Amber Rachdi Reflects on Loss and Compassion Within My 600-Lb Life Community
My 600-Lb Life former participant Amber Rachdi is contemplating her journey to wellness — and the numerous heartbreaking losses experienced by her former co-stars.
“[M]any individuals featured on 600lbs have [a] underlying psychological condition, which explains the behavioral patterns and so on, but you appear remarkably grounded and genuinely insightful. I often wonder what circumstances allowed your weight to increase to such a degree before seeking help,” shared Amber, 35, with her followers, noting a comment that “occupied her thoughts for several days” in an Instagram video posted on December 12.
“My name is Amber, and a decade ago I overcame a significant health challenge. A physician informed me at a young age that my life expectancy was unlikely to exceed 25 years. I survived, and I have every reason to feel a sense of accomplishment,” she stated, directly addressing the comment. “For me, the most devastating consequence of my personal struggles is the comparison of others’ hardships to my positive outcome. That is not the impression I want to leave on people. The fact that I am here today, at 35 years old, is an extraordinary blessing. I have friends and acquaintances who have passed away.”
Amber then recited the names of other program participants who have died, either after their time on the show or during filming. This list encompassed Henry Foots, Rob Buchel, L.B. Bonner, Lisa Fleming, Kelly Mason, Sean Milliken, James King, Coliesa McMillian, Renee Biran, Gina Krasley, Ashley Randall, Laura Perez, Destinee LaShaee, Angela Gutierrez, Larry Myers Jr., Paul MacNeill, Vianey Rodriguez, Latonya Pottain, Dottie Perkins, Lupe Samano and Pauline Potter.
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“We are all striving to better ourselves and continue living,” Amber continued. “Yet, so many were denied that chance. It is profoundly unjust and deeply upsetting when people tell me, ‘You’ve achieved so much’ and then immediately add, ‘But I disliked so-and-so from the show.’ Everyone who appears as a protagonist or antagonist is presenting an exaggerated portrayal of their true selves. These individuals are complex.”
She further explained, “People often commend my dedication, my ability to bounce back, and my determination. And truthfully, I simply feel fortunate. I have a stronger support system, a better education, and more comprehensive care. I believe what people are implying is that because they view some of my peers who faced difficulties as responsible for their own misfortunes, they don’t believe they are deserving of any empathy.”
Amber went on to emphasize that the “problem with this line of thinking” is that it establishes a precedent for “who is and isn’t worthy of compassion,” which she believes can “lead to some very troubling beliefs.”
“Why should we provide medical treatment for cancer if you’ve spent your life smoking? You brought it upon yourself,” she questioned. “You didn’t enter the country legally. Therefore, you deserve to be incarcerated. I was among the four people who attended Sean Milliken’s funeral. I only recently learned of Dottie’s passing.”
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Amber participated in the show’s third season and is regarded as a success story, having shed 300 lbs with the assistance of the show’s Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now, and bariatric surgery.
