He was the guy who started it all. If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling down a TLC rabbit hole on a Tuesday night, you know the name. Henry Foots. He wasn’t just another face on a screen; he was the emotional heartbeat of the very first season of My 600-lb Life.
People loved him. Truly.
When the show premiered back in 2012, we weren't used to the "Dr. Now" formula yet. We didn't know about the 1,200-calorie diets or the famous "stop doing weird things" catchphrases. We just saw a 47-year-old man from Houston who weighed 715 pounds and wanted, more than anything, to go to his high school reunion without feeling like a spectacle.
The 440-Pound Miracle
Henry’s transformation was, honestly, legendary. He didn't just lose a little bit of weight; he effectively shed a whole person. By the time the cameras stopped rolling on his seven-year journey—yeah, the first season actually followed patients for years, not just months—he had dropped to 275 pounds.
That is a 440-pound loss.
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It remains one of the most successful outcomes in the history of the show. He was the proof of concept. He showed that the surgery worked, the diet worked, and that Dr. Nowzaradan wasn't just whistling Dixie. But the road there was terrifying.
During one of his skin removal surgeries, Henry actually flat-lined. He died on the table. He later spoke about seeing a "white light" and having an out-of-body experience. Most people would have quit right there. Henry? He kept going. He got the girl, he got the job, and he got his life back.
Or so we thought.
What Really Happened to Henry Foots?
The "happily ever after" for Henry Foots was cut short in a way that still feels like a gut punch to fans. After the weight loss, he went back to work. He was driving a shuttle bus in Houston—a sign of how much mobility he’d regained. But in late 2012, something went wrong.
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While driving, Henry suffered a "medical episode." He blacked out. The bus veered off the road and tragically struck a 43-year-old pedestrian named Carlet Michelle Blake. She didn't survive. It was a horrific turn of events for a man who had spent a decade fighting for a second chance.
Then, on May 16, 2013, Henry Foots passed away.
He was only 54.
Clearing Up the Misconceptions
There is a lot of noise online about how he died. Some people claim it was the weight coming back. Others say it was complications from his previous surgeries.
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The truth? His family never released an official cause of death. However, reports at the time suggested his passing was "unrelated" to his weight or the bus accident. He just... went home to be with the Lord, as his obituary put it.
It’s a weirdly common pattern with early reality TV stars. We see the struggle, we see the win, but we miss the quiet, messy reality of what comes after the credits. Henry wasn't a "failure" because he died. He was a man who won a massive battle against obesity, only to have his time cut short by the kind of random medical luck that doesn't care how many pounds you've lost.
Why Henry Still Matters in 2026
Looking back at Henry Foots 600 pound life journey today, it hits differently. Most patients now are in it for the "clout" or the social media followers. Henry was just a guy who wanted to stand tall at a reunion.
He pioneered the path for everyone who followed. He proved that even at 700+ pounds, the heart inside is still capable of fighting. If you’re struggling with your own health goals or just feeling stuck, Henry’s story is a reminder that the effort is always worth it, even if the ending isn't what you planned.
Next Steps for Your Health Journey:
- Focus on the "Why": Henry’s "why" was his reunion. Find a specific, non-scale victory to chase.
- Consult a Specialist: If you’re dealing with extreme weight, seek a bariatric specialist who understands the metabolic complexities involved, similar to the multidisciplinary approach seen in Houston.
- Prioritize Mental Health: Significant weight loss often uncovers underlying emotional trauma. Ensure you have a therapist or support group to navigate the identity shift that comes with a changing body.