'My 600-lb Life': David's lack of self worth caused him to develop an eating disorder

David, who spends a considerable amount of time in foster care, has often turned to food as a way to cope up
David on 'My 600-lb Life' (TLC)
David on 'My 600-lb Life' (TLC)

For the people featured on 'My 600-lb Life', the saying 'old habits die hard' holds true. With most of their eating disorders stemming from past traumas and issues, they all hope for a better life for themselves, but it is not always easy to achieve this, even if their hearts are in the right place.

From childhood abuse to abandonment issues, a lot of the people on the show use food to find comfort, even though they are well aware that this addiction is killing them slowly. While Dr Now is forthcoming and wants to help these people, his rule is simple -- he only helps those serious about making a change and improving their own lives.

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As per the synopsis of the episode, "Growing up in foster care, David suffered from a lack of attention and didn't develop a sense of self-worth. Now he weighs 800 pounds, and he's relying on his favorite foster mom to support him as he finds the motivation to change and save his own life."

David, who spends a considerable amount of time in foster care, has often turned to food as a way to cope up. In Episode 15, titled 'David's Journey', David explains that one of the ways that his foster mom Robin gets him to be more active is by taking him grocery shopping. It is also the only time that David is willing to leave the house, seeing that he has lost most of his mobility and it hurts him physically to walk around.



 

While Robin explained that she was glad that David got out of the house and walked around the grocery store, she disapproved of his food choices. However, she did acknowledge that he is a grown man, and she can't dictate his life choices. Robin also noted that she understands the whole ordeal is tough on David, who has to take frequent breaks seeing that he can't physically keep up with even this level of exercise. She worries that David has lost all internal motivation and right now, she is the only thing that is motivating him externally, but it isn't enough.

David too mentioned that the only thing that motivates him is the fact that he is buying food that he can later indulge in. David also explained that he often needs food to cope with the situation once he is pushed to the limit physically.

'My 600-lb Life' airs every Wednesday at 8/7c on TLC.

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