Social media timelines filled with heartbreak this week as a viral Facebook post from 1000-Lb Sisters Fans Forever claimed that Dr. Younan Nowzaradan — affectionately known as Dr. Now — had died on October 20th. The post, which included messages like “R.I.P 🙏 This is so sad!” and “May you rest in peace Dr. Now!! 💔,” quickly spread across fan pages and online forums dedicated to weight-loss reality TV.
However, as of this report, there is no verified confirmation of Dr. Nowzaradan’s death from his family, representatives, or credible media outlets. The Iranian-born bariatric surgeon and television personality, best known for his work on My 600-lb Life, has long been a pillar in obesity treatment and medical reality television — making any such rumor particularly impactful among fans who credit him for changing lives both on-screen and off.
Dr. Now, 79, has earned respect not just for his surgical skill, but for his distinctive mix of blunt honesty and compassion. His catchphrases — “No excuses” and “You have to follow the program” — have become part of pop culture, symbolizing his firm but caring approach to patient accountability.
The viral post appears to have been triggered by confusion involving another medical service in Arizona called MY DR NOW, which is unrelated to Dr. Nowzaradan or his practice in Houston, Texas. Social media users may have mistaken this local clinic’s branding for the celebrity doctor’s name.
Fans, nonetheless, expressed deep affection in the comments. “He’s the reason so many people believe they can start over,” one user wrote. “Even if this isn’t true, it shows how much he’s loved.”
Experts note that celebrity death hoaxes have become increasingly common, often fueled by misinformation on Facebook or TikTok. According to media analysts, false reports like these spread rapidly because they combine emotional attachment with recognizable names — especially in fan communities centered on reality TV.
Whether or not the rumor began innocently, the public reaction reveals the profound cultural influence Dr. Now has had. Beyond television, his decades of work in bariatric surgery have inspired healthier living and increased awareness around obesity as a chronic disease rather than a personal failing.
Until official sources confirm otherwise, Dr. Nowzaradan remains alive, and the viral posts mourning his death serve as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can shape public sentiment — even about those who’ve dedicated their lives to helping others live longer, healthier ones.
