The Harsh Reality Of Being 800 Pounds | Doctor Reacts

Today I took a look at the story of Casey from TLC’s “Family By The Ton”, a show dedicated to following the journey of a real family’s weight loss. Honestly, I’m not a fan of the title of this show, but I decided to press on anyway and see if there was anything valuable to discuss. At his heaviest, Casey weighed 845 pounds and almost never left his father’s house where he stayed in bed and played video games all day. Today, Casey is employed, living on his own, and weighs under 300 pounds. His journey is nothing short of incredible, due in part to a supportive family, a strong medical team, bariatric surgery, and a commitment to improving his quality of life. Go, Casey!

I LOVE reading your comments and take your suggestions seriously. If there’s a subject you want me to discuss or something you’d like for me to react to, leave a comment down below. Many of my videos have been born out of suggestions directly from you, so don’t hold back!
-Doctor Mike Varshavski

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Executive Producer - Doctor Mike
Director of Production - Dan Owens
Managing Editor/Producer - Sam Bowers
Editing/Design - Caroline Weigum

Video clips of medical conditions supplied by Getty Images.

** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[Casey_King]

So far it's pretty spot on, I appreciate the honesty and professionalism. To hear someone speak from a medical standpoint it's easier to take in criticisms and I really appreciate him explaining everything out to help others understand the mindset and how things are. It wasn't a fun life, I was miserable, the whole jounrey has been insane and crazy to apart of. I appreciate Dr. Mike for putting this out there, shouting my channel out in the bio, talking on how I'm doing now and everything. This was a really great watch, thanks everyone for the love and support and thanks again Dr. Mike

[TriangIe]

This guy may be 700+ pounds, but my god the fact that he isn’t bedridden and can still walk and get around at his own leisure is pretty impressive.

[superelectrasuperheroe]

It disgusts me when "body positive" large women attack former large women for losing weight, like how adele was attacked for losing weight.

[JamieMarzy]

You can tell by the way he speaks what a compassionate doctor he is. There's no judgment in his voice at all just concern, genuine concern. He's being very professional and kind.

[Ruii.Ruicha]

It's so impressive how he lost 186 pounds of weight in just 1 month, that is how everyone should be, motivated to keep a good quality of life. I'm so happy for him.

[nyk]

I get to hide the fact that I was once a heroin addict and have been clean for 12 years. He can’t hide his addiction. I’ll never clown these people. And, food is necessary. Poor guy.

[danicab]

This guy is surprisingly mobile for being over 700 pounds.

[kris]

Gosh I love dr Mike and how compassionate he is.

[durriken]

I was nearly 600 Lbs at one point in my life. I am so glad I clawed my way out of that future. I was in a very bad place. This guy had to have been miserable. I'm glad he's recovering.

[Kaitivere]

To anyone curious, he's currently at 250, and his goal is 225. I'm so happy for him!

[bobdabuilder]

Respect to the trainer for not judging Casey for his weight and just doing his job respectfully

[sarahframpton]

10:28 This smile. This smile. I've always known that Dr.Mike is a wonderful doctor and person who definitely cares for people and wants them healthy and happy but this incredibly genuine smile when he sees the progress in health and confidence just warms my heart and was my exact same reaction too

[katesay]

I've been trying to lose weight for a few months now, eating a balanced diet, less sugar, more fruits/veggies, more proteins, more homecooked meals, going to the gym 3 times a week... and nothing had happened yet. Sometimes I feel very discouraged and want to cry, because obviously when you're trying to change and make efforts, you can't help hoping to see some kind of results. Once a friend told me "look, you have a healthier lifestyle and more energy, that's a change, and you did that by yourself. Nobody's cooking for you, or exercising for you, you should be proud". Made me feel a bit better. Efforts are never meaningless and useless, the minute you take the first step, you should be proud indeed.

[RayEl]

Just here to remind people that it isn’t fat-phobic to discuss the health issues around obesity*. It’s medical fact, not opinion.

*when I say this, I’m referring to this video, not people who use medical facts to shame people for their weight.

[kingbee]

He never looked disgusted he just looked concerned

[thaloblue]

I think your perspective is kind and trauma/eating disorder-informed. Having a trauma-informed doctor is extremely valuable especially in the weight-loss process. We are so cruel to morbidly obese people that there's a lot of extra baggage and sensitivity that comes with weight loss even for those who aren't obese. Thank you for taking a compassionate and modern approach to weight loss. If only most doctors stayed updated on trauma-informed health.

[RackfullOjacks]

I love how, almost aggressive, Doctor Mike is when explaining things like losing weight to people. I love how he really forces it into your mind that you don't need to take the exact same steps as other people did to get to where you want to be.

[sickofseeingjustsomeguywit]

I have seen 600 pound people not being able to get out of bed. This guy is 711 pound and the fact that he still managed to walk to the gym and get on a treadmill is really fascinating.

[pancakeperson]

It’s nice to me that he doesn’t look like he’s disgusted or judging in any way while watching the video. He’s addressing the risks and explaining everything which I really like about him.

[Brittany_Williams]

I love watching you reacting to these kinds of videos because you’re so understanding and kind and try to see their side of things.