Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition – Premieres May 30th on ABC

I really enjoyed watching the first three seasons of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Those seasons often combined some personal growth with the award of a new home. What many people forget is that the Extreme Makeover series started as a body sculpture show where scalpels were used instead of hammers and the award was a new body from plastic surgery. Now the series is returning to that theme with a new show Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition (EM:WLE).

This time instead of relying on the scalpel, there is a personal trainer, and a lifestyle transformation instead of a home transformation. The May 30th premiere of the new ABC show will feature Rachel, a young woman, taking on a challenge to lose over 200 pounds. Each show of the 8 episode season is a self-contained, non-competitive year long journey.

Her guide for the journey is transformation specialist Chris Powell. He breaks the transformation process down into four 90 day segments. The first quarter features a crash course on healthy eating, exercise, and inspiration to lose all that weight. After that the subject is on their own except for the occasional check-in. This format may change in future episodes.

If you’re a fan of biggest loser, but not of the sometimes cut-throat competition on the show, then EM:WLE is for you. It’s definitely different from what I’ve seen from other reality shows. But if you’re looking to be inspired about how anyone can overcome obstacles in their lives, this show is for you.

“Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” premieres MONDAY, MAY 30 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Read more about the show below the jump:

“Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” is a one-hour alternative series that will document the amazing makeover of eight courageous, “super obese” people who, in an unprecedented 365 days, attempt to safely lose half of their body weight, ultimately completing an amazing metamorphosis. The term “super obese” is used to define those who exceed their estimated ideal weight by approximately 225 percent and who are roughly 200 pounds or more overweight. “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” premieres MONDAY, MAY 30 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

In the premiere episode, “Rachel,” trainer and transformation specialist Chris Powell takes on proverbial over-achiever Rachel, who has been able to accomplish nearly everything she has set out to do so far in her young life — except the one goal that eludes her, to lose weight. At only 21 years old, Rachel weighs nearly 400 pounds. While living at home surrounded by her fit siblings, she feels she’s the “elephant in the room.” As a result, she believes she can never make her parents truly proud, until she loses weight. However, Rachel soon learns she will get the opportunity of a lifetime when Chris surprises her at the school where, ironically, she teaches young children physical education.

During her first week with Chris in “boot camp” at California Health & Longevity Institute, Rachel goes through extensive medical testing, nutrition classes and intense workouts. Chris then takes her back home to Georgia, where he lays out the goals for each of her four, three-month phases of weight loss. With Chris by her side, Rachel pushes hard, hoping to reach her first goal of shedding 80 pounds in three months. Still, her efforts are constantly challenged by her family’s inability to fully support her new lifestyle. But Rachel has the tools, and she has Chris in her corner. Does she have the fortitude to succeed on this one-year journey and ultimately change her life forever?

If you’re interested in recapping these 8 shows for The Disney Blog, please do let me know.

(Photo Credit: ABC/Greg Zabilski)