped his weight would stay in the lower 600s. He worried that anything above that could threaten his well-being and impact the quality of his life. When the scales showed 641.5 pounds, Jonathan breathed a sense of relief.

"I'm relieved it's not higher. So, I'll take it. It's still a shameful amount of weight," he said.

Although relieved, the My 600-lb Life cast member confessed that it was embarrassing and hurtful to let his wife, Tzena, watch the numbers on the scale. Unhappy with the condition of his body, he vowed to work hard and become a better version of himself for his partner. He hoped Dr. Now would believe in him and assist him in his weight-loss journey.

Upon meeting with Jonathan, Dr. Now informed him that his BMI was over 90. He then asked the male cast member how long he had weighed over 600 pounds and what caused him to reach that mark.

"I've been heavy my entire life. Of course, it kinda increased, you know, as I got older," Jonathan answered.

When Dr. Now asked Jonathan what he had done to lose the excess weight in the My 600-lb Life preview, he said he followed a keto diet the previous year. However, Jonathan failed to keep up with the routine after losing his father and mother within a few months of starting his diet. He revealed that he began to eat "too much" to process his emotions.

Despite the challenges, Jonathan was determined to eliminate the "demon" by giving his life a healthier makeover. He stated that he tried to filter his diet and was willing to take whatever steps necessary for his improvement. When Dr. Now inquired about Jonathan's daily routine, he said:

"Right now, I just basically sit there and stare at the four walls. I snack a lot."

Jonathan's wife, Tzena, added to the conversation, saying that she worked 40-plus hours as a nurse to fund their lifestyle and often requested her husband to control his eating. Upon hearing that, Dr. Now teased the Illinois resident by saying he was eating her money.

My 600-lb Life fans will have to tune in on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, to hear Jonathan's complete story and see if he adheres to Dr. Now's weight-loss plans.

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Episodes of My 600-lb Life can be streamed on Discovery+.