"My Big Fat Fabulous Life" has captivated audiences with its raw and honest portrayal of Whitney Way Thore's life, friendships, and struggles. The show has also shone a spotlight on the lives of those around her, including her former roommate, Buddy Bell, and his ex-girlfriend, Heather Sykes. This article explores Heather Sykes' story, taking into account weight loss, relationship dynamics, and the challenges faced by the cast members of the show.
Buddy Bell's Struggles and Transformation
Buddy Bell, a close friend of Whitney Thore, has been a prominent figure in "My Big Fat Fabulous Life." Earlier in Season 4, Bell broke up with girlfriend Heather Sykes. The show has documented his struggles with addiction, his journey to sobriety, and his relationships with those around him.
Addiction and Recovery
Buddy Bell dealt with an addiction to drugs, specifically cocaine, and struggled with excessive drinking. This addiction was largely hidden from those closest to him, including his best friend, Whitney Thore, who only discovered the extent of his problem when he sought help.
Buddy's decision to seek help was a turning point in his life. He entered a rehab facility and successfully completed the program. Following rehab, he moved to Washington, D.C., to distance himself from the environments that triggered his drug use. Eventually, he returned to Greensboro and has maintained his sobriety.
Weight Loss and a Healthier Lifestyle
In addition to his sobriety, Buddy Bell has also made positive changes to his health, including weight loss. Although Buddy hasn’t spoken about his weight and his health, fans have taken notice of Buddy Bell’s thinner figure. An old picture of himself when he was in rehab shows a significant transformation. It looks like he has been focusing on his health. It is estimated that he may have lost around 40 to 50 pounds.
Read also: Heather Sanders' weight loss: A tale of transformation.
Relationship with Heather Sykes
Earlier in Season 4, Bell broke up with girlfriend Heather Sykes and didn't say why. The reasons behind Buddy and Heather's breakup were not explicitly stated, the split occurred during a tumultuous period in Buddy's life, marked by personal struggles and erratic behavior.
New Relationship
Buddy Bell is no longer single. Buddy told My Big Fat Fabulous Life viewers that he has a new girlfriend, Brittany Sherman. She is from Charlotte. It could be that Buddy is staying with Whitney Thore so he can be closer to Brittany. My Big Fat Fabulous Life fans were disappointed when Buddy Bell announced that his new girlfriend wasn’t Whitney Thore. However, many fans were glad to see him happy with Brittany Sherman. One fan said “you look so happy and healthy. Whitney has yet to make any public comments about Buddy’s new girlfriend.
Whitney Thore's Perspective
Whitney Thore, the star of "My Big Fat Fabulous Life," has been a central figure in Buddy Bell's life, offering support and friendship throughout his struggles.
Observing Buddy's Changes
Thore noticed significant changes in Buddy's behavior and appearance in the months leading up to his seeking help. "Buddy literally turned into a different person. I used to sit around with Heather and be like who is he?" she remembered. "His appearance changed, his personality changed and he became a stranger." She described his behavior as "uncharacteristic" and noted that he became "a stranger." These changes were so drastic that Thore often questioned his identity and struggled to understand what was happening to him.
Supporting Buddy Through Difficult Times
Thore has been a constant source of support for Buddy, even during his most challenging moments. She confirmed that she, Bell, Sykes are on good terms. "We're all still existing in the same sphere," she said. "No one has been ousted" from the friend group.
Read also: Inspiring weight loss transformation
The pressures of reality TV and weight loss
Gay felt a "pressure" to try taking Ozempic, especially when those in her inner circle were also experimenting with the drug.
"Everyone I knew was taking this GLP-1 medications, losing weight and just bragging about how great it was and magical," Gay explained. "I want them to feel empowered," Gay shared, "[but] I don't want to lie to them and say, ‘It doesn't matter. What matters is on the inside.' But it does matter. “I think that when you’re in reality TV, it’s so natural to be like, ‘Oh, she got plastic surgery or she did this or she’s on Ozempic,’” she told Us Weekly in October 2024. “I actually f--king hate Ozempic.
"It didn't curb my appetite. I know some people are like, ‘Oh, I can't eat.' Not me! I was eating appetizers, a regular meal and dessert, okay? It didn't stop anything for me," she shared in June 2024. "When you see it worked for other people and it doesn't work for you, it makes you depressed. Realistically, it makes you feel like, ‘What is wrong with me?
"After 40, we all know it's very, very hard to lose weight," she said in the May 22 episode of her podcast Uncut & Uncensored With Caroline Stanbury. "I have never tried ozempic and this is not from plastic surgery," The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star replied to an Instagram user in January. "I did have a breast reduction in May. I'm honest about what I do. The Halloween Ends actress reiterated to another follower, "I am NOT taking Ozempic.
"I was medically prescribed for both because I am insulin resistance/pre-diabetic and have a thyroid issue," the Bravolebrity explained. "It's questionable-what are the repercussions of this when everyone's done? Is there side effects? However, the reality star reminded fans the weight "doesn't come off easy," adding, "I work out regularly.
Read also: Beyond Weight Loss: Heather Tom's Approach
"The doctor was just like, ‘There's this new weight loss drug and it's just been FDA approved and it's great. I think it would really help you lose some weight and you'll feel better and you'll be able to get working out again and feeling more like yourself,'" she shared in July. "And I was like, ‘OK, sounds great.' I did that in December. It was great for my diet. But Emily noted she only took the medication for a short period of time.
"The thing that bothers me the most is that when people comment on the way that I look, they constantly say, ‘Ozempic, Ozempic,'" she explained. "And it's like, yes, I did use that nine months ago, but I don't like that it discounts all the hard work I put in.
"You should know that I can talk about Ozempic all day. It gets me so fired up," The Real Housewives of New Jersey star told Page Six's Virtual Reali-Tea podcast in February 2023. "There's going to be a lot of people with eating disorders," she continued. "You start dropping massive amounts of weight. That's so addicting.
"I take them as a shot once a week, and that helps you lose weight and improves your metabolism," The Real Housewives of New Jersey star told Insider. "Everyone is like, ‘Marge, you look great,' although some of my costars think some of my weight loss is not a great idea. But I think it's ridiculous.
"I'm a size 6. If i wasnt eating i would be a 2. Go kick rocks. I'm weighing myself to silence the noise," The Real Housewives of Orange County star, who revealed she weighed 155.9 pounds, wrote at the time. "I am very healthy, very average. Like all of us, I try to take my pictures at good angles [and] I stopped drinking a year and a half ago. The singer then clarified the reason for her slimmed-down appearance.
"I was going through menopause," Erika, who was also rehearsing for her new Las Vegas residency at the time, explained. "If someone is struggling with obesity and working with a doctor, that is one thing (and this is all new in this application) but thin rich country club cul de sac Americans, buying this online and at Mexican pharmacies is another thing," The Real Housewives of New York City alum wrote on Instagram in April. "I'm hearing stories about it affecting people's personalities. Mark my words, we're not going to hear about this s--tshow for months and years to come."
Gabe Ginsberg/Getty ImagesJennifer AydinThe Real Housewives of New Jersey star declared "I am not on Ozempic" during a July 2024 Watch What Happens Live interview before hilariously adding, "I'm on Mounjaro, okay. I'm sorry! I love being this weight, I love it!
"It's not a good place for me, personally for my recovery," The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star told Page Six in April. "I've never judged or looked down on anyone that finds different avenues for [weight loss]. I would be lying if [I said] I haven't thought about it.
"It's for energy, and it has, like, other nutrients," The Real Housewives of Miami star told Page Six. "I did lose a lot of weight," The Real Housewives of New Jersey star revealed on Watch What Happen Live.