For Chris and Roy Pickler, the past several months have been a period of gains and losses.
The Middlebury couple gained a higher profile and lost some anonymity. The Picklers also lost a lot of weight and gained healthier lifestyles.
And the community the Picklers call home gained two exemplary role models.
The positive changes the Picklers have made in their lives originated on a whim last fall, when the couple auditioned for the NBC reality TV program “The Biggest Loser.” The Picklers were picked and thus found themselves headed to “the ranch” in California, where they took part in workouts five to six hours a day.
Through it all, the Picklers’ efforts toward better health were recorded and broadcast for the viewing enjoyment of the folks back home and beyond.
That’s entertainment — and in the case of the Picklers and their influence, something more substantial.
Americans are collectively a hefty lot, and the issue is more than cosmetic. Being overweight comes with health risks and the potential for increased health care expenses. Losing weight is no easy task, though, and too many people who ought to shed pounds may not feel up to the challenge.
They need an example. They have the Picklers.
Chris shed 68 pounds during her time on the NBC program and Roy dropped 54 pounds. Post “Loser,” the Picklers continue to work to stay healthy. They are candid about the process being hard work.
“We will have to work for the rest of our lives fighting the food addiction we have, but we have the right tools to combat it,” Chris recently told The Goshen News. “We need to survive. We’re going to find a balance.”
The Picklers are doing more than setting a good example. They’re actively reaching out to people — at schools, public events and via Facebook — to encourage positive lifestyle changes.
For example, Roy has been mentoring a Goshen man whose weight had topped 400 pounds. The Goshenite told Roy the “Loser” was his inspiration.
“That is what we are doing,” Roy told The News. “We are trying to pay it forward, helping people.”
That’s admirable, and a lot more than just something to watch on TV.
Welcome back from the ranch, Roy and Chris. We’re happy you ‘losers’ are home.
Opinion
Related Photos
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Christine, left, and Roy Pickler of Middlebury competed this season on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” program. CHRIS HASTON
Need a role model? Pick the Picklers
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