Month: December 2009

Victoria Andrews
Age: 22
Height: 5’9″
Hometown: Houston, TX
Occupation: Student
Partner: Cherita (Mother)

NBC Bio
Vicky has struggled with her weight since she was a very young girl. Although she grew up in a home where she and her younger brother were encouraged to dream big, work hard and never quit, she has not been able to conquer obesity. Being beautiful on the inside is not enough for Vicky. She wants to wow the world with her beauty, brains and brawn, and she knows that begins with her commitment to being healthy and fit.

Miggy Cancel
Age: 48
Height: 5’9″
Hometown: Pemberton, NJ
Occupation: Chef
Partner: Migdalia (Daughter)

NBC Bio
Miggy was raised in New York and was relocated by her mother and stepfather to Puerto Rico as a teen. She was married and divorced by the age of 17. She tried her best to “never cry for the kids or for myself.” Miggy’s weight has fluctuated as much as her career changes. Her previous occupations have been a farmer, ceramic technician, hairdresser, and most recently, a police officer — and she was rewarded “Police Officer Woman of the Year” four times. More than anything, Miggy wants to show and prove to the Hispanic community that they can lose weight and be healthy.

Migdalia Sebren
Age: 28
Height: 5’9″
Hometown: Sanford, NC
Occupation: Homemaker
Partner: Miggy (Mother)

NBC Bio
Migdalia is a mother’s daughter. She is quick-tempered and says exactly what is on her mind, which can lead to disagreements. Nevertheless, they are best friends who have overcome a lot in life. She and her family grew up in poor conditions and never consistently had food or electricity. One of the toughest obstacles in her life was moving from Puerto Rico to the U.S. and having to adjust to the language barrier. Migdalia has not always been overweight. With the stresses of being a military wife whose husband recently came back from deployment in Iraq and may be sent back in early fall, Migdalia has overindulged in non-healthy food choices, leading to rapid weight gain. She also recently had her second child.

Daris George
Age: 25
Height: 5’10”
Hometown: Ardmore, OK
Occupation: Deliveryman/Salesman
Partner: Cheryl (Mother)

NBC Bio
Daris was always an athlete and was always the big guy on the team. Daris took his size as a sign of strength by being a lineman and throwing shot put and discus, but was always self-conscious about his weight. He has never had a girlfriend, even though the girls give him plenty of attention because of his big curly hair and his funny t-shirts. He loves being the center of attention and making people laugh, but he has low confidence with women due to his weight. Daris wants to lose weight and prove to himself that he deserves one of those beautiful women that keep coming up and playing with his hair. Daris wants to be healthy and raise a family and live a long, happy life.

Cheryl George
Age: 50
Height: 5’4″
Hometown: Ardmore, OK
Occupation: Owner, Sears Hometown Store
Partner: Daris (Son)

NBC Bio
Cheryl gained her largest amount of weight after having three children in three years. Her family and husband’s family believe that get-togethers should center on eating. Cheryl thinks it is her turn, her chance to be thin and think of herself, and not feel guilty anymore about herself or her son’s weight. She would like to be able to go to the ranch and return home stronger, more confident and set an example for her grandchildren.

James Crutchfield
Age: 30
Height: 6’5″
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Occupation: Human Resources Director
Partner: John (Twin Brother)

NBC Bio
Being twins has made James and John very competitive. This began at an early age, competing for everything from better grades in grade school to who can run the faster 40-yard dash in high school football practice. James’ weight is spiraling out of control and he can no longer participate in many of the activities he once enjoyed. James would love to be able to take his wife dancing or on long walks but is unable to do so in his current condition. His number one goal is to have a family and live a long life with them.

John Crutchfield
Age: 30
Height: 6’5″
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Occupation: Sr. Marketing Manager
Partner: James (Twin Brother)

NBC Bio
John’s family is very close and a number of deaths in the family both past and recent continue to bind his family even closer. John no longer wants to use his family tragedies as an excuse to be overweight and wants more than anything to lose weight so he can be there for his family. Just knowing what it feels like to lose family members, makes John want to try even harder so his wife and child never have to feel that pain. He has lost 160 pounds in the past but gained back nearly 200 in a short period of time. His competitive side alone makes him want to lose even more weight than before and keep it off for good! John loves to compete against his twin brother and looks forward to competing with him.

Lance Morgan
Age: 38
Height: 6’3″
Hometown: Aspermont, TX
Occupation: Rancher
Partner: Melissa (Wife)

NBC Bio
Lance comes from a rural Texas farming and ranching family and was raised on meat and potatoes. Taught at a young age to finish everything on his plate, his conditioning as a child has followed him into adulthood and he cannot leave food on his plate, or anyone else’s. With a booming oil industry in 2004, Lance was in high demand as a commercial diver. The industry began to tighten up its standards and Lance continued to gain weight, soon finding himself out of a job. Lance’s weight has hindered his ability to earn income to support his family. Lance has the strength, stamina and determination to win the battle with his weight and begin to live a happy and healthy lifestyle, but he needs guidance on how to lose the weight.