Michael Ventrella
Age: 30
Height: 6′3″
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Deejay
Partner: Maria (Mother)

NBC Bio
Growing up around his father’s band, Michael was inspired by music and became a mobile deejay at the very young age of 11. This exposure to large crowds allowed him to feel comfortable as the center of attention. Starting at a young age, Michael has always struggled with his weight. In recent years he has tried everything he could to lose weight, including dangerous over-the-counter and prescription pills, trendy diet plans, expensive nutritionists, starvation and, at his most desperate attempts, forcing himself to be bulimic. Michael’s biggest goals are to pursue a career in advertising and public relations, and to eventually meet the love of his life and start a family.

Maria Ventrella
Age: 51
Height: 5′4″
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Corporate Travel Agent
Partner: Michael (Son)

NBC Bio
Maria’s responsibilities to care for her disabled husband and chronically ill elderly mother have left her with absolutely no time for herself. Maria’s weight has been an ongoing issue as the latter years of her life have progressed. This is especially true after the passing of her father, who was the family’s core foundation. Maria has come to a point in her life where her weight is now hindering her capability to not only help and care for others, but also for herself. Maria hopes to set an example for all her family and friends, helping them realize how important good health is not only to oneself, but also to better care for loved ones.

Andrea Hough
Age: 24
Height: 5′7″
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Occupation: Executive Assistant
Partner: Darrell (Father)

NBC Bio
Andrea has always been overweight, but did not start gaining weight consistently until after high school. Andrea played competitive sports all her life and now coaches softball. Family means everything to Andrea. However, at every family event, there is an enormous amount of food — it is how her family shows their love. Andrea is ready to show people that health matters. She has never been able to lose the weight on her own, but is finally ready to take the bull by the horns and shed the weight.

Darrell Hough
Age: 46
Height: 5′10″
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Occupation: Operator/Mechanic
Partner: Andrea (Daughter)

NBC Bio
Although Darrell wants to live life to its fullest, his weight keeps him from doing this. Darrell has always been the largest in his family. As a child, when grandma came to visit, Darrell had no problem eating dozens of her delicious cookies. This habit has continued throughout his adult life. He has never been one to give up, but has tried every diet and exercise routine and he never seems to be able to stick with it. Darrell hopes to reclaim the years and quality of life that obesity has taken from him. He has been living behind the weight far too long and is ready to overcome and conquer this food addiction.

Cherita Andrews
Age: 50
Height: 5′8″
Hometown: Houston, TX
Occupation: Homemaker
Partner: Vicky (Daughter)

NBC Bio
Cherita: Fifty and fabulous! That’s how Cherita feels on the inside, but at 277 pounds, Cherita feels trapped inside her large body. She’s been waiting for years to come out of her shell, but has put herself aside to concentrate on husband, children, home and career. She gained weight over the years because she was so busy taking care of everyone else. She wants to lose the weight so that she can spend the next 50 years fulfilling all the passions she has set aside in the first half of her life. Cherita has overcome cancer and now at age 50, she wants to prove that women at any age can lose weight.

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.