She overcame her demons and transformed her life, losing 420 kg.
Amber Rachdi’s journey from weighing 657 pounds to reclaiming her life is a powerful story of determination, resilience, and healing. Growing up in Troutdale, Oregon, Amber faced obesity and anxiety from a very young age. By the age of five, she weighed more than 150 pounds, and her weight continued to increase rapidly throughout her childhood and teenage years. By 16, her mobility was so limited that she had to use a motorized scooter to move around, and by 23, she was largely homebound, unable to stand for more than 30 minutes, unable to drive, and struggling with basic self-care like bathing.
Amber’s struggles were not just physical but deeply emotional. An untreated anxiety disorder fueled binge eating, creating a vicious cycle that made losing weight seem impossible. Realizing she could no longer live under these conditions, Amber made a courageous decision to seek help. She appeared on TLC’s My 600-lb Life, where she connected with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon known for helping patients with severe obesity.
To pursue surgery, Amber and her family relocated from Oregon to Houston, Texas, so she could be closer to Dr. Nowzaradan. Her first challenge was to lose 20 pounds to qualify for gastric bypass surgery—a goal she approached with determination. She worked hard to reduce her calorie intake and increase physical activity, knowing that the surgery was a tool, not a cure. It was a starting point that would give her time to develop healthier habits and tackle the emotional issues at the root of her struggles.
Post-surgery, Amber’s journey was about much more than just losing weight. She committed to therapy to address her anxiety and rebuild a healthy relationship with food. This mental and emotional healing was essential for her sustained success. While she lost over 400 pounds, Amber faced new challenges like excess skin, which served as a constant reminder of her past hardships. But instead of being discouraged, she set new goals, including qualifying for skin removal surgery to complete her physical transformation.
Amber’s progress has been life-changing. She returned to college to pursue her education, started driving again, and even received modeling opportunities, highlighting how far she had come. Her story resonates with thousands, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of change, no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem.
Amber Rachdi’s transformation is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-worth, and courage. It reminds us that real change requires confronting both physical and emotional challenges and that a brighter, healthier future is possible when we choose to fight for it.
Amber Rachdi’s journey from weighing 657 pounds to reclaiming her life is a powerful story of determination, resilience, and healing. Growing up in Troutdale, Oregon, Amber faced obesity and anxiety from a very young age. By the age of five, she weighed more than 150 pounds, and her weight continued to increase rapidly throughout her childhood and teenage years. By 16, her mobility was so limited that she had to use a motorized scooter to move around, and by 23, she was largely homebound, unable to stand for more than 30 minutes, unable to drive, and struggling with basic self-care like bathing.
Amber’s struggles were not just physical but deeply emotional. An untreated anxiety disorder fueled binge eating, creating a vicious cycle that made losing weight seem impossible. Realizing she could no longer live under these conditions, Amber made a courageous decision to seek help. She appeared on TLC’s My 600-lb Life, where she connected with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon known for helping patients with severe obesity.
To pursue surgery, Amber and her family relocated from Oregon to Houston, Texas, so she could be closer to Dr. Nowzaradan. Her first challenge was to lose 20 pounds to qualify for gastric bypass surgery—a goal she approached with determination. She worked hard to reduce her calorie intake and increase physical activity, knowing that the surgery was a tool, not a cure. It was a starting point that would give her time to develop healthier habits and tackle the emotional issues at the root of her struggles.
Post-surgery, Amber’s journey was about much more than just losing weight. She committed to therapy to address her anxiety and rebuild a healthy relationship with food. This mental and emotional healing was essential for her sustained success. While she lost over 400 pounds, Amber faced new challenges like excess skin, which served as a constant reminder of her past hardships. But instead of being discouraged, she set new goals, including qualifying for skin removal surgery to complete her physical transformation.
Amber’s progress has been life-changing. She returned to college to pursue her education, started driving again, and even received modeling opportunities, highlighting how far she had come. Her story resonates with thousands, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of change, no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem.
Amber Rachdi’s transformation is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-worth, and courage. It reminds us that real change requires confronting both physical and emotional challenges and that a brighter, healthier future is possible when we choose to fight for it.
