Julius Clark's story is one of remarkable transformation, encompassing not only physical weight loss but also a profound journey of self-discovery, advocacy, and spiritual enlightenment. Two distinct narratives intertwine within his life: his battle with extreme obesity and his dedication to guiding youth away from gang life.
Overcoming Obesity: JT Clark's Weight Loss Journey on 'My 600-lb Life'
In the eighth season of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life,’ Julius “JT” Clark emerged as one of the most noteworthy cases. Weighing a staggering 892 pounds, he was the second-heaviest individual ever cast on the show. Viewers witnessed JT’s struggles, which went beyond the numbers on the scale. A lymphedema mass on his leg, weighing over 100 pounds, significantly hampered his mobility.
Early Challenges and the Path to Change
Born into a tumultuous environment, Julius “JT” Clark faced the challenges of his parents’ drug addiction, which impacted his upbringing and fueled his severe food addiction. His father’s occupation at a hot dog restaurant further fueled unhealthy eating habits from an early age. Financial hardships arose when his parents’ addiction took precedence over their financial responsibilities, forcing him to grapple with the consequences.
Motivated to turn his life around, he, accompanied by his then-girlfriend Jessica, embarked on a transformative journey to Houston, seeking the expertise of Dr. Nowzaradan. However, the strain of his behavioral issues ultimately drove Jessica away, adding emotional weight to his already burdensome physical struggles.
Progress and Continued Dedication
As the season unfolded, viewers witnessed JT’s dedication to change. Despite initial setbacks, he demonstrated remarkable progress, shedding close to 300 pounds, bringing his weight down to 619. This significant accomplishment caught the attention of Dr. Nowzaradan, who approved him for weight loss surgery. The approval came with a condition: JT needed to sustain his weight loss trajectory, shedding an additional 40 pounds before the scheduled surgery. Displaying unwavering commitment, he surpassed this target, concluding the episode at 491 pounds-almost half of his initial body weight. Additionally, Dr. Nowzaradan scheduled him for the removal of the lymphedema mass.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Life After the Show
After concluding his time on the show in 2020, he made a significant move to Chouteau, Oklahoma, signaling a new chapter in his life. Maintaining a connection with Dr. Nowzaradan, he has demonstrated a continued dedication to his health journey. While keeping a relatively low profile on social media, glimpses of his transformation emerged in 2020, showcasing a slimmer and healthier version of himself. However, like many individuals navigating the complexities of life post-show, JT faced moments of emotional turmoil. In December 2022, he candidly shared his struggles with depression, shedding light on the ongoing mental health challenges that accompany such transformative journeys. A pivotal moment came on February 10, 2023, as he disclosed that he was on the verge of undergoing lymphedema surgery-a procedure that held profound significance for him, marking the culmination of a 15-year wait. The healthier look mirrored the progress he achieved, reinforcing the transformative impact of his efforts. Navigating the twists and turns of life beyond the confines of the show, he has embraced new beginnings in his personal life. Since February 2024, he has been in a relationship with Emily Mahan, adding a layer of companionship and support to his ongoing journey.
Julius Clark Jones: From Gang Life to Guiding Youth
Julius Clark Jones’s life is a testament to the power of transformation. Growing up in challenging circumstances, he became involved in gang culture, but later turned his life around and dedicated himself to helping at-risk youth. His journey from the streets to a credible advocate, author, and public speaker is an inspiring tale of redemption and purpose.
Early Life and Involvement in Gangs
Growing up in a broken one-bedroom apartment with his mama and brother at the tender age of 10, I would overhear my mama breaking down in tears at night while speaking on the phone to my big mama. I felt the need to help, so I dove deep into the streets to sell drugs and help out with the rent and bills. To get even more involved, I turned to gang culture. I got put on to the West Side 30's Fruit Town Brim 36St set, which was brought to New Jersey from South Central L.A. in 1992.
Through losing homies from gang banging, I was rearrested for two hot ones (187 murders). During my time in Northern State Prison, I was introduced to a book called What They Never Told You in History Class. There, I discovered that George Washington wasn't the first president of the United States; John Hanson was, and he was a Black African Moor. Marshals came and transferred me from state to federal prison. In Otisville Federal Prison, I took business management classes and found my passion. Once I got out of prison, I no longer sold drugs, but I still had one foot in and one foot out. I would retaliate when one of the homies got killed. Being betrayed again was the moment I allowed the Heavenly Father to make my crooked path straight. I was guided to write my first biography/autobiography memoir, Da Rep Ute Able Vol. 3: Tears Still Invincible, which tells the story of how an individual from L.A. brought the set to New Jersey and later snitched on the whole state. Marshals and gang task force locked me up.
A Pivotal Moment and a New Path
On February 6, 2021, the Heavenly Father saved me from multiple life sentences. I was on my way to commit multiple murders that night. On February 7, 2021, I decided to kill my flesh, pick up, and carry my cross. Ever since then, I’ve been walking by faith and not by sight with YAHWEH.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Julius Clark Jones was giving his first start in January 2018, speaking publicly at East High School, Newark, NJ. Facilitated two classes on gang awareness for the social & emotional resilience group. Taught the intrinsic knowledge on gang culture, ideology, outreach, prevention, and intervention. Incorporated a variety of techniques, including personal stories and inspirational messages, into the presentations to captivate students.
Purpose, Mission, and Driving Force
To give neutral at-risk youths and active gang members an alternative to gang life and change the direction of the gangs. I want to make communities safe havens for women, children, and families. I strive to ensure that community members gain emotional intelligence because, without security, you are broken. Having knowledge of self means understanding who the Heavenly Father created you to be.
Current Projects and Goals
He just became the featured cover of the June/July issue of Stardom101 magazine. I’m also featured in the upcoming documentary World Wide Woopin Part 1 by OYG Kre Kre from Athens Park Bloods in L.A., which is about how Bloods spread outside of California. Lira Ndifron and I co-authored Not of This World: Our Journey to Spiritual Enlightenment. I shared my first testimony in this spiritual book. I was also a guest on the 1250 Podcast out of L.A., hosted by UVG Trey, where I spoke about the documentary and the book.
Advice for Achieving Success
Before achieving success, you have to see it. That vision starts with self-confidence. Success comes in many forms. Not giving up on yourself is success in itself. True achievement is not about how you start, but about enduring the storm. Your success doesn’t come from you; it flows through you from the Most High, who allows you to achieve it before you become successful.
Victory Publishing
With my walk with the Heavenly Father, I was guided to Virginia Beach, VA. At the end of June 2021, I decided to start my own publishing company to launch a Women of Empowerment Movement Through Books. While educating myself in federal prison, I discovered that 85% of women had been raped, and of those, 55% were Black. As a man, presenting books that hold us accountable shows how cowardly we have been. In March 2022, while in L.A., the Heavenly Father blessed me with a distribution deal, and I launched Victory Publishing, just three months after starting as a self-publisher. No matter the obstacles I faced and overcame, Victory was mine.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Life experience is the greatest teacher. My walk is my talk. Everything I’ve done up to this point came from my own pocket. Every speaking event except one I’ve done for free. Anyone can donate money, but the Heavenly Father judges our hearts, not just our actions. I’ve had countless doors slammed in my face because I wouldn’t compromise. I turned down major deals because I didn’t want to be controlled. People see money, I see changing and saving lives. Anything you have to chance isn’t worth having. My story shows that I didn’t let prison, gang banging, or betrayal define me. If you can’t stand in your truth, you are a false image.
Services and Products
As a youth advocate, I’m passionate about guiding trauma-impacted youth away from gang environments and mentoring them toward independence. I’m experienced in credible messenger mentoring, gang exiting, group facilitation, public speaking, advocacy, campaign work, and providing services for incarcerated individuals. My mission includes ending gang violence, promoting responsible fatherhood, encouraging men to support women, raising AIDS awareness, respecting elders, and improving male-female relationships.
You can order Da Rep Ute Able Vol. 3: Tears Still Invincible, my biography/autobiography memoir, through Adlibris (Stockholm, Sweden bookstore online), The Nile, Indigo, Saxo, Kyobo Book, Coupang, Waterstones, Bookshop.com (connected to 1,700+ independent bookstores via IngramSpark), Walmart, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, eBay, and over 70 other platforms.
Common Misconceptions
People assume that you'll sign your life away for the first offer. They think you’re desperate for money, have no self-respect, and aren’t willing to take the long route to face your flaws and fears. But not everyone has a price. I pray twice a week to the Heavenly Father, thanking Him for allowing me to help change and save a billion lives. I’m not here to promote gangs, I’m here to destroy the myth that gang life is fun and cool. That’s a lie the industry sells to youth. Gang life leads to mental illness and genocide. There’s nothing gangster about hurting others for things we don’t even own. We’re dying over streets and blocks with no value except to create more precincts, jails, and prisons.
First Steps for Inspired Readers
Sit in your bedroom and go through your contacts. Review the list two more times. On the third review, delete the people who are just “in” your life, those who bring no real value or respect. The ones in your corner are the ones who truly respect you. Ask people why they love you. If their answer focuses on what you do for them rather than how you value yourself, they don’t love you; they love needing you. Once you know who’s in your corner, you can set boundaries. Stand firm. No one will respect you until you respect yourself. Focus on yourself. What are your values? What do you truly want? Google it. Read. Study. The more you study, the more you grow. Pray and ask for wisdom. If you’re not sowing seeds, the Heavenly Father won’t water your garden. You must be faithful. It's about divine timing, YAHWEH’s timing. Manifest your vision by writing down your ideas, goals, and plans. Think it, see it. Pay attention to signs. You’ll receive visions and dreams. Discipline, confidence, and patience come from studying and mastering your craft. What starts as sacrifice becomes obedience. God bless everyone!