Amber Rachdi’s Inspiring Journey: Losing Over 470 Pounds and Reclaiming Her Life
Amber Rachdi captured the hearts of viewers when she appeared on Season 3 of the TLC reality series My 600-lb Life in 2015. At just 23 years old (though some reports list her as 24 at the time of filming), she weighed approximately 657 pounds and faced dire health warnings from doctors, who predicted she might not survive past age 25 without significant intervention. Bedbound much of the time and struggling with severe anxiety, emotional eating, and food addiction that dated back to childhood, Amber’s story was one of desperation and determination.
Seeking help from renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (known as Dr. Now), Amber began a rigorous pre-surgery regimen. She had to demonstrate commitment by following a strict low-calorie, high-protein diet and losing an initial amount of weight to qualify for gastric bypass surgery. Despite the challenges—including overcoming fear and anxiety—she succeeded, dropping enough pounds to proceed with the life-changing procedure. The surgery dramatically reduced the size of her stomach, helping her control portions and calorie intake.
Post-surgery, Amber adhered to a disciplined lifestyle: consuming around 1,200 calories per day across three meals with no snacking, prioritizing protein, and incorporating therapy to address the emotional roots of her overeating. Over the following years, she continued her progress with consistency, exercise, and later, semaglutide injections to support ongoing weight management and prevent regain.
By late 2025—marking roughly a decade since her appearance on the show—Amber had achieved an extraordinary total weight loss of over 470 pounds. This placed her well below her original starting weight, transforming not just her body but her entire life. Earlier milestones included losing around 377 pounds by the time she completed her initial post-show updates, but she pressed on, maintaining her healthier habits even amid occasional social media breaks that sparked unfounded rumors of weight regain (which she directly addressed and debunked).
Today, Amber lives with newfound independence. She has learned to drive, shops for herself, works in the IT field, and embraces everyday freedoms she once thought impossible. As one of Dr. Now’s most successful and followed former patients, she maintains an active presence on Instagram (with hundreds of thousands of followers), where she shares candid insights into her journey. She openly discusses the realities of massive weight loss, including loose skin—humorously referring to her arms as “Batman” style due to excess hanging skin, which she describes as feeling “squishy” or like “slime.” While she has expressed interest in skin removal surgery, she notes its high cost (often quoted in the six figures) and has prioritized other life aspects for now, famously quipping that she chooses to “live, laugh, and jiggle.”
Amber’s transformation extends beyond the physical. She has become an advocate for compassion toward those struggling with obesity, honoring fellow My 600-lb Life participants who tragically passed away and urging viewers to avoid judgment. She emphasizes that her success involved unique resources, support, and determination—not a one-size-fits-all path.
A decade after her televised turning point, Amber Rachdi stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, proving that profound change is possible through medical intervention, mental health work, discipline, and self-compassion. Her story continues to inspire countless others facing similar battles, reminding them that reclaiming one’s life is worth every step of the journey.
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