The story of Steven and Justin Assanti is one of extreme challenges, personal struggles, and surprising transformation. Known to many from the reality TV show My 600-Lb Life, these brothers became household names not just because of their size, but due to the raw emotional roller coaster of their lives. The Assanti brothers, at one point, weighed more than 1,300 pounds combined, with Steven tipping the scales at 782 pounds and Justin at 543 pounds. Their journey, documented on TLC, reveals a complex narrative of toxic family dynamics, dysfunctional behavior, and the arduous path to weight loss.
Background and Initial Struggles
Before talking about their weight loss, it’s important to understand the background of these two men. Their lives were affected deeply by obesity, not only physically but mentally and socially. The first episode featuring the Assanti brothers paints a picture of these challenges, highlighting the difficulties they faced due to their weight and the underlying issues contributing to their condition.
Steven's Contentious Path
Steven Assanti is one of the most polarizing subjects to ever feature on My 600-lb Life, as fans might well remember. Throughout his time on the show, he routinely threw fits and complained about the weight loss program, refused to follow Dr. Now’s strict diet regimen, frequently binged on junk food and takeout, and manipulated Dr. Now’s staff into enabling his addiction to painkillers. According to TLC's summary for the second episode, Steven Assanti has been unsuccessful on Nowzardan's weight-loss plan and has been "abusing" the Houston hospital system in search of pain killers. Nowzardan won't work with Assanti under those circumstances. Assanti enters a drug detox program but doesn't last long.
Despite Steven’s contentious attitude toward Dr. Now’s weight loss regime, he eventually started following the celebrity surgeon’s advice and was able to receive his gastric bypass surgery. By the end of the episode, Steven claimed his weight was around 518 pounds, although Dr. Now estimated that it was much higher than he reported.
Justin's Dedicated Efforts
Justin Assanti wasn’t nearly as combative and difficult as his brother Steven during his time on the show; he’d actually been on the receiving end of Steven’s bullying for most of his life, so fans had a soft spot for the reality star, who was just trying to lose weight and regain control of his health. Through some serious dedication and self control, Justin attempted to set aside his differences with his brother in order to travel to Houston together.
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Justin was able to lose over 200 pounds following his own surgery, which was approved by Dr. Now several months after he left Houston. The reality star re-joined Dr. EST on TLC.
The Turning Point: Motivation and Surgery
What pushed Steven and Justin to focus on their health? Steven famously declared, “I want to be a better man for my family.” But despite this desire, following a strict health regimen was not easy for either brother. Despite ongoing struggles, losing hundreds of pounds gave the brothers opportunities they never thought possible.
Despite Steven’s contentious attitude toward Dr. Now’s weight loss regime, he eventually started following the celebrity surgeon’s advice and was able to receive his gastric bypass surgery. Meanwhile, Justin was able to lose over 200 pounds following his own surgery, which was approved by Dr. Now several months after he left Houston.
Impact on Life Beyond Weight Loss
Weight loss isn’t just a physical transformation - it’s a mental battle too. Justin was more optimistic but wasn’t without struggles. But there were powerful moments of transformation, too. The impact of their weight loss went beyond physical health.
Steven’s surgery and weight loss opened doors for a new chapter - including marriage and improved family relationships. Steven went on to marry a woman named Stephanie Sanger in 2018, although it’s unknown if the two are still together today. He occasionally updates fans on his life today. Meanwhile, Justin Assanti is back in Rhode Island, where he opens a hobby store with help from his father. He frequently promotes his business Hobby Haven, a specialty shop that sells model kits and collectibles.
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The Assanti Brothers Today
As of recent updates, both Steven and Justin continue to face challenges but remain committed to their health. The question “Did Steven and Justin lose weight?” is answered with a resounding yes - but their story is far more than just numbers on a scale. It’s about the emotional resilience, the highs and lows, and the ongoing fight for health and happiness.
The network aired two of the Assanti brothers’ Where Are They Now? episodes following their debut episode, so fans got a triple dose of Steven and Justin.
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