"Heavy" Explores the Reality of Weight Loss

Do we really need another reality weight loss show? If A&E's new show "Heavy" is an example, the answer is yes.

The format is similar to others: Participants leave their regular lives and are sequestered in a compound where their days are filled with meetings with a crack in-house team of trainers, nutritionists and therapists. They have periodic weigh-ins to track their progress, and we see the physical and emotional trials of losing weight.

The difference? After 30 days, they are released back into their own lives, where they have to use the tools they have learned to lose weight in the real world. No one forcing them to get out of bed to hit the gym, no one cooking perfectly portioned meals.

Each of the 11 episodes follows two participants documenting their transformations over six months. We hear from the participants' loved ones and see their progress. There's no cash prize for doing the right thing, just personal satisfaction. If weight loss slows too much, the participants can go back to the facility for a reboot. But essentially, they are on their own.

All contestants are suffering health consequences as a result of their weight. On the premiere episode, Tom, 37, weighs 638 pounds and has a large mass on his inner thigh as a result of his obesity, and mom of two Jodi suffered a stroke.

"These individuals were picked because they've been told death is at the door, and you've got to change this now," said Britny Fowler, one of the show's physical trainers. "These people had to choose to do this not for money reasons. It's purely self-motivation."

"I didn't go on this TV show, and now I can say that it fixed my life and I'm awesome and skinny," said Jodi. "It's an ongoing battle. I've been coming to terms with that and being okay that it's a permanent lifestyle."

"The biggest struggle has been finding the source of support. I've learned that you cannot do it alone. I've learned how important motivation and accountability are, and I'm still learning."

Jodi's best tips for keeping herself on track? "The longer you go without sugar, it really gets easier. Though sometimes I feel like if I don't eat a Snickers I'll implode. If it's really that bad, I'll drink a diet soda -- I usually just drink water."

"I want [the show] to speak to people and tell them that it's no easy path," explained Fowler. "It looks easy when you look at other shows and you see this person who's obese, and six months later he's looking sharp. I don't think people will see that they dropped the number that you could drop if you were doing five hours of workout a day and having your meals prepared and whatnot for six months.

"It's a lot harder [than other reality shows] make it look. Progress slows down, and this is real people. This is documenting what it might be like to walk in their steps."

As for the premiere, Jodi will definitely be feeling that support she needs. Her friends are having a huge party for her just down the street from her gym.

"Heavy" airs Mondays on A&E at 10/9c.