Maria, 51 is a corporate travel agent based in Chicago, IL.   As the primary caretaker for her disabled husband and elderly mother, Maria spends more time taking care of others than herself.    The result – significant weight gain over the past 20 years.   The pounds have crept up slowly, but have made a sudden impact on Maria’s ability to help her loved ones.   She is hoping to show others that good health is essential not only for oneself, but for family.

One of Maria and her son Michael’s biggest issues is food.  As Americans of Italian descent, they eat many old world culinary favorites that are loaded with unhealthy ingredients.  While they want to keep their cultural traditions alive, they would like to learn how to use healthy alternatives and ditch their bad food habits.

Michael, 30 is a deejay in Chicago.  He’s used to being the center of attention, both because of his career and his weight.  He’s tried several unhealthy ways to lose pounds quickly but has been unsuccessful.   Michael believes the excess pounds will prevent him from meeting the love of his life and having his own family.   Losing weight and keeping it off will be a lifelong process.

GRAY TEAM – Cousins

Koli, 29 is a football coach and head of security.  He lives in Rohnert Park, CA.   The Tongan culture views extra weight positively and until recently Koli has never worried about his size.   But he is slowly tiring of the expectations that others have of him because of his weight.  He’s always expected to eat the most and be the muscle when anyone needs help moving.  Koli, a former high school athlete, loves athletics and wants to be a positive role model as a coach.   This means embracing a healthy way of life, something that is compromised due to his shift hours.  He often eats irregularly and is unable to commit to an exercise program.

Sam, 24 is a security guard and volunteer youth football coach in Rohnert Park.  His Samoan family regards big as normal, so like his cousin, Sam is used to big family gatherings and lots of food.    He works overnight and sleeps during the day.   This work schedule makes it hard for Sam to establish healthy eating habits.  And although his primary focus is to control his weight, Sam is also concerned about the history of diabetes, hypertension and gout in his family.   One of over 150 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he believes that changing his life will also set a great example for his relatives.