This week on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition 2012 followed Nyla’s journey. She started at 435 pounds and asked Chris Powell for help becoming the woman she feels inside. She was 27 years old but felt in her 30′s because of the excess weight and low self esteem.
When Chris went to surprise Nyla, she had just finished eating 10 lbs of crawfish. The restaurant gave her a shirt for the accomplishment. When Nyla read it, it said “I ate 10 pounds of crawfish and all I got was a year with Chris Powell.” Just then Chris came out and gave Nyla the surprise of her lifetime.
The First Phase
The goal for the first phase was for Nyla to lose 100 pounds. Chris was purposely trying to make her uncomfortable so that she would learn to appreciate her luxuries. Part of this was he regulated her thermostat. Nyla, being so overweight, was hot and sweaty most of the time. At home she would crank the air conditioning down to 16 degrees so she could be comfortable. Chris put a lock on the AC at 21 degrees. It was a battle with Chris and Nyla to see who was the more stubborn of the two.
At the end of this phase she had only lost 74 lbs. and missed her goal. Her reward to take dancing classes would have to wait.
The Second Phase
Nyla wanted Chris to get fed up with her and walk out, just like her father did. Chris gave her the option to choose her own goal and Nyla said she would try to lose 70 pounds. During this time, Nyla fell into some monetary hardships and could not continue to follow Chris Powell’s diet plan. She was living on ramen noodles and her body punished her for it. She only lost 20 lbs. this phase.
The Third Phase
Her final goal was not to reach a goal weight but to face her past. Chris gave her a folder including all the information on her father. Nyla initially refused to look at up, but caved to her curiosity. She found out that her father had committed suicide the year earlier. Inside were letters from his side of the family that were full of love and acceptance. She lost her father but gained so much from her new relatives.
On the last day it was revealed that she now weighs 278 lbs. and has lost 157 lbs. She said that her journey is just beginning.
