When you hear the name Casey King, many may instantly recall his appearance on TLC’s Family By the Ton. With a starting weight of over 845 pounds, King’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and ultimately, an inspiring transformation. After years of struggling with obesity, Casey King underwent one of the most remarkable weight loss journeys, shedding an incredible 600 pounds and achieving a healthier, more balanced life.
But the story doesn’t just stop at physical transformation. It’s also deeply tied to emotional and psychological changes, as Casey’s weight loss was as much about rebuilding his mind and spirit as it was about changing his body.
In a candid conversation with me, Casey shares how his journey began, the challenges he faced along the way, and the lessons he’s learned. It’s a story that can inspire anyone who’s ever felt that their goals are out of reach, reminding us all that transformation—whether physical, mental, or emotional—is possible with persistence and the right mindset.
The Turning Point: From Despair to Determination
“I remember feeling like I was running out of time,” Casey tells me, his voice tinged with emotion. “I had reached a point where I couldn’t even walk without feeling exhausted. It felt like I was trapped in my own body.”
The turning point came when Casey’s health started to decline at an alarming rate. Doctors told him that without drastic changes, he wouldn’t have much longer to live. This grim diagnosis ignited something inside him, and he made the life-changing decision to take control of his health. But, like many of us, it wasn’t an easy choice, and the road to recovery wasn’t paved with perfection.
“Every day felt like a battle,” Casey admits. “There were so many moments where I wanted to give up, especially when the weight didn’t come off as quickly as I hoped. But I kept thinking about my family, my future… I wanted to be there for them. That kept me going.”
Finding a Solution: Surgery, Diet, and Commitment
After his turning point, Casey worked with medical professionals who helped him understand the best approach for losing weight. Bariatric surgery was an option, and after some deliberation, he decided it was the right choice for him. “It wasn’t the easy way out, though,” Casey insists. “The surgery was just a tool. I had to work harder than ever to make it count. It was the combination of the surgery, a new diet, and a regular exercise routine that really changed things for me.”
His new routine involved more than just cutting calories. “I had to completely reframe my relationship with food,” he says. “I started focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. I learned portion control, but it wasn’t just about cutting out things. It was about making sustainable changes that I could live with forever.”
Diet played a significant role, but so did exercise. “I wasn’t running marathons at first—just walking. I began with simple things, like walking around the block, then it turned into longer walks, and eventually, I was able to add more strength training. It was slow, but it worked.”
Psychological Struggles: Mental Health and Motivation
As anyone who’s been on a weight loss journey knows, the physical challenges are often accompanied by mental ones. For Casey, dealing with negative body image, self-doubt, and past emotional trauma was part of the battle. “I had so much weight on me—not just physically, but mentally too,” he confides. “It wasn’t just about the weight. It was about all the years of feeling unworthy, ashamed, and thinking I wasn’t good enough. Losing the weight didn’t just change my body—it changed the way I saw myself.”
Casey was also very open about the emotional eating that had been a coping mechanism throughout his life. “Food had been my comfort, my escape,” he says. “But learning to deal with my emotions without turning to food was one of the hardest parts of this whole journey. Therapy, meditation, and talking through things with my family really helped me understand why I had been eating in the first place.”
His mindset began to shift. “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent,” he explains. “There’s no magic pill. It’s just about showing up every day and doing the work, even when you don’t see immediate results.”
The Struggles: Plateaus and Setbacks
Despite his dedication, Casey’s journey wasn’t without its setbacks. Like many who lose a significant amount of weight, he faced plateaus where the numbers on the scale didn’t move for weeks. “That was one of the hardest parts,” he admits. “You’re working so hard, and the scale just doesn’t budge. It makes you question everything. But I learned that progress isn’t always visible immediately.”
The most challenging moments for Casey were when he felt the urge to quit. “It’s easy to look at the long road ahead and get discouraged. I had to remind myself that the journey isn’t about being perfect every day. Some days, I’d fall off track. But I’d get right back on. That’s the key—it’s about getting back up every time you fall.”
The Rewards: A New Life and Identity
Today, Casey is 600 pounds lighter and, for the first time in years, feels alive. But, just as important as the weight loss itself, Casey speaks passionately about how this journey has shaped his sense of identity.
“The old Casey is gone,” he reflects. “I’m not the same person. I have a new outlook on life. I feel more confident. More energetic. I’m actually living my life instead of just existing. I can do things now—simple things, like walking into a store without being winded or going on a hike with my friends—that I never thought I’d be able to do.”
As part of his ongoing journey, Casey is committed to sharing his story with others. He’s become an advocate for healthy living and mental health, using his platform to encourage others to take control of their health. “If I can do it, anyone can,” he says with conviction. “It doesn’t matter where you start—it just matters that you start.”
The Ongoing Journey
While Casey’s story is already incredibly inspiring, he is the first to admit that his journey is far from over. “I’m still working on myself every day,” he says. “I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m closer than I’ve ever been.”
He continues to stay committed to his routine, and he’s recently started focusing on skin care post-weight loss, as he works with professionals to handle the changes his body has undergone. “There are still challenges, but I feel more prepared than ever to tackle them.”
The Power of Perseverance
Casey King’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of dedication, mental strength, and perseverance. He’s not only lost 600 pounds but also gained something priceless: a new perspective on life and a sense of self-worth that was once lost beneath the weight. His journey proves that transformation, both inside and out, is possible—if you’re willing to put in the work, seek support when needed, and believe in your own strength.
For those of us facing our own struggles, Casey’s message is clear: “It’s never too late to start. Take the first step today, and don’t look back.”
FAQ About Casey King’s Weight Loss
-
How much weight did Casey King lose?
-
Casey King lost a staggering 600 pounds, going from 845 pounds to 245 pounds.
-
-
What approach did Casey King take for his weight loss?
-
Casey combined bariatric surgery, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, including walking and strength training.
-
-
What were some mental challenges Casey faced during his journey?
-
Casey struggled with emotional eating, negative body image, and self-doubt. He worked through these issues with therapy and mindfulness practices.
-
-
Did Casey face any weight loss plateaus?
-
Yes, Casey encountered plateaus, where his weight didn’t decrease for weeks, but he stayed committed to his journey and didn’t give up.
-
-
How has Casey’s life changed after his transformation?
-
Casey now feels more energetic, confident, and alive. He can do things he never thought possible, such as hiking and walking into stores without feeling winded.
-