Ep 4. James

James has been overweight since he was a child. Now 26 years old and weighing in at 651 pounds, he struggles with everyday activities and has never been able to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse. He feels trapped in his own body and desperately wants to change.

In this episode of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, James works with trainer Chris Powell to transform his life. With a goal to lose 200 pounds in the first 90 days, James faces intense workouts and a strict diet plan. The road ahead is not easy, but with the support of his family and friends, James is determined to succeed.

The episode begins with Chris meeting James and his family at their home in New Jersey. Chris notes that James has a difficult time even getting out of bed and moving around his own house. James opens up about his struggles, including his addiction to food and feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Chris starts the transformation process by taking James on a walk outside. It's clear that even simple movements are a challenge for him, but Chris encourages him every step of the way. Back at the gym, James has his first workout and struggles to keep up. Chris pushes him to keep going, reminding him that this is just the beginning.

As James begins to see progress on the scale, he gains confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. The show also highlights the emotional support he receives from his family and friends, who are thrilled to see him taking control of his life.

Throughout the episode, we see James facing tough challenges, both physical and mental. He pushes through an intense boot camp and faces his emotions head-on in therapy sessions. Chris also takes James to visit a rehabilitation center for people with spinal cord injuries, where he gains a new perspective on the importance of physical movement and independence.

As the 90-day mark approaches, James faces his biggest test yet - a half marathon. Though he initially doubts his ability to complete the race, his family and Chris provide the encouragement he needs to cross the finish line.

By the end of the episode, James has lost a total of 313 pounds and is well on his way to achieving his ultimate goal. He has a newfound confidence and sense of self-worth, and is finally able to pursue his dream of becoming a nurse.

Overall, this episode of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition is a powerful testament to the transformative power of hard work and determination. Despite facing numerous obstacles, James refuses to give up and emerges stronger than ever. The show also highlights the importance of community support in achieving weight loss goals, and offers hope and inspiration to those struggling with their own weight loss journeys.