Ep 1. The Assanti Brothers
- TV-14
- May 22, 2019
- 87 min
In the fourth season premiere of My 600-lb Life Where Are They Now?, viewers catch up with the notorious Assanti brothers, Steven and Justin. The brothers first appeared on the show during season 5 of My 600-lb Life, where they both received weight loss surgery under the guidance of Dr. Nowzaradan.
The episode begins with an update on both brothers' progress since their surgeries. Steven, the older and larger brother, started out at a stunning 734 pounds and was able to lose over 400 pounds through surgery and rigorous diet and exercise. However, his journey was far from easy, and viewers will see the many setbacks and dangerous behaviors that made him one of the most talked-about patients in My 600-lb Life history.
Justin, the younger and more reserved brother, also underwent weight loss surgery and was able to drop several hundred pounds as well. However, unlike Steven, Justin struggled with addiction and relapsed multiple times during his weight loss journey. Throughout the episode, viewers will see the impact that his addiction had on his relationship with his family and his ability to continue losing weight.
As the episode progresses, viewers will also see both brothers confront the emotional issues that led to their weight gain in the first place. Steven, whose struggles with addiction and emotional eating were well-documented on the original series, reflects on the traumatic events from his past that led him to turn to food for comfort. Justin, who was more closed off during his time on the show but still exhibited signs of emotional eating, delves deeper into the depression and self-loathing that drove him to consume massive amounts of food.
Throughout the episode, viewers will also see the families of both brothers grappling with their own emotions as well. Steven's father, who was heavily involved in his son's weight loss journey, reflects on the mistakes he made and the role that his enabling played in Steven's addiction and other dangerous behaviors. Justin's mother, who was shown to be a source of support and encouragement during his time on the original series, discusses the pain and frustration of watching her son struggle with addiction and the toll that it takes on her and the rest of their family.
Ultimately, the episode gives viewers a glimpse into the ongoing struggles and triumphs of two of the most controversial patients in My 600-lb Life history. Through intimate interviews and footage from their daily lives, viewers will see the progress that both brothers have made since their initial surgeries, as well as the work that still remains on their weight loss journeys.
Overall, My 600-lb Life Where Are They Now? season 4 episode 1 provides a compelling look at the ongoing challenges of weight loss and addiction, as well as the power of determination and self-reflection in overcoming those challenges. Fans of the original series will definitely not want to miss this emotional and thought-provoking episode.