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My 600-Lb Life season 13 premiered on January 1, 2025, introducing viewers to Jonathan Colp, a 36-year-old from Macedonia, Illinois. Once an EMT, Jonathan's life drastically changed as his weight climbed to 641 pounds, leaving him confined to his home and dependent on his wife, Tzena, for daily care.
Jonathan went to Houston, Texas, to consult with bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now, to find a way to recover his health. During his journey on My 600-Lb Life, Jonathan made great strides via nutrition, exercise, and perseverance. By the end of his episode, he had lost over 150 pounds and was eligible for weight loss surgery.
In addition to Jonathan's physical difficulties, the episode focused on the emotional toll that his weight took on his marriage and general well-being. He followed Dr. Now's rigorous program despite his early difficulties, and started to notice amazing results that put him on the path to a healthier future.
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My 600-Lb Life star Jonathan Colp’s weight loss progress and life update
Jonathan’s transformation didn’t end with his time on My 600-Lb Life. On January 1, 2025, the same day his episode aired, he shared an update on Facebook and posted before-and-after photos that showcased his ongoing progress. He reflected on the mental and emotional aspects of his weight loss journey, writing:
“Body dysmorphia makes me always see myself as a big guy. I still hide in baggy clothes and oversized coats, feeling like I’m not changing.”
Jonathan also addressed the challenges of maintaining long-term success, noting:
“Losing weight requires redefining your relationship with food and yourself. Addiction always has long-term effects. It’s about accepting that and changing your mindset, using food as fuel, not escape, and facing emotional and physical trauma.”
Jonathan went live on Facebook, on January 1, 2025, and revealed that he returned to his job as an EMT, a role he was unable to fulfill before his weight loss. Speaking to his followers, he said:
“I just got home not too long ago from work at the hospital. So I just want to say thank you, everybody, for the support and all the amazing messages that I’ve gotten telling me that I can do this journey.”
Jonathan Colp’s journey on My 600-Lb Life
In his Jonathan's Journey episode of My 600-Lb Life, Jonathan detailed his challenges and advancements as he attempted to overcome years of bad habits and the situations that led to his weight gain.
Growing up in poverty, Jonathan had little access to wholesome food, so he mostly ate fried foods that were high in calories. His relationship with food was further hampered by the mental anguish he endured as a result of his father's alcoholism.
Jonathan explained how his weight had kept him confined to his room at the beginning of his journey, making even the most basic activities, like dressing and taking a shower, difficult to do.
“The amount of weight that pushes down on my diaphragm and chest makes it hard to breathe," he said.
His wife, Tzena, supported him while managing her own responsibilities as a nurse, but she admitted feeling overwhelmed, saying:
“I know he wants to help, but he’s not able to.”
Under Dr. Now’s care, Jonathan committed to a strict diet and lifestyle overhaul. He reduced his daily calorie intake from 10,000 to just 1,200 and began losing weight steadily. By the two-month mark, he had shed 87 pounds and shared his determination:
“I’ll work as hard as I need to, to turn my life around.”
Despite the difficulties of temporarily living apart from his wife and traveling to Houston for surgery, Jonathan remained committed to his objectives. He was able to contribute more at home and be ready for the next phase of his journey after losing 125 pounds by the fifth month.
In the seventh month, Dr. Now gave his approval for a sleeve gastrectomy, and Jonathan continued to improve after the procedure by increasing his physical activity and sticking to a liquid diet. He lost 200 pounds overall, reaching 441 pounds by the eleventh month.
Reflecting on his progress, Jonathan expressed gratitude for the support he received from Dr. Now, his wife, and the My 600-Lb Life community. The episode concluded with a celebratory shopping trip.
“I feel like I’ve turned my life around,” he said.
Watch new episodes of My 600-lb Life, airing every Wednesday at 8 pm ET on TLC.
