Justin, a 27-year-old man, was trapped in a life of isolation and extreme obesity. Weighing a staggering 683 pounds, he was confined to his home, his world limited to the confines of his room, kitchen, and bathroom.
His only human interaction was with delivery drivers who brought him food. Despite his reclusive lifestyle, Justin was a talented web designer, working from home and earning a decent income. However, his earnings fueled his insatiable appetite, leading to a vicious cycle of overeating and weight gain.
Justin’s troubled childhood contributed to his unhealthy habits. His parents’ tumultuous relationship and neglectful parenting left him seeking solace in food. As a child, he was often left alone, turning to food for comfort.
Despite attempts by his father and stepmother to control his eating, their restrictive measures only intensified his obsession. By the age of 18, Justin’s weight had ballooned to 330 pounds. College life offered him the freedom to eat without limits, leading to rapid weight gain. He gained nearly 44 pounds annually, further exacerbating his health issues
Justin McSwain Became a Weight Loss Inspirational Speaker
During his episode of My 600-Lb. Life: Where Are They Now?, Justin spoke at the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America’s conference.
“Weight loss surgery has made an incredible difference on my life, but one of the most important lessons I’ve gotten out of it is that it is really just a tool, and it takes so much more than that to get to where you want to be,” he told the audience.
Justin added that he needed to take care of his mental health as well as physical health while keeping his weight off.
“I’ve dealt with a lot of mental health challenges as well, and I think the hardest part was really the first step and going to see a therapist regularly for over a year before I was even able to reach out for help,” he explained.
My 600-Lb. Life’s Justin McSwain Today
In 2021, Justin completed a hiking 5K, calling it, “So much fun! Can’t wait to do more.” He also tried out indoor rock climbing.
Justin shared a video of a long bike ride through South Carolina’s Congaree National Park in August 2022, writing in the caption, “Took the bike out for a solo adventure and absolutely loved it! This clip was just a small part of the trip and doesn’t do it justice. The joy of the ride and the peace of nature are an amazing combination, can’t wait to go again.”
He added, “Years after getting my health and life back under control, and I still get to discover and enjoy new things every day!”
2023 saw Justin take a kayaking trip through North Carolina’s Outer Banks with his wife, Jordan Steele-McSwain. He told followers, “Every day I’m more thankful for my improved physical and mental health that allows me to embrace the world outside my bedroom. The fight to maintain weight loss is ongoing, but it’s worth every effort. Life is beautiful.”
What Is My 600-Lb. Life’s Justin McSwain’s Job?
Justin does craftsman work. Despite being unable to work when he first appeared on My 600-Lb. Life, Justin got a proper woodshop at his home by September 2023. He has hand-crafted Christmas gifts for loved ones and built a backyard wood coop for his pet ducks.
