The University Board invited a participant from “The Biggest Loser,” an NBC reality show about health and weight loss, to Eastern to share her struggle with weight loss, and show individuals that it is possible to live a happy and healthy life.

Amanda Arlauskas, 21, a participant from season eight of the series, shared her struggle with obesity and the courage it took to make a change.

In an effort to better her life she sent interview tapes to “The Biggest Loser,” hoping they would let her be a part of the program. The first time she was denied. Amanda then tried again for season eight.

Weeks later she received a call from “The Biggest Loser” telling her that the judges were indecisive of whether they should allow her to be on the show or another woman. They told her that she had to fly to California, tell her story on national television and let America decide.

The viewers chose Arlauskas and from then on she was known as “America’s Choice”.

She attended “The Biggest Loser” ranch from May to December of 2009. During this time she had no connections to the outside world. Cell phones, computers and TV’s were not allowed at “The Biggest Loser” ranch.

While at the ranch she worked out eight hours a day and learned to eat nothing but whole foods and nothing fried.

“We did nothing but eat, sleep and work out,” Arlauskas said.

Before the show Arlauskas said she weighed 250 pounds and was extremely self-conscience. She said her self-esteem was so low she bought a dress, but did not go to prom. She said no one wanted to take a girl that wore a size 22/24 dress.

“This was my time for change, and I was ready,” Arlauskas, said.

By the end of the program Arlauskas, had lost 100 pounds.

She refers to the end of the program as the beginning of her new life. She said she has lost friendships due to jealousy and judgment, but gained new ones that are genuine. However, she said it was all worth it.

Amber Holland, a junior communication disorders and sciences major, is the UB Lecture Coordinator.

“This is the type of stuff people need to see,” Holland said. “They need to see a healthy body image so that they can know that it is obtainable, especially with summer coming.”

Shatierra Parks can be reached at 581-2812 sjparks@eiu.edu

Amanda Arlauskas, a former contestant on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”, talks about her problems with weight before the show, how the show helped her overcome her weight and what she does now to keep weight off. Arlauskas said she weighed 250 pounds before th

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