Justin McSwain's story is a testament to the power of determination and the possibility of transformation. At 27 years old, the Rock Hill, South Carolina native faced a life-threatening situation, weighing in at a staggering 687.5 pounds. His journey on My 600-Lb. Life became an inspiration to many, showcasing his incredible weight loss and newfound zest for life.
The Starting Point: A Life Limited by Weight
In 2019, Justin McSwain appeared on season 7 of My 600-Lb. Life. A college graduate, Justin found himself increasingly isolated. He only left his house to get food. His weight had become a barrier to pursuing a career and living a normal life. "Doing normal things and having a normal day is just not something that’s possible for me anymore," he confessed on the show.
Justin's relationship with food had been complicated since childhood. He revealed that while in college, he intentionally ate as much as possible. This was after experiencing fat-shaming from his stepmother, who would lock up food and accuse him of excessive eating. Away from that environment, he excelled academically but also gained a significant amount of weight, exceeding 400 pounds upon graduation.
His weight contributed to the development of agoraphobia, further limiting his ability to leave the house. Recognizing the need for drastic intervention, Justin sought the help of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a renowned bariatric surgeon in Houston, Texas, known as Dr. Now on the show.
The Turning Point: Seeking Help and Facing the Truth
Traveling from Rock Hill, South Carolina, to Dr. Now's clinic in Houston was the first step in Justin's journey. He was anxious about his initial weigh-in, hoping it wouldn't be too high. "I'm feeling a lot better after resting some but my anxiety is still really high cause I know have to see where my weight is at and I'm hoping it's in the upper 500s or low 600s at least. But I'm also really nervous because I don't know if there's gonna be some reason that makes Dr. Now think that he can't help me," he said.
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Stepping on the scale revealed the harsh reality: 687.5 pounds. "That number is shocking to see because I knew I was likely in the 600s but I thought it was in the low 600s so getting help is even more urgent than I thought," he admitted. This realization fueled his determination to change his life.
The Transformation: Hard Work and Dedication
Justin's journey was not without its challenges. Even at the start, he faced obstacles. He couldn't fit into the rental car assigned to him to get to his appointment. However, he persevered, committing himself to Dr. Now's program, which included a strict diet and lifestyle changes.
By March 31, 2021, when fans got an update on Justin during an episode of My 600-Lb. Life: Where Are They Now?, he had lost an incredible 450 pounds. Dr. Now was amazed at the progress he made, saying it's one of the biggest losses he's ever seen. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
A New Life: Embracing Health and Inspiring Others
Justin's weight loss journey extended far beyond the show. Through his Instagram account, he has documented his continued progress. He participates in various physical activities, such as rock climbing, hiking, bike riding and kayaking.
In 2021, Justin completed a hiking 5K, calling it, “So much fun!" In August 2022, Justin shared a video of a long bike ride through South Carolina’s Congaree National Park, writing in the caption, “Took the bike out for a solo adventure and absolutely loved it! This clip was just a small part of the trip and doesn’t do it justice." In 2023, Justin took a kayaking trip through North Carolina’s Outer Banks with his wife, Jordan Steele-McSwain. He told followers, “Every day I’m more thankful for my improved physical and mental health that allows me to embrace the world outside my bedroom. The fight to maintain weight loss is ongoing, but it’s worth every effort."
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He now explores and appreciates the world around him. "Downtown Houston has some really incredible places. One of my favorite things to do now is just walking around and exploring them," he wrote.
Justin's transformation has made him an inspiration to others. He shares his experiences to encourage others to pursue a healthy lifestyle. In one post, he showed how much slimmer he's become by getting inside an old pair of pants with the caption, "About this time last year I posted a pic about progress over the decade. Today I'm just proud of maintaining over the past (very chaotic) year." He's putting a lot of good out in the world, even participating in a charity walk for the National Eating Disorders Association. He posted a picture of himself at one such event where he wrote, "Had a great time at the #NEDA walk in #Houston at the #discoverygreen yesterday."
Finding Purpose: Craftsman Work
Justin has also found a new purpose in craftsman work. Despite being unable to work when he first appeared on My 600-Lb. Life, Justin got a proper woodshop at his home by September 2023.
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