Suvechha Sarkar
Jonathan Matthew Colp’s transformative journey took center stage in season 13 episode 1 of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life.’ Growing up in a financially unstable household, he often faced a scarcity of food. So whenever his mother had the means, she fed him well, leading to his tendency to overeat. He explained how he faced bullying and felt neglected when his brother left home to go live with their grandmother. It led him to turn towards food for comfort, resulting in rapid weight gain. Although Jonathan tried to lose weight in adulthood, he was shattered when both his parents passed away within a short period, sending him spiraling back into emotional eating. However, when he realized his body may give up someday, he turned to Dr. Nowzaradan for help before it was too late.
Jonathan Colp’s Efforts Helped in His Impressive Transformation
When Jonathan Matthew Colp began his weight loss journey, he weighed 641.5 lbs. Dr. Nowzaradan gave him the goal to lose 80 lbs in two months and strictly mentioned that he would approve him for weight loss surgery only if he succeeded. The doctor placed him on a 1200-calorie diet and advised him to exercise regularly. By the end of three months, Jonathan brought his weight down to 554.1 lbs. Dr. Nowzaradan finally approved him for the surgery under the condition that he had to relocate to Houston, Texas, to continue the program closely under his supervision. On the seventh month of his journey, Jonathan successfully settled in Houston and showed no signs of slowing down in his progress.
During his appointment that month, Jonathan found that his weight had come down to 516.5 lbs. Dr. Nowzaradan ultimately scheduled his weight loss surgery two months later, provided he lost another 30 lbs by then. By the time of the procedure, his weight had reduced to 489 lbs. Although it was 3 pounds short of his goal, seeing his consistent effort, the doctor chose to move forward with the surgery. After the operation, Dr. Nowzaradan revealed that Jonathan could lose 25 lbs in the first month and 15 lbs in the following months. When his journey on the show came to a close in one year, he succeeded in bringing his weight down to an astonishing 425 lbs. With his improved mobility, Jonathan was no longer confined to his house, showcasing his determination to reclaim his life.
Jonathan Has Returned to Helping People as an EMT For a Hospital
Jonathan Matthew Colp loved sports since childhood, leading him to play baseball in school. Despite gaining weight during junior high school, the reality star joined the football team. However, according to him, when he had to endure the bullying during those years, it became overwhelming, and his mother ultimately chose to homeschool him so that he could finish school. Determined to pursue higher education, Jonathan studied at John A. Logan College and later at Rend Lake College. During that time, he supported himself by unloading freight as his part-time job. However, he always possessed a knack for helping others. That desire helped him earn an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license and eventually work for the Williamson County ambulance service.
Jonathan also joined Continental as an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professional. However, his health deteriorated due to his rapid weight gain. Unable to keep up with the physical demands of emergency work, he began working as a Cashier at a gas station and worked his way up to become a Store Manager. However, his weight reached such a point that eventually he became confined to his home, forcing him to take up a job at a call center. As his mobility worsened, Jonathan had to rely entirely on his wife to cover their bills. However, with guidance from the expert, he turned his life around. As of writing, he returned to the workforce proudly in February 2024 as an EMT at Franklin Hospital. Besides that, the reality star has built a strong online presence, particularly on Facebook and Instagram.
On Facebook, Jonathan currently has over 4K followers, with his social media feed serving a wide range of purposes. He often shares milestones of his weight loss journey, personal moments, and even memes that showcase his lighthearted nature. He regularly updates his fans about his healthy eating habits, demonstrating his commitment to the diet. In July 2025, Jonathan shared his impressive transformation at the gym with his wife, Tzena, writing about how sheer discipline can help one achieve significant goals. The comment sections of his posts are usually filled with love and encouragement from fans who continue to cheer him on. Currently, Jonathan continues to remain on track and has become a source of inspiration for many.
Jonathan Enjoys Every Moment He Spends With His Wife and Furry Pups
One of Jonathan’s deepest dreams has been to build his own family. At the heart of the dream is his wife and soulmate, Tzena. Their love story began when he was working as an EMT in the early days and met her in the hospital, as she is a nurse. After two years of dating, the couple decided to take the next step in their relationship. They soon tied the knot and embarked on their life together. She stood by him as a rock from the beginning of his weight loss journey. Tzena didn’t just cheer him from the sidelines, but rather walked alongside him by following the same diet and workout routine.
Tzena never let Jonathan feel alone in the battle, and they grew healthier and stronger together. On the show, the duo often spoke of their dream of building a future together, where they could enjoy life outside four walls. After the reality star’s transformation, they were both excited about what lay ahead. From taking strolls in the park to enjoying peaceful moments at home, Jonathan and Tzena always enjoy every moment together. The couple now even set out on beach trips together, enjoying outings that once felt impossible.
Another big part of Jonathan’s life revolves around his adorable pups, Bullet and Jackie O. However, tragedy struck the household in late July 2025, when one of their precious babies passed away. Pouring his grief into words, Jonathan wrote, “Our little dog fought long and hard against all odds, and she triumphantly made it to over 13 years old. Tzena ensured this dog had the most incredible life, and we treated her like our beloved child. She was an extraordinary dog with a remarkably human-like personality. Today was undeniably sad, yet I’m comforted knowing she’s finally at peace. We’ll deeply miss her, but celebrate her life.” Despite hardships and tragedy, Jonathan continues moving forward in life with determination and resilience.
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