Network: ABC
Episodes: 55 (hour, two hours)
Seasons: Five

TV show dates: May 30, 2011 — September 8, 2015
Series status: Ended

Performers include: Chris Powell (host/coach), Heidi Powell (host/coach)

TV show description:
This reality TV series documents the makeovers of “super obese” people, those who are approximately 200 pounds overweight. While other shows extend weight-loss makeovers over the course of a season, this one condenses a year of the person’s life into one episode.

To start, trainer and transformation specialist Chris Powell moves into a person’s home to help them safely change their nutritional habits, establish an exercise routine, uncover some of the psychological reasons for their weight gain, and determine why it’s so important for them personally to lose the weight. They set a goal together and Powell makes sure that they meet it.

When Powell leaves, he’s set them on the right course. He gives the participant a tough three-month goal to meet and promises a big reward if they meet it. He keeps apprised of their progress via regular video updates. It’s not uncommon for the participant to encounter tough challenges that can derail their efforts. Sometimes they meet the goal and get the prize and sometimes not. In the case of the latter, Powell does what he can to get them back on track.

At the end of one year, the participant’s transformation is unveiled at a big party with friends and family members. It culminates with the person stepping on a scale and a celebration of how much weight they’ve actually lost, underlining what a difference a year can make.

Note: For the first two seasons, this show was titled Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.

Episode #55 — Hannah
Hannah (Austin, TX) is a successful career woman who seemingly has it all together. But after being told by doctors that she’s gotten too heavy (310 pounds) to have children, she reached out to Chris Powell to help her get healthier and lose the weight in order to complete her family.
First aired: September 8, 2015.