Hey there, TV fans! If you’re a follower of TLC’s “My 600-lb Life,” you probably remember John and Lonnie Hambrick from Season 8, Episode 1.
The episode, titled “John and Lonnie’s Story,” aired on January 1, 2020, and introduced the two brothers from Texas who were struggling with severe obesity. At the start of their journey, John weighed 686.5 pounds, and Lonnie weighed 612.7 pounds. They sought the help of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (Dr. Now) in Houston to lose weight and improve their health, motivated by a shared goal to reclaim their lives after years of estrangement.
These brothers captivated audiences with their inspirational journey, and at TV Acute, we provide the most up-to-date information on their current status. From battling severe obesity to rebuilding their lives, John and Lonnie’s story is all about grit, family, and a fresh start. Let’s dive into what made their episode special and catch up on My 600-lb Life John and Lonnie updates!
The Beginning of an Epic Journey
Back on January 1, 2020, John and Lonnie Hambrick stepped into the spotlight. John weighed 686 pounds, while Lonnie followed closely at 613 pounds. Growing up in Texas, food became their comfort zone—John leaned on it after losing his dad, and Lonnie turned to it when his family rejected him for being gay. Despite the challenges they faced, they united to confront their health issues with Dr. Now in Houston. After a year of hard work, John dropped to 393 pounds, and Lonnie hit 368 pounds. That’s some serious progress, right?
However, their journey continued even after the cameras switched off. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, these brothers persevered. They’ve since transformed their lives in ways you won’t believe. Stick with me as we break down where John Hambrick 600-lb Life now and Lonnie Hambrick 600-lb Life now stand today.
Crushing Goals Together
After the show, John and Lonnie didn’t just sit back—they kept the momentum going. Lonnie picked up knitting to stay positive, while John started hanging out more with his son, Caleb. During the pandemic, they stuck with Dr. Now’s advice over the phone. When they finally saw him in person again, they were thrilled to fit in one chair together! Lonnie slimmed down to 181 pounds, and John hit 231 pounds. Talk about a win!
The gym became their new hangout spot, and it tightened their brotherly bond. Lonnie went for his first skin removal surgery, shedding 10 pounds of extra skin from his chest and stomach. John had to wait a bit longer but got his surgery a month later. Sure, John experienced a setback when he gained 2 pounds, but he dismissed it as part of the journey. Lonnie, meanwhile, powered through three surgeries, building muscle and landing at 166 pounds. John wasn’t far behind, dropping to 191 pounds after losing 17 pounds of skin in his second surgery. Three years of grit paid off big time!
John’s New Life: Family and Football
John’s life before the show? Tough. He couldn’t share a bed with his wife, Amber, or play with Caleb. Jobs felt out of reach too. However, shedding all that weight completely changed the course of events. He secured a position as a football coach at a school district, leveraging his passion for the game. In December 2024, he took a break from coaching to try construction and other side hustles—smart move to mix things up! Now, he’s eyeing a PE teaching gig to keep his fitness goals on track.
On the home front, John’s marriage is stronger than ever. He and Amber enjoy date nights and little adventures, and he’s all about making her feel loved after years of her support. With Caleb growing fast, John’s soaking up every moment—like that fishing trip they took a while back. No fish, but tons of laughs! And guess what? Lonnie surprised him with a racetrack day, fulfilling a lifelong dream. These brothers are unstoppable.
Lonnie’s Living His Best Life
Lonnie is also excelling! Based in Haltom, Texas, he’s a pro hairstylist with a slick website showcasing his skills—think haircuts, balayage, and Brazilian blowouts. His social media is popping with over 21K+ followers, where he shares his journey and plugs brands like Sheath Underwear. It’s real and raw, showing the highs and lows.
Personally, Lonnie has found love with Richard Gavadin, who has been his steadfast support since their early days. They regularly exercise together, prioritizing fitness. After Lonnie’s final surgery, Richard pulled off a sweet picnic date, but the big moment came in September 2023—a proposal surrounded by loved ones. They tied the knot on November 29, 2024, and now enjoy life with their adorable kittens, Jack and Freya. Lonnie’s not just surviving—he’s thriving.
What Sets John and Lonnie Apart?
Unlike some sibling pairs on TLC’s My 600-lb Life, John and Lonnie leaned on each other instead of clashing. Their shared struggles—emotional eating, family drama—could’ve torn them apart, but they turned it into strength. Lonnie’s openness about being gay and John’s quiet determination made them a dynamic duo. They’ve lost over 300 pounds each since day one, with Lonnie down more than 350 pounds total after surgeries. That’s next-level commitment!
How They Keep Winning
So, how’d they do it? Consistency, support, and a solid plan from Dr. Now. Walking, gym sessions, and healthier eating became their new normal. Lonnie’s knitting and John’s family time kept their minds right. Even when COVID hit, they adapted with virtual check-ins. Skin surgeries completed the transformation, fostering a sense of confidence in their new bodies. It’s not just about weight—it’s about living better.
Why You Should Care
John and Lonnie’s story isn’t just TV drama—it’s real life. They went from barely moving to chasing dreams, proving change is possible with effort and heart. At TV Acute, we love sharing updates like My 600-lb Life John and Lonnie because they inspire us all. Whether it’s John coaching kids or Lonnie styling hair, these guys show what’s possible when you don’t give up.
Where Are They Headed?
John’s eyeing that PE job, and Lonnie’s building his career and marriage. Their bond’s stronger than ever, and they’re not slowing down. Want the latest on John Hambrick’s 600-lb Life now or Lonnie Hambrick’s 600-lb Life now? Keep a watch on them—they are living examples of how hard work pays off. What’s next for these brothers? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: they are committed to persevering.
Here are the latest updates on My 600-lb Life, directly from John and Lonnie! These two turned their lives around, and we’re cheering them on every step of the way. Got thoughts on their journey? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear what you think!
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