Suvechha Sarkar
Season 9, episode 1 of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life: My 600-lb Life: Where Are They Now?’ features the transformation journey of Nathan Prater. When he began his weight loss journey, he weighed 607.2 lbs and struggled even to walk or lie down properly. His health challenges took a serious toll on his marriage. He eventually realized that to keep his family close, he quickly needed to make a change. He finally reached out to Dr. Nowzaradan for his help. Ultimately, with a strict diet and workout routine, he lowered his weight to 535 lbs and was approved for weight loss surgery. Although Nathan hit a few roadblocks after the procedure, he pushed forward and reached 515.8 lbs. From there, his focus shifted to achieving his next milestone: qualifying for skin removal surgery.
Nathan Prater’s Determination Aided Him in Getting Skin Removal Surgery
By the time Nathan Prater was one year and one month into his weight loss journey, he had completely committed to sticking to his diet and exercises. A month later, his efforts became fruitful when the scale read 379.9 lbs. Impressed by his progress, Dr. Nowzaradan assured him that skin removal surgery was within reach, provided he lost 30 lbs more. He also told Nathan that if the latter could shed an additional 100 lbs, a second round of skin removal surgery would also be possible. He kept moving forward, and just two months later, his weight dropped to 345 lbs. Pleased with Nathan’s momentum, Dr. Nowzaradan officially scheduled his skin surgery for the following month.
At the 1-year and 5-month mark, Nathan finally underwent the procedure to remove a significant lymphedema growth from his lower abdomen. Although the doctor initially expressed concern, given the complexity of the removal, the surgery proceeded smoothly. By the 1-year and 7-month mark, Nathan’s weight had dropped to 272.6 lbs, bringing his total weight loss to 335 lbs. Dr. Nowzaradan then informed him that since he was very close to reaching his goal weight, his progress may slow down. Hence, he gave a realistic goal to lose an average of 15 lbs in a month. Ultimately, by a year and 11 months, Nathan had lowered his weight to 224 lbs.
Nathan Prater Continues to Shine as a Head Theatre Director
After graduating from Commerce High School in 2003, Nathan Prater set his sights on the stage. His love for performance led him to Grayson County College, where he pursued a degree in Drama and graduated in 2005. However, his academic journey did not stop there. Driven by his passion for teaching and the arts, he later enrolled at Angela State University, focusing on Secondary Certification and Drama education. He officially completed his studies there in 2008. Years later, while documenting the transformative journey on the show, Nathan opened up about moving to a new place and how it was taking a toll on him and his wife.
Despite hardships, Nathan followed through and relocated. He had been working at the Palestine Independent School District as the Theatre Director since January 2020. There, he continued to gain purpose in shaping young minds. Furthermore, he also revealed how he took up a second job at a restaurant as a waiter, which helped him to pay off some of his debt. In June 2025, Nathan marked another milestone by moving into a new home. In the same month, the reality star embraced another professional opportunity by accepting the position of Head Theatre Director at Lancaster High School in Texas.
Outside of work, Nathan remains active and engaged with his community through his Facebook page. It serves as his personal journal, where he frequently promotes job openings at Palestine Junior High, encouraging others to be a part of the educational journey. His other posts often include words of faith, gratitude, and uplifting messages from the bible. From his recent photos, it is clear that Nathan has continued honoring his commitment to himself. His healthy and confident look further highlights the fact that he may have continued to follow a healthy diet and stay active.
Nathan is Surrounded by the Love of His Family and Furry Friends
Beyond his professional success, Nathan has a fulfilling and meaningful personal life. When he first began the weight loss program, he and his wife, Amber, were struggling due to the emotional and physical toll, straining their marriage. However, it soon came to light that their struggles were not one-sided. When Nathan reached out for help, both Amber and he came to a difficult realization. They realized that their relationship dynamic had grown unhealthy because they were both dealing with obesity. Instead of letting it break them apart, the duo decided to power through it. They even made steady progress with therapy. When Amber’s weight loss journey slowed, Nathan stood by her side with his unwavering support.
When Nathan first underwent skin removal surgery and got a fresh set of clothes, Amber’s joy was quite undeniable. On social media, they often share glimpses of their life together. On Mother’s Day, the reality star penned down a touching message for Amber, partly writing, “Happy Mother’s Day to my one and only, ride or die, amazing mother to my kids.” Nathan’s stepson, Mark, and his stepdaughter, Hannah, are also his greatest source of pride. He shares an affectionate bond with both of them. The way Hannah expressed her pride for her father during the show reflected how close they are. One of Nathan’s biggest motivations during his transformation was his dream of living long enough to walk his daughter down the aisle.
To his delight, it came true, which was evident from his June 2025 Father’s Day post, where he celebrated not just his Mark and his fiancée but also Hannah and her husband. Moreover, the reality star never misses a chance to express his love for his children on social media. In one touching post, he wrote, “I was nervous that as my kids grew up, they wouldn’t need or want me, but man is God showing me different. My daily talks with Hannah R Brown and Mark Johns bless me beyond belief. PRAISE GOD!” Furthermore, Nathan’s father has always been an anchor in his life. In a heartfelt Father’s Day message, he honored the man who taught him what strength looked like, especially after he lost his mother. Above all, Nathan seeks joy in the presence of his furry pups. He always makes sure to shower them with cuddles and love.
