She overcame her demons and transformed her life, losing 420 kg.
Amber Rachdi’s remarkable transformation from weighing 657 pounds to rebuilding her life stands as a story of extraordinary determination and courage. Growing up in Troutdale, Oregon, she faced obesity and anxiety from an early age. By five, she already weighed over 150 pounds, and her weight continued to rise steadily through her childhood and teenage years.
By the time Amber turned 16, her mobility had become severely limited, forcing her to rely on a motorized scooter for movement. At 23, daily life had become a struggle — she could no longer drive, stand for extended periods, or care for herself independently. Her physical challenges were compounded by deep emotional pain and an untreated anxiety disorder that fueled cycles of binge eating.
Realizing she could not continue living this way, Amber made the brave decision to change her life. She appeared on TLC’s My 600-lb Life, where she met bariatric surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. To begin her weight-loss journey, she and her family relocated to Houston, Texas, allowing her to work closely with the doctor. Her first goal: lose 20 pounds to qualify for gastric bypass surgery. That milestone marked the beginning of a life-changing battle toward health and independence.