If you’ve been keeping up with the Slaton family lately, you know things are getting pretty heavy—and I don’t just mean the numbers on a scale. Amanda Halterman has always been that "take no prisoners" big sister on TLC’s 1000-lb Sisters. She’s the one who isn't afraid to get in Tammy’s face or tell Amy to get it together. But lately, people are asking about Amanda Halterman now because she looks different. Seriously different.
Honestly, the gossip mill has been spinning wild theories about her weight loss and her health. Some folks think she’s pushing it too far, while others are just worried. Here is the actual, no-nonsense reality of what Amanda is dealing with as we head into early 2026.
The Health Diagnosis That Changed Everything
In the latest episodes of Season 8, which just kicked off on January 6, 2026, Amanda hasn't exactly been her usual boisterous self. There’s a reason for that. For a while, fans noticed she looked a bit frail or "sunken" in her social media videos. She eventually came clean about a diagnosis that explains a lot of the physical changes people were seeing.
Amanda was officially diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
It’s a complicated condition that basically means her heart rate goes absolutely haywire just from her standing up. She’s been open on TikTok about how scary it’s been. Imagine feeling like you’re going to pass out just by getting out of a chair because your blood isn't getting to your brain properly. She actually mentioned she has to wear a "book bag of medication" and keep a constant eye on her vitals.
This isn't just about weight loss anymore. It’s about survival. She’s had some days where she’s just sitting there crying, begging for a break from the dizziness and the heart palpitations. It’s a side of Amanda we haven't really seen before—vulnerable.
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Is Amanda Halterman Still Losing Weight?
Yeah, she is, but it’s a bit of a double-edged sword right now. You might remember she had her first bariatric surgery way back in 2014. She lost a lot, then life happened, and she gained some back. Fast forward to March 2023, and she went under the knife for a second procedure.
Lately, she’s been looking thinner than ever. During the Season 8 premiere, she even mentioned she’s lost more weight recently because she hasn't been "feeling like herself." When you’re dealing with POTS and chronic health issues, keeping food down or having the energy to eat properly is a whole different battle.
- Total Weight Loss: She has lost over 300 pounds since her journey began.
- The Look: Some fans are worried she looks "frail," but Amanda insists she is just trying to find a weight where she feels comfortable again.
- The Plateau: In 2025, she hit a major wall where the scale wouldn't budge, but her recent health scares seem to have triggered more weight loss, whether intentional or not.
Relationship Status: Who is Leonard Moore?
Life isn't all doctors and heart monitors, though. Amanda has actually found some happiness in the romance department. After her divorce from Jason Halterman was finalized in August 2022, she took some time for herself. But now? She’s very much with Leonard Moore.
Leonard isn't just a boyfriend; he’s also stepped into a bit of a talent manager role for her. They’ve been traveling a ton—she mentioned hitting five states in just three weeks recently. Honestly, seeing her happy with Leonard is a nice change of pace from the constant bickering we see between her sisters. He seems to be a major source of motivation for her to keep fighting through her health issues.
The Family Feud and Season 8 Drama
If you thought the Slaton family was finally getting along, you haven't been watching the new season. Amanda is right in the middle of the "Slaton Civil War."
Amy and Tammy are currently at each other's throats. It’s gotten so bad that Amy didn't even make Tammy her maid of honor for her Halloween wedding to her new man, Brian Lovvorn. Amanda has had to play the mediator, but even she has her limits. In recent scenes, you can see the tension when she checks in on everyone's weight loss progress but noticeably skips Amy.
It’s messy. The family also just went through a huge tragedy with the loss of their cousin, Katie Slaton, who passed away from cancer in late 2025. Dealing with grief while filming a reality show and managing a chronic illness? That’s a lot for anyone.
What is Amanda's Job Now?
A lot of people think reality stars just sit around and collect checks. For a long time, Amanda was a school bus driver in Kentucky. It’s a tough gig, especially with the sitting involved, which she’s mentioned isn't great for her health.
However, she’s pivotally moving into the "influencer" space.
- Cameo: She’s very active here, doing birthday shoutouts and pep talks.
- Social Media: She’s focusing more on her brand and sharing her health journey to help others with POTS.
- The Show: As long as 1000-lb Sisters stays on the air, that remains a primary source of income. There were rumors she might leave or the show might be canceled, but she’s confirmed she’s staying as long as the cameras are rolling.
Managing POTS and Health: Actionable Steps
If you or someone you know is watching Amanda and thinking, "Hey, I feel like that too," it’s important to know that POTS is often misdiagnosed as "just anxiety." Amanda had to fight for five years to get doctors to actually listen to her heart issues.
- Advocate for yourself: If you have unexplained fainting or racing heart rates, don't let a doctor tell you it's just stress.
- Hydration is key: Most POTS patients are told to significantly increase salt and water intake (under medical supervision, obviously).
- Compression gear: Amanda has mentioned needing to manage blood flow; compression stockings can be a lifesaver for this.
- Listen to your body: Like Amanda said, some days you just have to sit down and cry, and that’s okay. The goal is to not let the sickness define your whole life.
Amanda Halterman is definitely in a transitional phase. She’s thinner, she’s dealing with a lifelong chronic illness, and she’s trying to navigate a family that seems to be falling apart at the seams. But if we know anything about Amanda, she’s not going down without a fight. Keep an eye on her Instagram for those "mysterious" updates—she usually drops the real tea there before it ever hits the TV screen.