Hey there! If you’re a fan of TLC’s “My 600-lb Life,” you’ve likely heard about Justin Williamson, the teen who achieved a staggering weight of 685 pounds. Back in 2018, he stole the spotlight in a special episode called “The 685-lb Teen,” and let me tell you, his story is one for the books.
TLC’s My 600-lb Life premiered first in 2012 and follows the journeys of morbidly obese individuals, typically starting at 600 pounds or more, as they work to lose weight and improve their health under the guidance of Houston-based bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, commonly known as “Dr. Now.” Each episode chronicles a year in the participants’ lives, focusing on their efforts to follow a strict diet and, in many cases, undergo weight-loss surgeries like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
At TV Acute, we’re delving into Justin’s remarkable journey, providing answers to pressing questions such as “Did Justin Williamson ever lose the weight?” and “Is Justin Williamson still alive?” Stick with me as we catch up with Justin Williamson now and see how this talented guy turned his life around.
A Teen Facing a Giant Challenge
Justin wasn’t your average My 600-lb Life star. At just 17, he was labeled the heaviest teen in America, weighing in at 685 pounds. That’s a lot for anyone to carry, especially a kid with big dreams. Obesity wasn’t just slowing him down—it was threatening his life. Simple stuff like walking a few steps or standing too long left him out of breath. It crushed his spirit too. He felt trapped, depressed, and stuck in a body that wouldn’t let him live the way he wanted. But here’s the twist: Justin discovered a passion for music. And that passion became the fuel to change everything.
Back in middle school, he didn’t think much about his size. It wasn’t until eighth grade, when he found his love for singing, that things clicked. Music gave him purpose, but his weight held him back. Eating healthy and exercising? He tried, but old habits kept pulling him back to food for comfort. It wasn’t until he teamed up with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan—yep, the famous “Dr. Now”—that he got serious. With his family cheering him on, Justin decided to fight for his health and his dreams.
Kicking Off the Weight Loss Journey
Justin’s transformation was a challenging journey. Losing weight when you’re starting at 685 pounds takes guts, grit, and a solid support squad. His mom, Julie Crawford Williamson, and his sister, Jordan, were his rock. They stuck by him through every tough moment. On the medical side, bariatric surgeons Dr. Neichoy and Dr. Shniederjan from Panhandle Weight Loss Centre guided him with expert care. His first surgery was a game-changer—shedding 60 pounds right off the bat. From there, the pounds kept dropping. By the end of his episode, Justin had lost over 300 pounds, bringing him down to 380. That’s insane progress!
But it wasn’t just about the numbers. Justin wanted freedom—freedom to chase his music dreams without his body holding him back. And boy, did he make it happen.
Music: The Beat of His Comeback
Let’s talk about what makes Justin Williamson, the 685-lb teen, so special—his voice. He discovered his talent in eighth grade during a choir audition, and it blew everyone away. Even at his heaviest, his singing caught the ear of Jeff Koz, a music producer with big connections. Jeff wanted to work with him, but back then, Justin’s health couldn’t handle it. He had to say no. Fast forward 10 months after his first surgery, and Jeff came knocking again. This time, Justin was ready.
A year into his journey, he stepped onto the stage at Hudson Theatres in Los Angeles. Nervous? Sure. But once he started singing, the nerves melted away. His powerful voice left the crowd speechless. That moment wasn’t just a win for his weight loss—it was the start of something bigger. Justin didn’t stop there. He enrolled in the Music Performance Program at West Texas A&M University and even scored a spot in a summer program at the International Performing Arts Institute in Germany in 2019. He trained with top opera singers like Maryann Kyle, sharpening his skills.
By 2021, he was applying to grad school at Boston Conservatory, buzzing with excitement for his audition. In 2023, he told a fan he was working on his Master’s in Music back at West Texas A&M. And in 2024, he hit a huge milestone—getting into the University of North Texas College of Music for a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Justin’s not just surviving—he’s thriving, and his music career is proof.
Standing Up for What Matters
Justin’s journey isn’t only about weight loss or music. He’s also a loud-and-proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Using his social media, he pushes for acceptance and equality, shutting down myths with straight-up truth. He’s all about “Love is Love,” and he’s not afraid to say it. That courage makes him a role model beyond the scale. Whether he’s performing a song or standing up for what’s right, Justin is making a significant impact.
Family, Dogs, and a Fresh Start
None of this would’ve happened without his mom, Julie, and sister, Jordan. They’ve been his backbone from day one. Early on, Justin felt guilty—like his struggles forced them to put their lives on hold. That guilt lit a fire under him to get better. Now that he’s independent, he’s thrilled they can focus on themselves too. Julie can’t stop bragging about her son’s strength and talent, and Jordan’s still his number-one fan. Their bond? Unbreakable.
Oh, and let’s not forget his dogs, Sammy and Lily. Justin’s a huge animal lover, and those pups brought him tons of joy. He hasn’t spilled much lately about whether they’re still around, but you can bet they’ve got a special place in his heart. When he’s not singing or advocating, he’s kicking back with a horror flick or spiking a volleyball. This guy’s living his second chance to the fullest.
So, Where’s Justin Williamson Now?
You’re probably wondering, “Is Justin Williamson still alive?” Yep, as far as we know in 2025, he’s doing great! After dropping over 300 pounds, he’s kept the momentum going. He’s deep into his music studies, chasing that doctorate, and sharing his voice with the world. Plus, he’s using his platform to lift others up. At TV Acute, we’re rooting for him—and we bet you are too.
Justin’s story shows what’s possible when you grab hold of your dreams and don’t let go. From 685 pounds to a stage in LA, he’s proof that hard work pays off. Got questions about Justin Williamson now? Drop ‘em below, and let’s keep the convo going!
Also Read: My 600-lb Life John and Lonnie Update: Where Are the Brothers Now in 2025?
