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In the recent episode of TLC's My 600-lb Life season 13 which was released on January 22, 2025, viewers met Gary Hawkins, a musician from Oakland, California. Gary shared his struggles with overeating and substance abuse, sparking curiosity about his current well-being. Gary relied heavily on his mother and caregiver for daily support.
His mother, Arielle, would often cook him breakfasts, as he is bedridden due to his weight. Gary's mother expressed concern about his binge eating and weight gain, fearing it would affect his mobility and overall health. Gary's mother took on a lot of responsibility, caring for Gary and doing everything for him. She found it exhausting but tried to stay strong for her son.
Gary, meanwhile, struggled to control his eating habits, admitting on My 600-lb Life he loved feeling full after meals.
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"He's constantly eating, and he's just getting bigger and bigger. I'm just hoping that he can lose the weight so he can get up and walk, because I know he can't live that way," said Gary's mother Arielle.
Gary Hawkins' weight loss journey on My 600-lb Life
When viewers first met Gary on My 600-lb Life, he was bedridden. The episode showed him working with his caregiver and discussing past issues with his personal care. Gary had struggled with weight his whole life, but being stuck in bed for 9 months took a toll on him. Gary's weight gain started after he sought treatment for a crystal meth addiction.
He began eating more, which led to his current situation. Gary looked forward to his mother Arielle's daily visits when she would cook for him. Due to his immobility, Gary couldn't meet bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan AKA Dr. Now in person. Instead, he arranged to be weighed at a nearby clinic. With medical help, Gary was transferred to the clinic, where he weighed 764 pounds.
Dr. Now gave Gary a challenge on My 600-lb Life, lose 40 pounds in a month. But when Gary returned to the clinic, he had only lost 10 pounds. Dr. Now was worried that Gary wasn't following his instructions or doing the physical training he was supposed to do. At his last weigh-in, Dr. Now told Gary to come back when he could travel to Houston on his own.
Gary agreed to work hard and promised not to disappoint Dr. Now. Since appearing on My 600-Lb Life, Gary has been active on the social media site Facebook. His posts showcase he's hopeful about the future, but he hasn't shared any recent photos of himself.
"I'm going to prove you wrong, Dr. Now, and I will come to Houston," claimed Gary.
Gary didn't give up on his goals, even though he couldn't have Dr. Now's surgery. On social media, he shared updates about his music and his experience on the show. A few days before his episode aired, Gary asked his followers to watch the show and support him. He said his journey was just starting and he needed everyone's encouragement.
"No matter what nobody thinks I know I'm Great. I know im blessed and God has a plan for me.. no body can tell me otherwise… Im spreading positivity threw-out my life and protecting my value and energy… I am God and Nature’s favorite," wrote Gary on January 18.
Watch new episodes of My 600-Lb Life on Wednesdays on TLC.
