Patti, 55, is a small business owner in Layfayette, CA.   Overweight for most of her life, she still remembers the taunts of childhood playmates.   But that pain pales in comparison to losing her father unexpectedly at 55, the same age she is now.  She fears that if she doesn’t lose the excess weight, her own life will be cut short, leaving her family devasted.   Patti doesn’t want to be an overweight, unhealthy companion to her husband.  She’s ready to break the cycle and become fit, healthy and energetic.

29 year old Stephanie is a radio sales executive in West Hollywood, CA.  Like her mother, she’s been battling extra weight for most of her life.   Her job requires long hours and frequent social outings, leaving her little time to hit the gym.   Work is also her excuse for not having time to be in a relationship.  However, she admits that she is afraid a potential love interest will reject her because of her weight.   As a former athlete, the thrill of competition motivated her once.  She’s hoping that same spirit will help her kick the pounds, once and for all.

BROWN TEAM – Brothers

James, 30 is a human resources director living in Orlando, FL.   As the youngest kids in a large family, he and his identical twin are used to competition.   While they used to stand out as scholars and athletes, the twins now gain attention because of their weight.   His size makes it difficult for James to do activities he once loved, like dancing with his wife or taking long walks.   He wants to have a family and live a long healthy life.

His brother John works in Orlando as a senior marketing manager.  A number of John’s relatives have died prematurely and he can no longer deny the obvious.  He may suffer the same fate if he doesn’t get his weight under control, which would mean leaving his family without a husband and father.   John has lost almost 160 lbs in the past, but couldn’t keep it off.   He regained all 160 lbs, plus 40 more.   John hopes the competitive nature of the show will be the game-changer for himself and his twin.

BLACK TEAM – Father and Daughter

Darrell, 46 is a machine operator and mechanic from Ann Arbor, MI.   Always the largest in his family, Darrell’s love for food started early.    Oversized portions plus a lack of exercise has kept him heavy his entire adult life.    Darrell’s quality of life has diminished because of his weight.   Living a full, healthy, fit life means that he’ll need help sticking to a diet and fitness regimen.

Darrell and his daughter Andrea, 24 are very close.  As the 4th and 5th generation to carry on obsesity in their family, they are teaming up to change their family legacy.    Andrea works as an executive assistant in Ann Arbor.   Although overweight as a child, she was also athletic and didn’t start gaining weight until after high school.   Her family equates food with love and eating healthfully has always been a challenge, especially at family events.   Andrea is finally ready to break the cycle of weight gain and improve her health.  She knows this will change her life – and her dad’s future.