This weekend I visited Dr. Jeff Levine’s home to learn more about his experience on the popular reality-based TV show, “The Biggest Loser”.  From the thousands of emails they receive each day from fans of his, they luckily found my email to them, asking for an interview, and thought it might be something worthwhile!

One of the things they asked me was, “Why us? Why not one of the other Biggest Loser contestents?” - since Dr. Jeff didn’t win the Biggest Loser show in Season 2.  I explained to them, that I believed that the impact of the show, and losing an incredible amount of weight the way he did, had a far reaching impact on his views as a Women’s Health physician and educator, as well as a parent of 4 girls.  As we look for important people to interview for the documentary, I believe it is not only about inspiring each individual to change their lives, but to demonstrate the role in which many of us play in turning inspiration into something real.  I feel that the message he and his family have to share sets a perfect example of the important role a physician has with his patients, as well as the critical role parents have in terms of shaping what our children know and do.

 First of all, Dr. Jeff and I spoke only once on the phone together…and exchanged a couple of emails about our project.  Nonetheless, he and Doris invited me into their home to stay - which not only helped with my travel expenses, but gave me a great deal of time to get to know them.  People I’ve told about it could hardly believe how these people would invite a stranger into their home…I quickly learned that this is the kind of people they are.

From my earlier blog entry, you can see I have these “theories” on how to best get kids to buy into healthier lifestyles.  Dr. Jeff and Doris explained to me how before the TV show experience, they did try to get their kids to do the right things…but the difference was that they didn’t feel like they had to follow the same set of rules.  What they discovered however, was that it wasn’t until the parents adopted the healthy habits, that their daughters began really following along.  They learned the importance of setting the example, by living the way they wanted their children to live.  That meant spending time finding healthy options that the whole family enjoyed, instead of forcing their daughters to eat things that they didn’t enjoy at all…and the difference as they explained, will forever change all of their lives.

 Unlike typical kids, the Levine girls read food labels and are very conscious of their food choices…they read the labels and look for healthier foods.  They’ve learned that just because something is considered “healthy” - that it doesn’t have to taste bad.  Doris and Dr. Jeff explain that it is a lot of trial and error finding the things their kids like to eat, that are healthy — but the end result is worth it.  They allow their kids to eat junk food when they choose to, but make sure to educate their kids on the importance of healthier food options…so they are much more aware of food…not obsessed, but better informed eaters!  These important lessons, I believe, they will carry with them for the rest of their lives…and they will pass these habits down to future generations! 

As a physician, we discussed the critical importance of “caring” for patients…that when patients believe you really care about their well-being, they really can respond to the things you say.  And the fact that Dr. Jeff has gone through a dramatic weight loss experience himself, has given him a greater apprecitation for the challenges his patients face…and as he shows others what is possible, he inspires his patients to live healthier lives.

You’ll have to watch the film to see the other lessons we’ve learned from Dr. Jeff’s experience…about excuses, about never giving up on something, and the most important lessons he learned from the Biggest Loser.

Special thanks to the Levine family for their incredible generosity and genuine desire to help many others find the happiness they have found.   Another great experience!