Facts Behind The TLC Show 1000-Lb Sisters
TLC's 1000-Lb Sisters follows siblings Amy and Tammy as they try to lose weight to improve their lives. At the start of the show, Amy weighed in at around 400 pounds, while Tammy was just over 600 pounds. Read on for some of the most fascinating facts about these sisters that have been revealed on and off the air.
Tammy Had Bittersweet Feelings About Amy's Pregnancy
One of the biggest pieces of news revealed in the second season of 1000-Lb Sisters was that Amy was pregnant. One of her top motivations for losing weight in the first season was to have a baby, and now her dream was happening.
Sister Tammy wasn't too thrilled about the news, though. She told People that she was "mad and sad and worried" about her sister's health since the doctor had told Amy to wait two years.
Amy Had Some Interesting Onesies On Her Registry
The Blast got the inside scoop on what Amy had on her baby registry, and it wasn't what one might expect to see. The list features onesies with phrases and images that are a little out of the norm.
One read, "Breaking hearts and blasting farts," and another said, "Stephen King rules," neither of which are the typical cutesy style babies are often dressed in. Another even had a drawing of the horror character Chuckie on it!
Tammy's Forehead Shape Is Related To Her Weight
One thing that distinguishes Tammy from Amy is that her forehead is shaped differently. The sisters even paid a trip to the doctor to see if it was a health concern they should be aware of.
They came to find out that the lump was actually related to Tammy's weight. The fat weighs down her eyebrows, causing them to dip in the middle. Like the rest of the fat on her body, it would dissipate with exercise and diet changes.
Tammy Tested Positive For Coronavirus
On November 26, 2020, Tammy posted a video to her YouTube channel admitting that she had tested positive for COVID-19. She also added that she was experiencing pneumonia at the same time!
She was in the hospital at the time with a breathing tube but reassured fans that she was "doing great" and wouldn't be there much longer. Tammy's weight would put her in the high-risk category, so getting the needed medical attention was vital.
The Sisters Were YouTube Stars First
Before Amy and Tammy landed their own TLC reality show, they were YouTube stars. Amy started the channel in 2011, and Tammy soon joined her sister in the videos. Their channel garnered attention when the sisters did the Chubby Bunny Challenge by stuffing marshmallows in their mouths.
After that video went viral, the sisters were about to accumulate millions of views through their videos. Over the years, the channel has garnered hundreds of thousands of subscribers.
Their Fans Are The Ones Who Reached Out To TLC
Though Amy and Tammy had already found success on YouTube, it wasn't them who thought to embark on a reality TV series. It was actually their fans who reached out to TLC suggesting the show.
Once the sisters caught wind of the request, they grew fond of the idea. In an interview with the Louisville Courier Journal, Amy explained, "Doing the show is one way to give us a different light because you can only show so much on YouTube."
Becoming Famous Strengthened Their Bond
Some may think that getting famous would tear siblings apart, but the opposite was true for Amy and Tammy. The sisters explained to 44 News that becoming famous together caused them to bond even more.
Amy said, "It's easier to go through the journey with somebody rather than alone." Tammy added that the experience has made them feel closer because "we know what the other one is going through." If anyone can relate to their experience, it's each other.
They Initially Thought There Wouldn't Be A Second Season
The day that the first season finale aired, Tammy tweeted, "I really hope you all liked our show." The tweet prompted one fan to inquire about a second season, to which Tammy replied that there wouldn't be future episodes.
The news came as a surprise given how popular the show became in just one month. A week later, Tammy went back on her first tweet to say that they weren't yet sure about a second season, which ultimately came to fruition.
Their Newspaper Story Inspired Fans
The same month that their series premiered, Tammy and Amy made the front cover of their local newspaper. Tammy posted a video showcasing the newspaper on Twitter, which garnered some support from her fans.
One person commented, "I'm trying to lose weight due to depression so I know how challenging it can be. Just wanted to let you know that I'm so proud of you." Getting that kind of feedback must mean the world to the sisters.
Amy Ate An Unusual Snack While Pregnant
The sisters thought it would be a funny idea to post a YouTube video about the cravings Amy was experiencing while pregnant. The first thing Amy ate was a peppermint patty with a strawberry.
The combination wasn't that extreme, so Tammy upped the anty by daring her sister to eat an eggroll with a peppermint patty. Amy did so, finding the unlikely combination to be pretty good! Tammy couldn't even look as her sister ate it.
Tammy Has Been In And Out Of The Hospital
Tammy has tended to have more health issues than her sister. She typically only leaves home for medical attention and has experienced blood clots, pneumonia, and gout.
The ailments have led to multiple medical procedures and have made her largely reliant on her sister, Amy. At the same time, Tammy's health issues are also her top motivator to get healthy. She stated on the show, "I'm tired of being sick all the time. I'm just done."
Their Grandmother's Death Took A Huge Toll On The Sisters
Amy told the Louisville Courier-Journal that she was an average weight until she was 10-years-old, which is when her grandmother passed. Since the sisters' mother worked two to three jobs, they were primarily raised by their grandmother.
Amy explained, "When she died, our whole world changed." The sisters had to take care of themselves while their mother worked. As a result, they ate predominantly prepackaged meals and inexpensive fast food, which started their unhealthy relationship with food.
Their Stepfather Passed The Same Month The Show Premiered
While it was exciting to have their show air on cable television, the premier was bittersweet due to another major event that Amy and Tammy experienced that month. On January 6, 2020, their stepfather, Robert, passed.
Tammy tweeted that month that she and her sister were stepping back from social media as they process the death. Their mother had married Robert seven years prior, and he had been a firefighter, bus driver, and an employee of the Union County Road Department.
Their Brother Wants To Get Into Shape, Too
Amy and Tammy aren't the only siblings in the family who want to lose weight. Their older brother, Chris, joined the show in season 2 and is embarking on his own weight loss journey.
Like Amy and Tammy, Chris' weight was impacted by a death in the family. For him, it was his father, who Tammy and Amy are not related to as they all share a mother only. Chris is also on the show to support and encourage his sisters.
Tammy Didn't Leave The House For Years
Tammy spent six years predominantly at home, only leaving when she absolutely had to for medical reasons. Her isolation had to do with depression, which she's battled throughout the years.
Her mental health is a road block in her weight loss journey, and Tammy has put on additional pounds since 1000-Lb Sisters debuted. People reported in March 2021 that Tammy was up to 665 pounds. Still, her doctor considered it a breakthrough that she was able to admit she had a problem.
The Sisters Adopted A Low-Carb Diet
The first season of 1000-Lb Sisters wrapped up filming in May of 2019. The stars did an interview with People seven months later in which they talked about their new diets.
The sisters were focused on eating lower-carb foods, which also meant cutting out sugar. They also aimed to eat high-protein foods and to find a form of exercise they enjoy. For Amy, that meant dancing and walking more, while Tammy found an enjoyment of swimming.
Soda Was One Of The Hardest Things For Them To Give Up
In an interview with In Touch, both Amy and Tammy admitted that giving up soda was one of the more challenging parts of their diet transformation. Amy said, "The sodas were really hard." Still, she hadn't had one in four months up to that point!
Tammy echoed her sister's sentiment, saying, "I'm still having trouble giving up soda and fried foods, but I think I'm doing a lot better than what I used to do." They agreed that healthy alternatives help battle their cravings.
They Did The "Dressed Banana Challenge" On Facebook
To promote 1000-Lb Sisters, TLC posted a video on Facebook of them doing the Dressed Banana Challenge. As Amy explains, the challenge consists of covering a banana in salad dressing and peanuts. The sisters did so and then tried the distasteful creations.
Tammy called the concoction "slimy yet satisfying." In the end, the sisters laughed while throwing cream pies in one another's faces. They also discussed how comments that discourage them from doing something make them more inclined to do it!
Tammy Dropped A Lot Of Weight
In 2023, Tammy went to Instagram, showing off her incredible weight-loss journey. Her goal: a weight of 550 pounds in order to qualify for weight-loss surgery. Starting at over 700 pounds, Tammy weighed in at 534.7.
According to Tammy, "When I got on the scale and seeing the scale was 534.7, I kind of stopped breathing for a second. I'm like 14 pounds under my goal weight from over 700. That’s a huge drop."
They Want To Inspire Others
Getting healthier isn't the only reason that Amy and Tammy decided to do a reality show. Putting their lives out there for the world to judge isn't easy, but it's worth it if they can inspire others.
While they haven't always received the nicest or most gentle responses, they have gotten plenty of comments from people cheering them on and sharing their gratitude. Seeing the ups and downs of the sisters' journey can make some feel a little less alone.
Tammy Heavily Relies On Amy
Due to her weight, Tammy has experienced severe health issues throughout her life. Sadly, this leaves her to rely on others, particularly her sister Amy. This led to a bit of tension between siblings.
A spokesperson for the sisters said, "Tammy's limited mobility forces her to rely on Amy more than she'd like to, adding to the tension that already exists just from living under the same roof."
Tammy Has Experienced Some Bad Illnesses
Tammy has been in and out of the hospital with horrible illnesses throughout her life, namely due to her weight. Some sicknesses she's experienced include blood clots and pneumonia.
Once, Tammy was even placed on life support, a serious factor that led the TLC star to begin living a healthier lifestyle.
A Pricey Rehab Stay Had Severe Consequences
In 2022, Tammy opted to reside in an Ohio-based rehabilitation center for her food addiction. Sadly, the price of the center was steep and resulted in the TLC star losing her $239,000 Kentucky duplex she had shared with her sister Amy.
According to Amy, while the TLC show paid for the sisters' last stint in rehab, they were paying for Tammy's second round.
Tammy Is Sick Of Being Sick
Being in and out of hospitals has become a bit tiring for Tammy. She has put on record that she no longer wants to be sick all of the time with illnesses that have everything to do with her weight.
During an interview, she said, "I'm tired of being sick all the time; I'm just done."
One Sister Didn't Think She'd Live Past 35
Being housebound for years due to her weight and inability to walk around left Tammy extremely depressed. She'd go months without stepping foot outside. At one point in time, the TLC star didn't even think she'd make it past 35 years old.
That thought process made her think she needed to make a change.
A Healthier Diet Has Resulted In More Confidence
Starting their health journey was not easy. But something as simple as eating better has given Tammy and Amy more confidence to go out into the world and not stay behind the walls of their house.
During an interview with People, Tammy said, "I don't feel like I have to wear a mask or hide my body when I leave the house anymore. I'm not afraid to let people see me."
Amy Was An Average Weight Until Her Grandmother Passed
Growing up, Amy was average weight and didn't show signs of becoming obese. Sadly, she turned to food to cope with the death of her grandmother. Amy was ten at the time.
During an interview with the Louisville Courier Journal, Amy said, "My mom worked two to three jobs at a time, and my grandma was basically our mom. When she died, our whole world changed."
They Don't Like That Healthy Food Is More Expensive
Growing up with a mom who worked multiple jobs at a time, money was tight for the sisters. It is a factor that led to their unhealthy eating habits since healthy food tends to be a bit more expensive than something off the dollar menu.
Amy explored this notion in an interview, saying, "You go to McDonald's, and you can get a cheeseburger for a dollar, but a salad costs like five."
Twitter Users Found The Show's Concept Depressing
When the trailer for 1,000-Lb Sisters premiered on TLC, Twitter users weren't too sure about the concept, calling it depressing. One user even went as far as calling out the sisters, saying, "not trying to judge these women, but when you're in that position, WHY would you make Lasagna, Chicken and Dumplings, two Desserts, and a Peanut Butter and Mayo sandwich for dinner?"
"This is just depressing. How in the world could...I mean, it's just really sad."
They Wanted TLC To Show Them In A Different Light
While the sisters got their start on YouTube, there is only so much they could share about their day-to-day lives. Amy and Tammy were excited for TLC to show the world how they live.
Amy explained that the show actually showcases what the sisters have to deal with on a daily basis solely due to their weight.
They Are Committed To Their Diets
Since being on the TLC show, Amy and Tammy have committed themselves to a healthy diet. This includes low-carb items, lots of protein, and completely cutting out sugar. On top of their diets, each sister has started exercising more.
While Amy has started dancing and going on long walks, Tammy has started swimming.
They're Finding Alternatives For Comfort Foods
While one of the sisters' hardest items to give up was soda, they've also been struggling with comfort foods, such as fried foods and macaroni and cheese. The good news is that they've started making healthier alternatives!
According to Tammy, if the sisters are craving some mac and cheese, they'll swap the macaroni out for cauliflower.
The Show Brought tammy And Amy Closer Together
Over-the-night fame can tear people apart. But the opposite happened for Tammy and Amy when people began to recognize them for their TLC show 1,000-Lb Sisters. According to Tammy, the show brought them closer together.
During an interview, Tammy said, "I think this has brought us closer together in a sense that we know what the other one is going through."
They Made The Front Page Of Their Local Newspaper
When 1,000-LB Sisters aired on TLC, it became a popular show for the network. So much so that Tammy and Amy's local newspaper, The Journal-Enterprise, did a story of them.
Not just a story, though; the sisters were proud to announce via Twitter video that they made the paper's front page!
Season Two Was Up In The Air
The TLC show 1,000-Lb Sisters was a hit, and fans were certain season two was a no-brainer for the network. But when fans of the show took to Twitter to ask the sisters about the possibility of another season, they were very cryptic.
At first, they said there was not going to be another season, and then they said fans should keep their fingers crossed. Ultimately, the second season premiered in 2021.
The Show's Title Is No Longer Accurate
At the beginning of season one, Tammy and Amy's combined weight was a bit over 1,000 pounds, weighing 605 and 406 pounds, respectively. Thankfully, they were both able to get their weight down, making the title inaccurate.
By the time season two began filming, Amy had dropped down to 276 pounds while Tammy was 550. Sadly, Tammy's weight shot back up to 597.
Their Show Inspired A TLC Spin-Off
The stellar ratings of 1,000-Lb Sisters made TLC realize viewers enjoyed shows about self-discovery and an underdog journey. Because of this, the network opted to do a spinoff series called 1,000-Lb Best Friends.
The show revolves around Vannessa Cross and Meghan Crumpler, two childhood friends who have struggled with their weight.
The Show Exaggerates Their Unhealthy Lifestyle
The show 1,000-Lb Sisters might be an underdog story about living a healthier life, but it is still, above all else, a reality television series. Because of that fact, a lot of variables on the show are over-exaggerated.
One of the biggest over-exaggerations is Tammy and Amy's unhealthy lifestyle. Behind the scenes, they are actually striving to get healthy so they can get surgery.
Production Spins The Sisters' Stories
As it goes with every reality television show, the production team does its best to make the Slaton sisters seem overly interesting. The team pretty much makes the sisters characters in their own lives.
As it turns out, Amy and Tammy can only do so much when it comes to their individual stories; the rest is made by production.
Their Fights Are Highlighted For A Reason
On 1,000-LB Sisters, viewers watch as Amy and Tammy argue, fight, and have more than one sisterly screaming match. The thing is, this show is reality television, so their arguments are overly highlighted even if they weren't that serious.
The truth of the matter is the sisters are closer than ever, thanks to the show.
