Woman Loses 410 Pounds, TODAY Turns Her Into a Side Show

by Maggie Vink (Subscribe to Maggie Vink's posts)
Jun 23rd 2009 4:00PM

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Tammey Burns went from being so obese that she couldn't sleep lying down to being a competitive race walker. Through sheer hard work and determination, Burns lost an amazing 410 pounds.

At her high weight of 575 pounds, Burns was afraid to sit on furniture for fear she would break it, yet she couldn't stand for long periods without experiencing pain. She had multiple obesity-related conditions and had to rely on family members to help her with personal hygiene. She began losing weight, but at 403 pounds, her breathing issues were still so severe she had to have a tracheotomy tube inserted to help her get air. Rather than becoming frustrated, that gave her more determination than ever. She joined a fitness center and connected with a walking coach. She began viewing food as fuel and not as her "drug of choice." And she eventually became competitive in race walking. Burns is now a healthy 165 pounds.

Burns is nothing short of an inspiration. She's proof that even those with drastic amounts of weight to lose -- those who have weight-related health issues -- can lose weight the old-fashioned way, through diet and exercise.

Burns well deserved to be featured on the "TODAY" Joy Fit Club. But I think the show went from celebrating her achievements to treating her like a side show.

Burns' smile when she first walked on stage was radiant. In fact, she didn't just walk, she strutted, and it was wonderful to see. Soon, however, her smile seemed to become strained.

After they discussed her amazing achievement, the camera panned to the right to show buckets and piles of lard; 410 pounds of lard to be exact. "Tammey, this is what you were carrying around on your body on a daily basis," explained Matt Lauer.

As if that weren't enough, they had three interns standing there. "Three Today interns (who) collectively total 410 pounds. Tammey literally lost those three interns," said Joy Bauer. Those three interns later piled themselves into a pair of Burns' pants for a photo op.

This seems to be part of larger, and disturbing, trend. With the success of "The Biggest Loser," other shows have followed, and the treatment of overweight and obese people is shifting into something more sensationalistic. Oxygen is set to premiere "Dance Your Ass Off" next week. The show may prove to be fun, but the contestants' costumes send up a red flag. They certainly aren't striving to let the contestants look their best and keep their dignity. (That's Fit will have a full review of DYAO next week -- be sure to check back and read what we have to say.) And Fox has ordered up a dating show, "More to Love," for overweight people; but it remains to be seen how the contestants will be treated. Even The Biggest Loser has its low points. Overall, we're fans of "The Biggest Loser" here at That's Fit, but like many others, we take issue with the spandex pants and sports bras the contestants are given, as well as the nature of the temptation challenges.

People have always loved a weight loss success story, but sensationalistic coverage of obesity and weight loss is a new trend. Weight loss success stories should be a celebration of the person's achievements. And goodness knows that stories like Burns' weight loss are an inspiration for others. But just because a person is now thin (or trying to become thin) doesn't mean that their overweight bodies can be treated disrespectfully.

Is the media turning overweight and obese people into side shows?

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Comments (43)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Lisa 6-23-2009 @ 7:45PM

I am impressed with people who accomplish such a big task as losing a lot of weight. Those who have never been obese have no sympathy or understanding, and can often be cruel. There is a way to celebrate how much weight a person has lost without treating them as if they weren't worth anything when they were bigger or making them into a freakshow.

Lauri 6-23-2009 @ 7:09PM

Interesting Post

I am not sure if it is rude to show the lard & three interns or if they are saying " look at how much you lost... way to go". I guess I would need to watch and hear the anchors inflection.

Goodness knows whether you have 5- 105 lbs to lose that it is hard work and she deserves recognition.

I do have a problem with the scanty attire they make them wear on certain shoes.. being a few lbs overweight, I would have big issues baring my midsection.

MRS 6-24-2009 @ 1:54PM

I don't need to look at the commentators, I have only to look at the guest. If she's happy and proud, then fine. If her pride turns to something less than that, then she was misused. People know at their core if they're being treated well or being mistreated and, try as they will to keep up a brave and gracious face -- to save face, the real effect shows through.

B.Devine 6-24-2009 @ 1:11AM

Paula,
The fact of the matter is that for some it's true, it's hard work to keep your body from gaining weight over the years. But those people I suspect have always had the applause and been noticed due to their figures. However for many, as we age hormonal fluctuations, peri-menopause and menopause help to contribute to weight gain for many women specifically.

Some people are just born with genes that seem to assist in keeping them slender longer. My ex was one of those. AT 50 now, he has to fight to keep his 5'11" frame at 150. If he doesn't attend the gym at least 3-4 times a week, he loses weight. While others seem to barely eat the crumbs off a plate of cake and appear to gain weight or at the very least, not lose. It's a tremendous accomplishment to lose a great deal of weight; especially when you are coming back from someone that weighed as much as Tammy Burns did and especially, given the health issues she has. That's a rarity and she earned every bit of applause she got. However, there is a point whereby TV makes a spectacle of someone's accomplishment all for the sake of attracting viewers. And it says something about many of us, if TV programs seem to think they need to pander to the audience in the way they do. Shame on them.

Molly 6-24-2009 @ 8:46AM

Tammy is impressive...I love hearing about people losing large amounts of weight without surgery. She definitely seemed way out of her comfort zone when Matt Lauer was interviewed her however. I think the Today show was tryign to make good tv and some of their antics at the end of the segment were unnecessary

I recently lost 40 pounds by making some life changes. I used to go to the salad bar and eat too big of lunch and did not choose healthy options from the salad bar..too many mayonaisy, carb options.

Instead I now go for a walk and bring a whole wheat pita sandwich from home at lunch. I don't race walk, but do go for a 45 minute brisk walk. I wear smartsole insoles that I read about in an article on running and walking in Prevention mag Smartsoles http://www.smartsole.com They are exercise insoles that tone muscles, increase circulation and inable you to burn more calories with every step. They are also very comfortable so I am able to walk faster and longer. I found the code fit10 for 10% off. They do not fit in pumps or sandals however. They are only good in sneakers or flat shoes.

It has taken me about 8 months to lose weight, but I feel great and it took me years to get heavy, so losing in a slow and healthy manner without drugs or surgery is fine by me.

Molly Beth C. 6-24-2009 @ 9:05AM

Did not meant to post twice. I did not see it go through the first time. Guess I need my morning coffee! Matt really did not need to show the lard and the three interns. The segment was good enough without that kinda insulting end part.

Evone 7-05-2009 @ 9:49AM

All I can say is this woman has made a remarkerable transform for her body and soul. To say anything more would take away from the very hard task that she's completed. Those who've never been there will never be able to understand her dedication, work, and the life changes that she made to get where she is today.

The way she accomplished this, is how I was able to lose 70 lbs 15 years ago and it works! The biggest thing that kept her going day after day was DETERMINATION.

Congratulations on a hard won recognition for a job well done.

Michelle 6-24-2009 @ 9:10AM

While I agree that nobody should be treated disrespectfully based on their body size, and much of the attention paid to overweight people is exploitative, I think the "Dance Your Ass Off" ladies look great! Their dresses are appropriate for a dance competition, and while I'm not at all comfortable showing my own upper arms, I think it's great if they are.

beverly c 6-24-2009 @ 9:23AM

Its funny how people can say that its peoples fault to be over weight. Some maybe but some who aer sick, like me,gain weight due to steriods due to medical conditions etc its not their fault. I struggle with weight issues everyday and food. Not bad stuff but just afraid if I eat tthat it wont come off.

This is a disease that some people just dont care about or give up and then you got some who work their bottoms off to do all they can do.

Jessica 6-24-2009 @ 9:54AM

I cried when I saw this segment of the Today show. It is quite obvious that neither Matt Lauer or Joy have ever battled a weight issue. I am so happy for Tammy but I think that the way that the segment was done completely shadowed her accomplishment with hype and silly dramatics.
I cried because she did what I am struggling to do now. I started November 1st 2008 and this was the date that I realized that I am a food addict. Something at Tammy mentioned about herself "using food " as a drug of choice. I am the same. It took me 20 years of obesity to realize this. I really wish that "Today" would have focused on that aspect of her accomplishment-- most people struggle with food addiction. "Today" simply turned her into a side show, I am sure that she is well aware of what 400+ pounds looks like. She carried it around with her, she didn't round it up like the interns to see it, she had it with her always.
Realizing your food addiction is the ONLY real way to lose the weight. No pill, no diet, no exercise program will fix a problem that cycles and will come back as soon as your "willpower" has diminished.
I started out at 276 pounds in November 2008 and now I am 203 pounds. This is the hardest and the easiest thing that I have ever done. It was easy to fix the food addiction once I realized that I had a disease similar to alcoholism. The hardest part is the battle with myself. I am constantly trying to convince myself that this is a losing battle. Trying to tell myself that this is impossible, that it was easier to be fat. But I calm my disease or as some call it the "monster inside" and I know that being fat was not easier, it was awful.
Pills, programs and fad diets do not work, trust me I have tried them all. I will not add a link to the newest exercise equiptment or pill I will simply say, look up food addiction.
Congratulations Tammy. Your achievement does not go un noticed. You inspire me to realize that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and I will remember you on days when I question myself.
P.S. I believe that the "costumes" that they make these people wear on reality shows are demeaning. Networks are unaware that they are dealing with sometimes desparate people that will do anything to lose the weight, even show off their heavy bodies. Something they may not have even done in their own back yards around the kiddie pool. Congrats to the networks on their new money making strategy, as the "contestants" lose they gain a new pool of people willing to do whatever they want to be on a show that shows success in weight loss.

kate 6-24-2009 @ 10:53PM

Wow! That is amazing! That brought a tear to my eye, I am so happy for you! I can't imagine carrying around all that weight, I couldn't even begin to imagine lifting something that weighed over 400 pounds let alone carrying it all day!

SOFUGGIT 6-24-2009 @ 10:04AM

I didn't see where the show was exploiting this woman for ratings. They were doing a segment of the show ABOUT fitness and weight-loss. They welcomed this woman into the Joy Fit Club. There's nothing exploitive about that. In my opinion they're encouraging others that may be sitting home and going through what she went through, to see that THEY can also lose the weight. That can only be seen as a positive thing.

The comment about being more proud of the ones that have always stayed fit is way out of line. You have to take into consideration many things. Lifestyle as you grow up (we are all taught habits by our parents), some families actually give their obese or drug addicted relatives full acceptance, never finding fault with them or their actions. That's the case more often than some realize. My husbands uncle was well over 600 pounds when he died and I've always said the acceptance he got from my inlaws and family was a death sentence. They literally loved him to death. They said they would never dream of upsetting him by talking to him about his weight. They'd love him always. It doesn't mean you hate them if you care enough to talk about a problem like that. I personally would rather have them HATE me from a healthy perspective than LOVE me in the after life. If you have total acceptance and nobody is pointing out a problem, you're more likely to stay the course, no matter how negative an impact it's having on you. There's just to much to consider to assume that most obese people are being exploited. They're just finally being embraced for something positive.

J&JsMommy 6-24-2009 @ 11:29AM

Congratulations to Tammy on reaching her goal of becoming healthy! To become an athlete on top of losing the weight is the icing on the cake!! I am happy that the Today show continues this segment (Joy Fit Club) because the people they profile are regular folks just like me. I find their stories uplifting and inspirational - if they can do it, so can I! Again, congratulations to Tammy!!

billchristen 6-24-2009 @ 11:29AM

I have recently lost 60 pounds (in the past 10 weeks) through exercise and eating healthy. My goal is to lose a little more than 100 pounds. The truth is that we are "sideshows" when we are fat. That is how people see overweight people. The fact that she was on tv and can show people that it can be done is good enough for me. Maybe this new trend of "sensationalizing" weight loss will be a good thing. Nothing else is helping the obesity problem in this country. The more people tell me how awesome it is that I have lost weight, the more motivated I am to work harder. And no pills, surgery or fad diets for me! Bring on the buckets of lard! I hated being fat!

ashleigh 6-24-2009 @ 11:27AM

Just curious, Bill C., how you lost 6 pounds a week, as that is nearly 1 pound a day! (You'd said you'd lost 60 pounds in 10 weeks) -- seeing as how I want to do the same, I'd love to know how you did it in so short a time!!!

BMATHENY 6-25-2009 @ 1:17AM

Bill would you PLEASE tell me how you lost a pound a day, and I know from experience that can be done. The method I used was to be a 2 week induction to a certain diet. I lost 18 pounds in 19 days, but it wouldn't, for whatever reason, work for me again. So, PLEASE consider sharing your life and health altering secret. Be Blessed. BMatheny

Dianne 6-24-2009 @ 11:30AM

I saw that segment on the Today Show and my first question would be: What happened to all the excess skin after the weight loss and did she have to have plastic surgery?

irene 6-24-2009 @ 6:49PM

I guess since it took her a long time, her skin shrunk when she did , but i bet she still has stretch marks

Kacky 6-24-2009 @ 11:30AM

Why didn't they just come out and call her a freak? For them she will always be that sensationally fat woman. I think it was the pants that did it for me.