Irene Walker’s My 600-Lb Life Journey: Where Is She Now in 2025?
In Season 9 of TLC’s My 600-lb Life, Irene Walker captured viewers’ attention when she returned at 603 pounds. Her journey, filled with childhood trauma and addiction, resonates with many as she navigates her health and family life.
Irene’s story highlights the complex relationship between emotional trauma and weight, showing that recovery is possible with effort and support. Her transformation serves as inspiration for those still struggling with weight loss.
But It Was No Longer Losing Weight And Feeling Free
When she first appeared on “My 600-lb Life, ” Irene Walker weighed 603 pounds. Simple daily tasks were a struggle for her, and she required assistance from family and friends. “My size has made everyday life so harsh,” Irene said on the show. “I lean on my family and friends to get what I have to get done.”
Food was her haven after suffering childhood abuse. By age 24, she tipped the scales near 500 pounds. She lost custody of her younger children due to drug addiction — things only got worse. Her weight pushed past 600 pounds as her food addiction spiraled out of control.
Dr. Nowzaradan had given Irene a target of losing 60 pounds in 2 months. She initially struggled, losing just 5 pounds. Her progress was slow for the next two months as she lost just seven more pounds. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic halted her work for seven months.
This was actually her wake-up call. Finally, Irene joined a gym with a friend and committed completely to weight loss. She achieved her 60-pound mark in two months, reducing her weight to 535 pounds. As long as she continued to lose 10 pounds each month, Dr. Now approved her for weight loss surgery, to take place 2-3 months later.
Small Victories: Irene’s Life After The Show
It shows the great strength Irene gave me. She faced challenges early in life. At 17, she got pregnant and had to leave high school. Despite this failure, she re-enrolled in Houston Community College to complete her studies.
Irene appreciated reaching those goals so much that by 2021, she had new ones to pursue—stuff beyond weight loss. She wanted to achieve financial independence and create a better life. While on the show, she talked about dreams of starting her own business.
She began her business in 2023. However, she launched her account and started selling puppies from his dog on Instagram, keeping most details private. It was a small operation, but this was her step toward independence. Irene’s power led to a natural fanbase.
Her Facebook page erupts with well wishes from viewers who were moved by her journey:
“Hope you are doing well, sis. Your progress on the show so inspired me.”
“Your effort is inspiring. I hope you keep going!”
In October 2023, Irene celebrated one year of sobriety, a huge milestone. This accomplishment showcases her dedication to overall health advancement and not simply weight reduction.
Family: Irene’s First And Best Medicine
Support from friends and family was vital to Irene’s weight loss story. Her eldest son Jacory and niece Mimi remained by her, assisting with daily life and lending emotional support. Mimi often sat with Irene during her exercises, encouraging and helping as Irene pressed on.
The regular encouragement kept Irene going through hard days in her program. Irene lost weight to be a better mother. She now has close relationships with all five of her children. Her social media reveals someone who is very much in their lives, cheering them on and documenting their successes.
“With all five of my kids being independent and successful, I support all of them,” Irene said in one post. The only issue is that she loves her niece, Mimi, and makes sure Mimi is recognized. If not being with family, she enjoys spending quality time with best friends, brunching together, and other basic pleasures.
Although Irene doesn’t share specifics about her weight loss operation, sources suggest she underwent a successful gastric sleeve surgery. Many speculate that her healthy lifestyle remains today, thanks to her positive posts.
The Television Update: “Where Are They Now?” Revealed
On “My 600-Lb Life: Where Are They Now?” TLC revisited Irene’s story, which aired on April 9, 2025. The follow-up episode showed how much weight she had lost. The next few weeks would lead to some new challenges and victories, though, as she lost another 30+ pounds as she awaited her surgery, making her total weight 494 pounds.
It was the first time in many years she had been under 500 pounds. So, Dr. Now finally booked her for the long-anticipated gastric sleeve operation. The episode confirmed that her surgery had gone well. After the operation, Irene remained active and stuck to her diet, and cameras captured the crux of her post-bacon adventures.
The videos documented her newfound mobility and energy. The update documented how the pandemic initially hindered her progress but then became a breakthrough in her dedication to change. Not only did she overcome this barrier, but she also impressed Dr. Now and the viewers.
While Irene doesn’t post exact weight numbers on social media, the show captured her journey. More recent selfies, including some from just September 2024, indicate progress still, though she also keeps whole-body shots close to the vest.
Current Life and Future Goals
Her Facebook profile says Irene Walker lives in Houston, Texas. However, her lifestyle, especially regarding her weight today, is relatively private. That last activity on social media after several months indicates that Irene is a positive-vibe person.
She has posted regular selfies but avoided full-body shots, keeping her overall transformation to herself. She posted her last update in September 2024. Irene has been reported to be sober from drugs, suggesting that she was also struggling with the same. It is an essential milestone in her health journey. Addiction recovery and shedding pounds allude to her all-encompassing view of health.
Family is still at the center of Irene’s life. She struggles to connect with her children, especially after having lost custody of her younger kids previously. Sources tell us she’s now trying to win back custody after hunting down her addiction issues that caused them to be removed.
(Though jokes on social media that confused fans up until then about relationships finally had her clarify that she is single right now and focused on herself and family). Irene’s business ambitions are still gradually evolving. Despite not appearing on “My 600-Lb Life” Season 12, her story interests fans, who draw motivation from her journey.
FAQ
Irene Walker: What is the total weight loss of “My 600-Lb Life”?
Irene lost roughly 110 pounds while on the show, going from 603 pounds to around 494 pounds before her surgery.
Was Irene Walker a candidate for weight reduction surgery?
Yes, she lost 60 pounds and was approved for weight loss surgery. The doctor now scheduled her for a gastric sleeve procedure as soon as she showed consistent weight loss.
Is Irene Walker still sober?
In October 2023, Irene celebrated 1 year of sobriety! According to her upbeat social media posts, she is still sober today.
Does Irene have her children in her custody now?
Now, Irene is trying to get her younger kids back. His mother remains close with all five of her children and regularly shares their activities on social media.
What is Irene Walker’s job?
She has demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit by selling puppies from her son’s dog, although her other career details are not disclosed. In the series, she spoke about launching her own company.
Final Words
As featured in a recent New York Post article, Irene Walker’s journey from 603 pounds to a healthier life highlights perseverance. She faced early setbacks, family trauma, and struggles with addiction but ultimately found the strength to turn her life around. Her honesty about her successes and obstacles resonates with those facing similar health challenges.
Family support played a crucial role in her progress. Her children encouraged her, and her son Jacory and niece Mimi provided practical help. Irene’s story serves as a reminder that recovery requires individual determination and community support.
As she continues her health journey in 2025, Irene offers hope to those battling weight issues, addiction, and trauma, demonstrating that meaningful progress is possible—one day and one success at a time.
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