Jagminder Kaur
Joyce Del Viscovo, a participant in season 8 of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life,’ made headlines in 2020 for her tumultuous journey battling obesity. Hailing from Kansas, she, then 44 years old, faced dire circumstances, weighing over 750 pounds and struggling with mobility due to her short stature of 4’11. Her challenges were exacerbated by her dependence on a friend whom she paid to assist with daily tasks, highlighting the severity of her condition. Her departure from the show marked the end of her televised journey, leaving unanswered questions about her ongoing battle with obesity and her efforts to reclaim her health and well-being.
Joyce Del Viscovo Struggled With Weight Gain All Her Life
Joyce Del Viscovo’s struggles with weight began early in life, catalyzed by her parent’s divorce and further compounded by the trauma of sexual abuse by one of her stepbrothers. These experiences contributed to deep-seated psychological issues, setting her on a path of unhealthy coping mechanisms. By the age of 16, she found herself working at a fast-food restaurant, already grappling with obesity. Just two years later, she weighed around 300 pounds, and by the time she reached 20, her weight had ballooned to over 400 pounds. Despite efforts to reverse the trend, her lifestyle choices led to her surpassing 750 pounds by her mid-40s, ultimately forcing her to close down the daycare center she operated because of her inability to manage her weight effectively.
Viewers of the show were witness to Joyce’s emotional struggles, including moments of confrontation and defiance. Notably, she gained attention for her candid demand to her caregivers: “Shut up and give me the food.” Despite the support provided by the show’s medical professionals, she ultimately chose to discontinue her journey, citing dissatisfaction with the program. Alleging unfair treatment by Dr. Nowzaradan and disputing the accuracy of the weighing scale, she expressed frustration at her inability to comprehend her weight fluctuations.
Joyce Del Viscovo Has Settled in Olathe Today
Following her appearance on the show, Joyce Del Viscovo retreated from the public eye, eschewing any active social media presence. It became evident that she harbored no desire for the limelight, choosing instead to focus on reclaiming her life away from the scrutiny of television audiences. Reflecting on her post-show experience, she revealed the toll it took on her mental health, divulging that a significant portion of her televised journey was fabricated. Bound by contractual obligations, she remained silent in the face of criticism and hate, plunging into a deep depression exacerbated by the relentless backlash.
In a candid statement, Joyce shared the profound impact of her ordeal, likening the emotional anguish she endured to a form of psychological torment. Despite the adversity, she found solace in the resilience she discovered within herself, acknowledging her journey from the brink of death to a gradual resurgence of her former life. Disregarding public perceptions of success, she found validation in her progress, recognizing the incremental steps she took towards reclaiming her health and well-being. Each week brought tangible improvements, serving as a testament to her unwavering determination and inner strength. In her pursuit of normalcy, Joyce has reportedly transitioned into a new chapter of her life, securing employment at an insurance company.
Settling in Olathe, Kansas, she has sought stability and routine, distancing herself from the tumultuous spotlight that had once engulfed her. However, remnants of her past struggles lingered, as evidenced by her candid reflections on social media. In a poignant post shared in 2022, she revisited the trauma of a life-threatening infection that catalyzed a cascade of health complications, including heart failure and the exacerbation of lymphedema. Despite the harrowing challenges she faced, Joyce has found solace in the passage of time and the gradual improvement of her health. She celebrated milestones, including the cessation of daily medication and the prospect of surgical intervention to address her lymphedema.
Grateful for the blessings bestowed upon her, she acknowledged the transformative power of resilience and faith, recognizing the unforeseen hurdles that shaped her journey toward recovery. Beyond her struggles, her social media presence provides glimpses into her profound sense of loss, particularly regarding her late brother and father. Amidst her journey towards healing, she grapples with the absence of loved ones who had departed from this world, their memories serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life. Despite the trials and tribulations she endured, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of health, happiness, and personal fulfillment, inspiring others with her unwavering determination and unwavering resolve.
Read More: Is My 600-lb Life Scripted or Real?
