We all root for those who are rising from their lowest point again. Weight loss transformations are inspiring, considering the willpower and commitment to lifestyle changes.
Despite consistent progress, there will be days of absolute lows and the urge to give up. It is a battle to regain control of one’s life; it may not end as desired, but it was a good fight.
Larry Myers, who celebrated his 49th birthday on 10 June 2023, sadly passed away three days later. He is remembered for his relentless drive to lose weight on the hit reality show My 600-Lb Life.
Who Was Larry Myers?
Larry Myers was a gospel singer fondly known as Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits for his viral video singing about buttermilk biscuits. Even though he was facing hardships, he always brought smiles with his funny quips.
Larry was struggling with progressive weight gain, which interfered with his daily tasks, and at one point, he also had to use crutches to walk. Fed up with his inner conflict of being trapped in obesity, he decided to take matters into his hands.
That is when he entered season 10 of My 600- Lb Life at his peak weight of 940 pounds.
What Is My 600-Lb Life?
This TLC reality TV follows the journey of individuals who are trying to shed massive weight. The participants are often morbidly obese, with a minimum weight of 600 pounds to enter the show. The show has been airing since 2012, documenting the weight loss transformations and providing necessary resources for the patients.
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (or Dr. Now), a Houston surgeon, diagnoses, guides, and assists patients with their weight loss strategy. His usual blueprint for the weight loss process starts off with following a strict diet. These patients often have a hard time evaluating their food intake, which aggravates their obesity.
Dr. Now’s guidance helps them monitor their diet and keep track of their progress. Only when the patient records considerable weight shedding he advises gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy as a catalyst for the weight loss.
The series also follows up with an update on the individual with the “Where are they now?” feature, picking up one year after their journey.
What Happened to the 600-Lb Life Star?
Prior to the airing of Myer’s episodes, the initial tapings of the series show his peak weight to be 700 pounds. With his determination, he did manage to lose 200 pounds.
However, he gained an extra 400 pounds and gave up on the program. He said that his nephew’s death was the harshest blow to his mental health, given his unconditional love for him. Later his mother passed away, creating a huge void in his life. He coped with this loss with unnerving binge eating.
After reaching 940 pounds, suffering from poor health, and having low self-esteem, he decided to give his transformation another chance and joined the show for season 10. Throughout the series, Myers needed additional help while he was facing dizzy spells and extreme leg pains.
Although he lost 100 pounds, he was not qualified for gastric bypass surgery by the time his segment ended.
He did not lose hope and continued with his healthy practices until he reached his desired weight goal. He documented his progress and inspired many never to lose hope of losing weight.
Sadly, he passed away on 13 June at 49 due to a heart attack.
His cousin, Todd Darrel, posted on Facebook–
“Hey, Facebook Family. It’s with great sorrow that we announce the passing of my dear cousin Larry Myers.”
“Many of you know him as Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits. If you can help us we would greatly appreciate it. Larry has fought the good fight. He has overcome some of the biggest Challenges he has ever had to face. Rest well Junior, you will be missed.”
Sonya Hines Hall, his goddaughter, has since set up a GoFundMe page for Larry’s funeral with a goal of $35000, of which $545 has been contributed so far.
Relation Between Depression and Eating Disorders
As Myers had stated before, he was going through depression after the loss of his loved ones. Studies show that major depressive disorders are also proportional to the likelihood of eating disorders. Depression may lead to unhealthy eating habits.
On the flip side, between 50% to 75% of people struggling with an eating disorder will eventually experience symptoms of depression.
Hence an early diagnosis can help prevent either of the two. Unmonitored eating disorders result in low self-worth, body-image issues, organ failures, and grave health conditions.
What are your thoughts on Larry Myers’s sudden demise? Is the USA facing rising obesity cases? Let us know in the comments section below.
