Losing It With Jillian Finale: Making Diabetes Disappear

Jillian was in top food-toss form in the season finale of "Losing It With Jillian," twisting every drop of grease and sugar right out of the Alvarez family from Miami, Fla. Once again, the show features a family eating itself to near-death, with few calories burned between meals. But the Alvarez's did place a 911 call to Jillian -- a promising signal they're finished with denial and ready for action in the kitchen and gym. It takes both to lose weight.

Mom and Dad. At 170 pounds, mom Carmen is 60 pounds beyond her ideal weight of 109. Dad David Sr. is seriously obese at 328 pounds on a frame that should bear 180. His sleep apnea is in dire need of treatment -- one of the worst cases Dr. Van Herle has ever seen. But instead, stubborn David chose to pitch his sleep apnea machine awhile back. Jillian accurately labeled that move as "overwhelmingly selfish." She's also frustrated Dr. Van Herle won't release David Sr. for exercise exceeding 140 beats per minute. No tearing dad down and building back up in the gym.

Like Father, Like Son. Most responsibly, the show didn't advertise the weights of daughter Melissa and eight-year-old David Jr. However the little guy is grossly overweight and regularly has to stick himself to monitor his pre-diabetes blood sugar. Both father and son have fasting insulin levels three times higher than normal. Seeing an innocent child this unhealthy thanks to poor family eating and fitness habits makes you want to scream.

First Confrontation Punch. With only a week to work with, Jillian threw a couple sharp punches to get the family's attention. When Carmen confirmed David Jr. is pre-diabetic due to his diet, Jillian asked the family, "Is he buying that food himself?" Yes, kids can wear parents down by begging for the empty carbs and sugary snacks 24/7, but parents typically have final say on which foods hit the grocery cart. Stand strong, and if you're an influential aunt or uncle, slice up apples for a snack.

Then the Knockout. Considering Jillian's past controversial rant over Indian Fry Bread, the Alvarez family didn't have a chance once the Latin fried bread with syrupy sugar entered the house for an extended family dinner. After staring at the table featuring a fat-filled cut of pork, salt-packed white rice and yucca steeped in oil (and the sticky bread), Jillian laced her gloves and fired a knockout one-liner. Looking at the grandparents, Jillian asked, "Talk to me about how you would feel if you had to bury your son?" Whether or not it was a below-the-belt shot, it definitely had an impact. Grandpa Alvarez feebly explained, "That's what we eat for long time." A more questionable punch came when Jillian pointed out David Jr. could possibly lose his sight and limbs from diabetes someday. Now that was a low blow -- he's eight years old, not even close to being a teenager. He didn't need to hear that Jillian-style.

Trash Bags. With the family still in shock, Jillian hit the cupboards and together everyone tossed out nearly everything with sugar, unhealthy fats and preservatives, leaving beans and salad (no croutons) for dinner. Most of America's cupboards would be slim pickings if they made the same move today. Go for it -- you then get to stock with the good stuff.

A Market Paradise. In the week's most relaxing moment, Jillian took the Alvarez family on a field trip to a local farmer's market. Jillian looks completely at home among the organic fare, and she's right that regularly visiting a market can teach you what healthy foods look like. Processed foods don't come from a farmer's field. Head to one this week and prepare at least two healthy meals from the foods you purchase.

Party Do-Over. Later in the week, David Jr.'s ninth birthday party featured a re-worked menu with seasoned, lean pork loin, brown rice, black beans and boiled yucca. Jillian then gave the birthday boy karate gear to complement his new hobby inspired by the fit diva herself. The Alvarez's were all smiling. Have a weight problem and need family support? Clue in your relatives that the next family get together is going to be healthy foods only. They'll take you more seriously if you have them watch the finale episode highlights over at NBC before they come over.

Six weeks post-Jillian, Melissa looks cut and Carmen lost 25 pounds. David Sr. was medically released for exercise, then lost 54 pounds and all his blood pressure meds, too. Dad's next goal is to lose the sleep apnea for good. The most gratifying life makeover was David Jr. -- he shed an incredible 25 pounds and his blood sugars are normal. No more pre-diabetes, no more puffy face -- just like that.

Jillian's bonus check will support an after school fitness program that David Jr. kicked-off at school. He's also boldly bending the lunch ladies' ears with a total grease report each day at school lunch. Grandmother Alvarez can't stop crying with joy, but you can bet she's stopped bringing over the fatty foods.

That's a wrap for Season One at "Losing It With Jillian." Fans only saw the highlights of Jillian's magic each week, but her game-changer strategies are turning families around one by one. Who knows how many other families are doing the same?

We'll see you this fall as That's Fit covers double-digit Season 10 of "The Biggest Loser."

If you're now inspired to grill, not fry, check out these healthy grilling tips.