Overweight for as long as he can remember, Tony attributes his nutritionally unhealthy lifestyle and food addiction to an unstable family life throughout his childhood. He had worked in food service management most of his career, but quit when he decided his weight had gotten out of control. Now, at 49 years of age, Tonys weight is teetering on the 400 lb. mark, causing him to be jobless and threatening his future with his fiancée. Tony needs help. Well, help is on the way! Chris Powell arrives to help Tony get his food addiction under control. He weighs in at 398 pounds at the start of his year-long transformation. Tony learns from Dr. Terry Schaack at the California Health and Longevity Institute that, since he carries the majority of his fat on his abdomen, he is at high risk for a variety of cardiovascular complications. Nutritionist Paulette lets him know that a lot of his weight comes from the sugary drinks he enjoys with each meal. Chris works with Tony to undo all of the years of unhealthy living that led up to this point. But the road to health is rougher than Chris had anticipated for his client. During the first workout, we learn that Tonys 28-year-old son, Marcus, is in the hospital fighting for his life. Tony decides to fight, too. Tonys home is transformed into a workout haven. Chris wants him to lose 100 pounds over the next three months. If that happens, Tony and his fiancée, Leslie, will get the honeymoon of their dreams. Speaking of Leslie, Chris challenges her to also undergo a transformation, but she doesnt seem to be fully committed. It causes a strain in their relationship. The stress takes a toll on Tonys weight loss. Chris makes him climb up over 400 feet in elevation to the scale at the top of a long set of steps. At the 90-day weigh-in, Tony comes in at 294 pounds. He reached his first goal with four pounds to spare! Tony is challenged to lose 60 pounds over the next 90 days. After four weeks of no contact, Chris learns that things with Leslie have cooled. Chris helps Tony move out of the house. On Day 168, we learn that Tony is basically living out of his car. That hasnt stopped him from working out. At the 60-day weigh-in, Chris learns that Tony is basically homeless. This is something hes been through, too. He promises that things will get better. At the weigh-in, Tony learns he only lost 29 pounds. To help get Tony back on track, Chris sends him to the Los Angeles Bodyguard Training Academy. They help him learn what it takes to start up his new business. Tony is hit with some bad news during Phase 3. His son Marcus has passed away. Chris meets up with him at the funeral service in Michigan. This is the first time his other son, Tony Jr., has seen him since he began his transformation. Chris also meets Tonys new girlfriend, who seems very supportive. After the service, Tony lets his son and ex know that hes been homeless. Its a highly-emotional scene. Tony returns home to continue his journey with an angel on his shoulder. He also reached out to Chris to take part in some therapy. This helps with his weight loss. At the 9-month weigh-in, Tony looks fantastic. Since he didnt get to enjoy the honeymoon prize that was the reward for making his first weigh-in goal, Chris gives him the cash equivalent of the trip to help Tony get back on his feet. At Day 270, Tony weighs in at 226 pounds. He says he couldnt have done it without the inspiration of his son Marcus. Tony is now an excellent candidate for the skin removal surgery. Three months later, its time for the final weigh-in. The crowd goes wild as they see a man who let nothing get in the way of his goal. Tony is all smiles when he arrives. He wants to be at 199 pounds when he steps on the scale. He comes in at 198. That means he lost a total of 200 pounds! Chris says his friends at Wal-mart have provided him with a $50,000 gift card to their stores. Tony is overwhelmed as the crowd chants his name. Tony had an amazing journey. Now its time to celebrate!

• published: 15 Feb 2015
• views: 6135