Heavy recap

Heavy

A new show on the A & E network chronicling the weight loss journey of two obese participants each week. The cameras follow as they struggle for six months to attain their goals. There is no prize at the end, other than renewed health and a new lease on life.

We join the series on episode 3. The first two episodes were very uplifting. And while this one also has a happy ending (spoiler alert) I admit I got a little watery eyed upon learning the two participants histories. The first 30 days of their weight loss journey begins at the beautiful Hilton Head Health Weight Loss Spa in Hilton Head Island South, Carolina. A quick check of their website reveals a 28 day stay will set you back $12,000

Sharon, 47

Height: 5'6"

Start Weight: 366.4 lbs

End Weight: 257.0 lbs

“I have learned to truly love myself in a constructive way, instead of destructively. The journey has been one of highs and lows, but every step has taken me closer to living the life I’ve always dreamed of!”

Sharon’s earliest memories as a child are of frequently going for days without food. That’s enough to give anyone anxiety about never having enough. Bad times were full of starvation; good times were when the freezer was full. It’s no shocker that when things go bad in Sharon’s life, she turns to food for comfort. When her mother passes, Sharon comforts herself to the tune of an additional 100lbs. And just when things can’t get any worse, her teenage son who struggled with bi-polar disorder commits suicide. I just wanted to reach thru the screen and give her a big hug. This soft spoken woman has endured a lot of tragedy in her life. The death of her son causes her to pack on an additional 60 lbs. A doctor’s visit reveals her BMI is almost three times normal. Something has to change or she will die. The only thing that keeps her inspired is her surviving family and she comes to the conclusion that she wants to live again. She has a 10yr old daughter that she doesn’t want to follow in her foot steps. She wants to be there to see the milestones in her daughter’s life. Her first few sessions with the personal trainer feature lots of crying and declarations of, “I can’t!” She finds the stationary bike intimidating. By the end of her journey she beats her demons by riding a bike with her daughter and enjoying it!

Ashley, 26

Height: 5'6"

Start Weight: 296.0 lbs

End Weight: 205.0 lbs

“I’ve learned that you have the strength inside and all you need to do is find it within and you have all the power in the world to do it. If it was easy everyone would be doing it, but it’s not, so it’s worth the fight.”

Ashley is young and pretty. She is, however, the heaviest in her circle of friends. Ashley plays the wacky zany fat girl role so people will like her. Ashley is a heavy drinker and pretty much gets drunk every day of the week. Footage of her home life shows heavy foods and alcohol are the norm at every meal. Dad is an alcoholic, step mom does not like Ashley, and little sister is the slim favorite in the family. Again, we can see the root of Ashley’s obesity just like with Sharon. Ashley arrives at the weight loss spa drunk. At this point I’m not sure if her story will have a happy ending.

Upon arriving at Hilton Head, Ashley takes advantage of the amenities and throws herself into the process. A phone call from home where baby sis relays a negative message from step mom threatens to derail the whole deal. But in the end Ashley perseveres and makes good progress at the 30 day weigh in.

After the initial 30 days, both participants go home for 5 months to continue in the real world. They are given gym memberships and personal trainers to help. Ashley does so well she even completes a 5K run. Neither women have to return to Hilton Head for a remedial course like others in previous episodes have had to do. At the final weigh in they lose over 200 lbs total. Ashley shows up at her final weigh in wearing some sexy ass bedazzled jeans and looks great! Sharon dedicates her weight loss to her son and holds a memorial balloon release in his honor. Both women look and feel great. They have turned their lives around and the future is bright.