Nationwide — Marla McCants, an African American woman who once weighed nearly 800 pounds, has lost almost 500 pounds and completely transformed her life. Today, she thrives as a motivational speaker, sharing her journey and inspiring others.
Marla first appeared on TLC’s My 600-lb Life a decade ago. At nearly 800 pounds, she was trapped in her bed, relying on her daughters for basic care, according to Black Doctor.
Her struggles began early. She endured severe trauma as a child, including abuse by her father and a frightening abduction by a high school boyfriend. These experiences triggered emotional eating, and by the time her ex was caught, Marla’s weight had already reached around 700 pounds. As her weight continued to climb, simple daily tasks became nearly impossible, and her health rapidly deteriorated.
Her turning point came when a nurse aide encouraged her to seek help. After reaching out to several media figures without success, Marla finally connected with My 600-lb Life. The show documented her struggles and helped her access gastric bypass surgery. By the end of her episode, she had lost 266 pounds, dropping to 534 pounds.
The journey was far from easy. Marla faced life-threatening complications, including a blood clot during a long trip to Houston. She confronted the reality that she could die if she didn’t fully commit to changing her lifestyle. Gradually, she regained mobility, began participating in daily activities, and adopted healthier habits to support her ongoing weight loss.
Today, Marla, a mother of 3 and grandmother of 5, continues to thrive. She continues her weight loss journey, writes about her experiences, and inspires others through motivational speaking and multiple jobs, proving that transformation is possible even after extreme challenges.