Mama June's Weight Journey: From 460 Pounds To Injections And Beyond

Mama June Shannon, a reality television personality known for her appearances on "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" and "Mama June: From Not to Hot," has lived much of her adult life in the public eye. With that spotlight comes intense scrutiny, especially concerning her highly publicized weight journey. For years, fans and critics alike have followed the dramatic "ups and downs" of Mama June’s weight, a path marked by significant transformations, challenging setbacks, and persistent efforts to regain control of her health. Her story is a complex tapestry of surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, emotional struggles, and, most recently, the use of weight loss injections. This article delves into the various phases of Mama June's evolving relationship with her weight, offering a comprehensive look at her remarkable, yet often challenging, health saga.

The Staggering Beginning and a Major Transformation

Mama June's journey began at a staggering 460 pounds, a weight that significantly impacted her health and daily life. This was the starting point for what would become one of the most talked-about weight loss transformations in reality TV history. Recognizing the need for a drastic change, June embarked on a comprehensive weight loss journey that was extensively documented on her show, "Mama June: From Not to Hot."

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery in 2016

A pivotal moment in Mama June's weight loss saga occurred in 2016 when she underwent gastric sleeve surgery. This bariatric procedure was a significant step, helping her to drop more than 100 pounds initially. Following the surgery, June's dedication saw her weight stabilize significantly. She reached a remarkable low, maintaining her weight around 130, 140, and 150 pounds. This period of success wasn't just about the numbers on the scale; her daughters, Alana (Honey Boo Boo) and Lauryn (Pumpkin) Thompson, even shared with Entertainment Tonight that their mom went from 460 pounds to a size four.

To further refine her transformation, Mama June also underwent skin removal surgery and liposuction, procedures often necessary after substantial weight loss to address excess skin. She expressed feeling "super" about her appearance during this time, highlighting the profound positive impact her hard work had on her self-image and overall well-being. This phase of her journey showcased incredible discipline and determination, proving to many that significant change was possible.

The Inevitable Challenges: Setbacks and Weight Regain

Despite her initial success, Mama June's weight journey, like many real-life health battles, was not a straight line. Life's unpredictable challenges and the complexities of long-term weight management led to periods of significant weight regain. Her public life meant these struggles were often played out for the world to see, adding another layer of pressure to an already difficult situation.

Stress, Lifestyle, and the "COVID Weight"

Several factors contributed to Mama June's weight fluctuating and, at times, increasing. One major emotional stressor was her daughter Anna Cardwell's diagnosis with adrenal cancer. The emotional toll of a child's serious illness can be immense, and for June, it directly impacted her stress levels, often a precursor to changes in eating habits and weight. She openly admitted to gaining a lot of weight during Anna's sickness, a testament to how deeply emotional well-being is tied to physical health.

Beyond personal tragedies, lifestyle factors also played a role. After leaving rehab, Mama June candidly shared that she gained 60 pounds of what she termed "healthy COVID weight." Her then-boyfriend, Eugene Edward "Geno" Doak, also put on 100 pounds after they got sober, indicating a shared struggle with maintaining healthy habits. Fans often pointed out her eating habits, with one observing, "She ignored her diet and went back to eating the way she always had." This highlights the ongoing battle with food choices and the difficulty of sustaining a strict diet long-term, especially after periods of immense stress or change.

It was during one of these periods of regain that Mama June found herself back to a higher weight. She disclosed in April 20