Where is Ryan Barkdoll? Here's why Dr Now gave up on the 'My 600-lb Life' star

Ryan's refusal to answer Dr Now's calls or take his weight loss seriously has led fans to believe that he is delusional
Ryan Barkdoll on 'My 600-lb Life' (TLC)
Ryan Barkdoll on 'My 600-lb Life' (TLC)

For Ryan Barkdoll of 'My 600-lb Life', his weight loss journey has not been easy. Although he started off determined, telling Dr Now that he wanted nothing more than to get his life back and achieve his dream of becoming a fireman, it was all easier said than done. Because when it came to turning those words into actions, Ryan only seemed to conjure up excuses.

Ryan's relationship with food has always been a tumultuous one. Growing up, he had a strained relationship with his stepfather and having never known his biological took an emotional toll as well. After losing the only positive male figure in his life, his grandfather, he began heavily abusing drugs. While he briefly turned his life around, his strained relationship with food continued, causing him to reach a shocking 740-lb at just 31.

RELATED ARTICLES

Where is Lacey Buckingham? A look at 'My 600-lb Life' star's weightloss, relationship

'My 600-lb Life': Sharon slams Lacey Buckingham, fans say she's keeping it 'real'

Dr Now's advice, as always, was as clear as day -- Ryan needed to come down to 650-lb and stay within that range to be eligible for the weight loss programme. He put Ryan on a high protein, low carb diet and urged him to work out twice a day to drop the weight. However, Ryan's research allowed him to believe that it was okay to order in regularly as long as it was healthy. Soon, his mother Tammy took over and was strict with what he ate. Ryan was upset because he allowed himself a cheat day when he was in charge of his food as he believed it helped his cravings. But it was doing more harm than good. Ryan also began to make excuses about an ill friend in Oregon, stating that it was the reason behind his lax attitude towards his health journey. Although Dr Now gave him the okay to come to Houston, Ryan missed his appointment. He later revealed that his mother and her boyfriend decided not to come along and his ride bailed last minute. In addition, he even lost the apartment he had been hoping to move in. Dr Now, however, stated that he believes these are all excuses and that Ryan is not serious about his own weight loss. He also noted that Ryan avoided his calls and even refused to get on a video call because he probably gained more weight.

Fans agreed that Ryan shouldn't expect anyone to help him when he clearly doesn't want to help himself. "So it's everyone else's fault except your own, right Ryan? #600lblife #my600lblife" tweeted a fan. "Why should his family uproot their lives to move to Houston if he's not taking this seriously? #600lblife" asked another. "He's made no progress at all... that's why he wouldn't get on video with Dr. Now. #600lblife" noted a fan. "I knew the packing was all cap when he taped that empty box, tossed it, and it floated effortlessly before landing on top of the others. #600lblife #my600lblife" tweeted a user. 



 



 



 



 

Even with regard to his 'friend in Oregon', fans remain unconvinced that there is even one, and that it was all a made up excuse. "This man is delusional there is clearly no friend in Oregon #600lblife" wrote a fan. "This mysteriously disintegrating friend. You left Oregon how long ago? #my600lblife #600lblife" asked a user. "No one who watched this episode will ever trust a word that comes out of Ryans mouth if they ever encounter him. Double loss for him. No weight loss and now Known as Liar extraordinaire #600lblife" tweeted a fan. 



 



 



 

Where is Ryan now?

Concerning where he is now, it looks like Ryan's choice to end communication with Dr Now might have ended his weight loss journey too. For now, he seems to be laying low, away from the limelight. There is no information about him on social media either, and TV Show Ace reports that there are no obituaries to his name either. 

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

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Netflix’s acclaimed animated series 'Blue Eye Samurai' returns for its second season, continuing Mizu’s quest for vengeance in London.
2026-11-03T17:26:12.000Z
An ‘SNL’ alum is heading to ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 6, bringing another Quinta Brunson collaboration into the spotlight. Here’s what he shared about the guest appearance.
2026-11-03T16:41:30.000Z
Emily Lane faces her hacker ex, Aaron, after the Season 2 finale cliffhanger at her front door
2026-11-03T10:53:05.000Z
'Line of Fire' was missing from its usual Monday slot on November 2 for this reason
2026-11-03T09:29:20.000Z
The reported casting would put ‘Karate Kid: Legends’ star Ben Wang in a role previously played by Shawn Ashmore in Fox’s ‘X-Men’ film series
2026-11-03T09:17:48.000Z
The documentary takes a closer look at new DNA testing technology as it sheds light on JonBenét Ramsey’s murder
2026-11-03T08:56:03.000Z
‘NCIS,’ ‘NCIS: Origins,’ and ‘NCIS: New York’ will not air new episodes on November 3
2026-11-03T07:52:38.000Z
After a season of romantic mishaps and family struggles, Alex's story may not be over yet. Here's what HBO has revealed.
2026-11-03T07:03:45.000Z
'Chicago Fire' Season 15 will introduce Violet's mother in an episode titled 'Over the Edge'
2026-11-03T06:27:27.000Z
The latest episode of 'FBI' hinted at trouble in paradise for a much-loved couple
2026-11-03T04:59:13.000Z