Dr. Holly Wyatt of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has written the forward to a new book by JD Roth, producer of hit reality television programs including Extreme Weight Loss and The Biggest Loser.
Published by Readers Digest and now available, “The Big Fat Truth: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Losing Weight and Gaining the Inner Strength to Transform Your Life” explores mental and emotional awareness, and fortitude as the missing links in transformative weight loss. What makes someone top out at 500 pounds or more – or even carry an extra 20, 30 or 50 pounds – is on the inside, according to Roth. The book aims to get readers to address the real reasons they’re overweight through a combination of enthusiasm, empathy and a no-holds-barred style of what Roth calls “tough love.”
“It turns out JD has a true gift, a natural insight into what it really takes to help people lose weight and succeed in life,” says Wyatt, associate director of the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center and medical director for Seasons 4 and 5 of ABC’s “Extreme Weight Loss,” in her foreword. “This book is about the power of believing in yourself, the power of deciding you are not going to let the excuses you have used for so long stand in your way, the power to finally go and do it.”
“The Big Fat Truth” is presented in three sections that reflect Roth’s three-step solution to anything: 1) identify the problem; 2) make a list of things you need to do; and 3) now go do it! The book includes short, straight‑to‑the‑point chapters within each section that help readers identify their real issues and shake up their lives to do what they previously thought was impossible.
Roth says: “Looking good is great, but we have the opportunity to change our lives in a much more profound way—just like so many of the participants in our weight-loss shows have. As the producer and the behind-the-scenes guy in charge of inspiring, persuading and prodding contestants to stay committed to change, I have seen people overcome the most horrific obstacles to reshape their bodies and their lives.”
Included throughout the book are inspiring stories, advice and before‑and‑after photos from people Roth has helped to lose weight both on-camera and off. The book also includes tips to help readers stay accountable and a 30‑day plan to put this advice into action.
“The Big Fat Truth: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets to Losing Weight and Gaining the Inner Strength to Transform Your Life,” published by Reader’s Digest, is on sale April 12 at bookstores and bigfattruthjdroth.com.