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Ruby is a captivating reality television series that premiered in 2008 and ran on the Style Network. The show brings to the forefront a sensitive topic often ignored in the media: obesity and weight loss, but it does so from a humanizing and empathic perspective. Ruby Gettinger, who once tipped the scales at over 700 pounds, is the heart and soul of the show. The series follows her challenging journey of weight loss and personal transformation.

The show is set primarily in Savannah, Georgia, a charming and picturesque Southern city whose beauty and grace mirror Ruby's personality. The series delves into the many aspects of Ruby's life, revealing her struggles, but also her spirit, humor, and determination.

One of the primary focuses of the show is Ruby's health. We get to witness her struggle in losing a significant amount of weight, but it's more than just about the physical challenge. Ruby is very open about her emotional and psychological struggles with food and weight. Her relationship with food is deeply personal, a lifelong battle that's manifesting in potentially deadly health consequences. Throughout the series, viewers observe how Ruby works with several professionals, including a psychologist, a nutritionist, and a team of doctors, to better understand and combat her addiction to food.

Aside from the weight loss aspect, the show explores Ruby's everyday life. Ruby is surrounded by a close-knit group of friends, referred to as her "Georgia Family," providing her with their unwavering support and love every step of the way. She shares her home with her niece and her beloved dog, ultimately creating an entertaining and heart-warming dynamic. These relationships add depth to the show, making it about more than just Ruby's weight loss journey—it's also about relationships, friendships, and the power of community support.

Throughout the series Ruby maintains a raw and open vulnerability that most reality show stars rarely display. She allows the camera to capture her struggles, triumphs, fears, and dreams. Ruby interacts with her audience on a personal level, sharing candidly about her deepest thoughts and feelings. This openness results in a reality show that feels intensely real and authentic.

Ruby's quest for a healthier lifestyle is often hindered by her limited knowledge about proper exercise and nutrition. This is especially evident in the early episodes, where she is seen struggling with intense workouts and adjusting to new, healthier eating habits. However, Ruby's resilience and determination to turn her life around inspire her to push through the challenges. The viewer witnesses her admirable efforts to change her eating and exercise habits, often confronting a sea of various emotions in the process.

Ruby also wrestles with her past, trying to retrieve her lost childhood memories, many of which are tied to trauma and might have contributed to her unhealthy relationship with food. She consults with a psychiatrist and a hypnotist hoping to retrieve some of these missing memories that she believes could unlock the reasons for her immense weight gain. This exploration of her past forms an integral part of the series as it offers a deeper understanding of Ruby's emotional struggle with obesity.

Ruby's honesty and charm make her easy to relate to, turning the show into an emotional roller-coaster for viewers as they cheer her on through her successes and empathize with her during setbacks. Throughout her journey, she remains a beacon of hope, proving that no matter how severe the situation, change is always within reach.

Behind the scenes, the show is produced with remarkable sensitivity and respect. It is clear from the outset that Ruby is not being exploited for entertainment. The camera angles and shots are chosen with care not to marginalize or objectify her because of her size, leaving the focus on Ruby as a person, her journey, and her experiences.

In conclusion, Ruby is more than a simple weight-loss reality show—it's a multi-layered exploration of life during a personal transformation. It’s about one woman's steadfast commitment to reclaiming her health and happiness against tough odds. The show is a delightful, heart-warming, often emotional but also inspiring journey that will leave audiences rooting for Ruby and reflecting on their relationships with their bodies and health.

Ruby is a series that ran for 4 seasons (41 episodes) between November 9, 2008 and on Style