Ep 2. Ashley R's Story

Ashley R's Story is the second episode of season 5 of My 600-lb Life, which follows the journeys of some of the most severely obese individuals in the country as they attempt to shed weight and improve their health. Ashley R is a 24-year-old from Oregon who weighs 668 pounds. She has struggled with her weight since childhood, and her overeating has been exacerbated by a series of traumatic events in her life, including enduring sexual abuse as a child and losing her mother to cancer when she was just 12 years old.

Ashley is accompanied by her father, who is also overweight and struggles with food addiction. Together, they travel to Houston to meet with renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, who will help Ashley get on the path to a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Nowzaradan is known for his no-nonsense approach, and he doesn't hesitate to tell Ashley that her condition is life-threatening and that she needs to take drastic action if she wants to turn things around.

Over the course of the episode, viewers see Ashley struggling to adapt to the new diet and exercise regimen prescribed by Dr. Nowzaradan, which includes following a strict 1,200 calorie per day meal plan and starting a low-impact exercise routine. She also faces emotional challenges as she confronts the trauma that led to her obesity and works to build a healthier relationship with food.

Throughout the episode, Ashley's family is a constant source of support and encouragement, but they also provide a stark reminder of how her weight has impacted those around her. Her father admits to feeling responsible for enabling her unhealthy eating habits, and he is motivated by his own struggles to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

As the episode progresses, viewers see Ashley begin to make progress on her weight loss journey, shedding pounds and gaining confidence. But the road ahead is still long and difficult, and Ashley will need to continue to confront the emotional and physical challenges of her obesity if she is to achieve her goals of improved health and a better quality of life.

Overall, Ashley R's Story is a powerful and moving episode that highlights both the struggles and joys of the weight loss journey. It is a reminder that with dedication, support, and the right medical care, even those facing seemingly insurmountable barriers can turn their lives around and improve their health and happiness.