The individuals who appear on "My 600-lb Life" might not be bringing in the big Kardashian bucks, but they are compensated for their time on the show. After dedicating a year of their life to filming and having their most vulnerable moments captured on camera, these unlikely TV stars are paid $1,500 per episode (via Starcasm). Reportedly, the network also pays for one year of visits, including bariatric surgery, to Dr. Younan Nowzaradan.
In an interview with Insider, an agent explained that this paycheck is pretty typical: "For those docu-ensembles, especially if they're nobodies, per episode it ranges from low-end, like $1,500 an episode, to $3,000 at the high end. And then after three years of success, it can go up to $7,000 to $10,000 an episode. After that, you start moving into the Kardashian level."
Prior to appearing on the show, some "My 600-lb Life" stars found ways to earn money from home, but the jobs weren't always ideal. While Penny Saeger utilized her crafting skills to make and sell jewelry, according to her niece, others like Zsalynn Whitworth turned to web-cam modeling for websites (via ABC News).
After undergoing bypass surgery and improving their health, many of Dr. Now's patients launch exciting careers. This includes Marla McCants, who is now a motivational speaker, and Nikki Webster, who sells earrings through her FreckleFlowerClay shop on Etsy.
