TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life‘ has been a turning point for many people who have a history of life-threatening obesity and unhealthy eating habits. Since its premiere in 2012, it has showcased various patients weighing approximately 600 pounds and their long weight loss battles. In the process, they seek the assistance of Houston, Texas-based Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, AKA Dr. Now, who offers a thorough and personalized diet and exercise regimen and later assists patients in qualifying for weight-loss surgery.
The reality show has featured several success stories of people who sought the doctor’s advice and worked arduously and sincerely to reach their target body weight over the years. One such patient, Paul MacNeill, made an appearance in season 10 episode 6 and persisted despite numerous obstacles.
Paul MacNeill Lost 116 lbs in Six Months
Paul MacNeill was 35 years old and weighed over 750 pounds when he appeared in season 1o in 2021. His excessive weight made him dependent on his mother, but he was still unable to control his food cravings throughout the day. Paul had gone into a dark place by then, as food became his source of hope to escape his miserable feelings. His excess weight also led to lymphedema development in both his legs, and he could only stand for a few minutes every time. Paul also had to wear special socks for his legs and even had difficulty showering every day.
Paul’s relationship with food had been such since childhood, as his parents had similar eating habits. His father especially had an influence on him as he was a carnival worker with easy access to unhealthy food; thus, he weighed over 400 pounds. Unfortunately, as his parents divorced when he was around 10, Paul’s dependence on food grew, and he hit over 200 pounds by age 11. That was also accompanied by bullying by his friends and classmates, which further impacted his mental health. As Paul’s mother was a good cook, she showed her love with food and fed him whenever she wanted to make him happy.
Paul weighed about 600 pounds by age 29 and lost his job because his weight restricted his movements. He moved back with his mother — who almost became his caretaker — and could rarely visit his girlfriend, Jennifer, who lived over an hour’s drive from his home. As guilt began to sweep in more and more, Paul realized he needed to change his life and stop relying on others for his daily needs. Thus, he sought Dr. Now’s help and received a strict diet and exercise plan to lose weight to qualify for bariatric surgery.
Paul struggled with controlling his cravings initially, and his best friend, Jessica Johnson, also worried that he might not take the program seriously and remain mentally strong. However, he never gave up and picked up on himself after some time, losing around 116 pounds before undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
Paul MacNeill Continued His Transformative Journey
Following his procedure, Paul became much more confident, which led him to decide to continue down the path he’d set foot on and lose even more weight to reach his goals soon. He even consistently updated fans about his weight loss news, explaining in a November 2021 post that he’d lost over 250 pounds from his original weight. This change, in turn, helped Paul maintain his weight loss program religiously.
However, Paul did face issues along the way, especially as he lost his father shortly after filming the show. He was devastated by the tragedy as he was quite attached to him. Nonetheless, he continued working on his goals, all the while fondly remembering his father on numerous occasions. After bringing down his weight to around 512 pounds, Paul was almost a changed person and had taken a positive charge of his own life. Despite all his trials and tribulations, he was optimistic and happy with his newfound life. However, this was also to do with his engagement to his girlfriend of around two years, Jennifer Trivette.
Paul proposed to Jennifer around Christmas in 2021, after which they lived happily in Alachua, Florida, along with Riley, her son from her previous relationship. They often even visited different, exciting places together to keep up with their new and healthy life together. Thus, with Paul and his family embarking on a new journey, along with his weight loss journey on track, it honestly seemed like he’d have a great future ahead.
Paul MacNeill Sadly Passed Away in 2023
But alas, on September 21, 2023, 37-year-old Paul lost his life in a car accident while on his way to work – he was a proud Correctional Officer, a Showmen, a son, a father, as well as a partner. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas MacNeill, yet he is survived by a loving family that includes his mother Teresa Rayan, brother and sister-in-law Thomas Jr. and Fran MacNeill, sister and brother-in-law Tammy and Gary Hinks, sister Allison MacNeill, fiance Jennifer Trivette, plus the son he considered his own Riley Wiggins.
Read More: Cast Members of ‘My 600-lb Life’ Who Have Passed Away
