Latonya Pottain, who appeared on season 11 of TLC’s weight-loss reality series “My 600-Lb. Life,” has passed away at the age of 40. According to reports, Pottain died on May 17, 2025, at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana after experiencing breathing difficulties and suffering cardiac arrest.
Cause of Death and Final Days
The Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office has released preliminary findings indicating that Pottain died from congestive heart failure. According to TMZ, who first reported the news, Pottain’s brother stated that family members had visited her home shortly before her passing and noticed she was having difficulty breathing.
Pottain was hospitalized after experiencing these breathing problems and later suffered cardiac arrest. A final autopsy report is still pending, but initial findings confirm heart failure as the primary cause of death.
Ongoing Health Struggles
In February 2025, just months before her death, Pottain had created a GoFundMe campaign seeking financial assistance for her deteriorating health condition. In her heartfelt plea, she revealed that she weighed approximately 705 pounds and had been bedridden since June 2024 due to severe health complications.
“I currently weigh about 705 pounds and have been bedridden since June 2024 due to severe health issues,” she wrote on the fundraising page. “In 2022, I was featured on My 600-lb Life, where I started at 531 pounds and worked hard to get down to 505 pounds.”
Pottain explained that after the show aired, she “experienced overwhelming backlash, which sent me into a deep depression.” She added that her mental health suffered significantly, making her fearful of undergoing weight loss surgery that might have improved her condition.
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In her fundraising appeal, Pottain detailed her physical struggles, including severe sciatica causing intense pain in her lower back and legs. Her condition had deteriorated to the point where she was completely bedridden and unable to be transported to medical facilities.
“Now, I am completely bedridden and unable to get to the hospital because EMTs say transporting me would be a fire hazard due to my weight,” she explained in her plea for assistance. She was seeking funds for specialized medical transportation to receive treatment and rehabilitation.
Her Journey on My 600-Lb. Life
Pottain appeared on season 11 of TLC’s “My 600-Lb. Life,” which documented her weight loss efforts under the guidance of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, the show’s renowned Houston-based bariatric surgeon. During her episode, which aired in February 2023, viewers witnessed her struggles to commit to the program’s strict dietary requirements.
When she began her journey on the show, Pottain weighed 531 pounds and managed to lose 26 pounds, bringing her weight down to 505 pounds. However, this weight loss was not sufficient to qualify her for the bariatric surgery that might have significantly improved her health outcomes.
During her appearance, Dr. Nowzaradan expressed serious concerns about her heart health and warned that her life depended on making significant lifestyle changes. Unfortunately, Pottain struggled to maintain the program’s requirements and was eventually dropped as a patient when she could not comply with the necessary dietary restrictions.
During her time on the show, Pottain was preparing for her wedding to her husband, Duane, which added both motivation and stress to her weight loss journey. Her story resonated with many viewers who connected with her struggles and determination despite the challenges she faced.
Understanding Obesity-Related Health Complications
Pottain’s passing highlights the serious health risks associated with severe obesity. Congestive heart failure, which was identified as her cause of death, is a common complication in individuals with extreme obesity, as the heart must work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
Common Obesity-Related Health Risks
- Congestive heart failure
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Joint problems and mobility issues
- Depression and anxiety
Warning Signs of Heart Failure
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Buildup of fluid (edema)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid heart rate
- Confusion or impaired thinking
Latonya Pottain’s Legacy and Aspirations
Beyond her appearance on “My 600-Lb. Life,” Pottain had expressed aspirations to help others facing similar challenges. In a March 2023 interview with the Shreveport Times following her appearance on the show, she shared her goal of opening a shelter for at-risk girls.
“All my life I have taken care of young girls and helped support them, getting them through school, helping them with their kids and just encourage them and be there for them,” Pottain said. “There’s so many young girls that have lost both of their parents, going through what I went through as a teenager and not having anywhere to go.”
Her vision was to create a supportive environment for young women who lacked family support. “My group home will offer them that love and support, help them go to school, when they graduate, help them find an apartment, help them with their college applications. You know, just like a family,” she explained.
Pottain’s passing adds her name to the list of “My 600-Lb. Life” participants who have died following their appearances on the show, highlighting the serious health challenges faced by individuals with extreme obesity.
Resources for Understanding Obesity and Health
Weight Management Resources
Find medical information, support groups, and professional resources for managing obesity-related health conditions.
Mental Health Support
Discover resources for addressing the psychological aspects of weight management and body image concerns.
Heart Health Information
Learn about congestive heart failure, prevention strategies, and treatment options from medical experts.
Latonya Pottain’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the serious health challenges associated with extreme obesity. While her journey on “My 600-Lb. Life” showed both her struggles and determination, her untimely passing at age 40 highlights the critical importance of addressing severe weight-related health issues. Her aspirations to help at-risk youth remain part of her legacy, even as her own life was cut short by health complications.
