What Happened To Leneathra Reed From Season 8 Of My 600-Lb Life?

TLC's My 600-lb Life follows the incredible weight-loss journeys of morbidly obese people as they strive to shed the pounds and embark on a new, healthier lifestyle. Fans of the hit reality series might remember Season 8's Leneathra Reed, whose unique weight-loss story saw her become one of the most memorable participants in the show's history. But, what happened to Leneathra Reed? 

As Inquisitor reports, Leneathra's battle with weight-loss made headlines prior to her appearance on the TLC series, after going viral on social media with her inspiring mission to lose 451 pounds. Speaking to Good Morning America in 2019, Leneathra revealed that her inability to provide an "energetic lifestyle" for her 2-year-old daughter, Kenlyn, was her motivation behind wanting to lose weight. "I couldn't get down on the floor and play with her... even giving her a bath was a challenge." She continued, "I said, 'You want to be here for your daughter? It's time to get up and do something about it.'"

Reed's social media notoriety eventually led to her being cast on TLC's My 600-lb Life in 2019, and she soon began following a strict weight-loss and diet plan curated by the show's resident surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (otherwise known as Dr. Now). However, after a flying start, her appearance on the show took a disappointing turn (via Inquisitor).

During her time on the show, Leneathra was shown to be working out regularly with her trainer and appeared to be on the path to a healthier lifestyle (via Heavy). "I'm really hopeful that this, plus all the cutting back I've been doing is going to be the change I've been waiting for, and been needing for so long now," she said in one clip. However, after missing numerous appointments with Dr. Now, Reed eventually distanced herself from the weight-loss program, explaining her schedule as a single mother meant she was unable to fully commit. 

"It's unfortunate that Len has decided not to make her health a priority," Dr. Now told viewers. "I don't think she fully realizes how fast her time is gonna run out if she keeps going down the path she's on. But she hasn't been able to get past the hurdle in her mind where she justifies her responsibilities being her excuse to overeat and continue like this."

Since leaving the show, it hasn't been clear if Leneathra has managed to continue losing weight. However, in December 2020, Reed did provide an update to fans on Facebook which suggested she was still in the midst of her weight-loss journey. "I'm still on my journey but I am currently working on something that I unfortunately cannot share at the moment! I love y'all and hope to be back sharing my journey with you all soon," she posted (via Distractify).