Biggest Loser
August 10th, 2010 
They came from as far away as Florida and New York and waited all night in a rainy parking lot for the chance to be called a loser – a big loser.
In fact, the biggest loser.
More than 500 people gathered Saturday outside of Fitness Together, a gym on Central Avenue in Plaza Midwood, to take part in a casting call for Season 8 of “The Biggest Loser,” NBC’s show that follows a group of obese people as they attempt to lose weight.
Known for its inspiring stories, the series has become a worldwide hit, airing in more than 90 countries.
“This show is a real motivator,” said Chester Farley, 32, of Raleigh. “I am fighting for my life here. There is a skinny man inside of me, screaming to get out.”
Farley, a nurse, weighs more than 400 pounds. He arrived in town at 6 p.m. Friday and immediately got in line outside the gym. Several family members joined him, including his sister Kim Bailey, who drove from West Virginia to show support.
“I just want to have a normal life,” he said. “To be able to ride roller-coasters or fit into a restaurant booth. I think this show can help me do that.”
Saturday’s casting call was one of 10 held across the country over the next two weeks. Other cities on the list include Miami, Houston and Columbus, Ohio – three cities that joined Charlotte recently on an unflattering list.
According to the 11th annual Fattest Cities Survey, conducted by Men’s Fitness Magazine, the Queen City is the ninth-fattest city in America. It’s wedged uncomfortably between Jacksonville, Fla., and Louisville, Ky. The fattest city in America, according to the survey, is Miami.
Researchers said the region’s love of fattening foods combines with a general lack of exercise to create a poor showing. Raleigh ranked 19th.
Dianne Thomas, with the Mecklenburg County Health Department, doubts the accuracy of such surveys. Thomas, director of Fit City Challenge, is leading a county effort to encourage residents to eat better and stay active.
“You have to combine physical activity with eating better,” she said. “You cannot do one and skip the other.”
Thomas said she has occasionally watched “The Biggest Loser” and likes how it follows up with past contestants.
“If shows like this help one person start living healthier, then that’s a good thing,” she said.
That’s what Sara Taveniery hopes will happen. Taveniery, 24, teaches middle school English in upstate New York. She also attends graduate school. She said that doesn’t leave a lot of time for exercise.
“I’ve had enough,” she said. “I just need to be removed from the things that enable me. If I can do that, then I know I can get a handle on this.”
From the Charlotte Observer
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/568821.html
