Fat, blubber, spare tire, middle-aged spread, lard, adipose tissue –call it what you will, courageous Canadians are tired of it and are Taking It Off ! Over the course of six months, participants struggle against the challenges life throws at them on their path to weight loss and wellness. With cameras documenting all the real life drama, these ordinary people grapple with often extraordinary circumstances while striving to stay on track with their new lifestyle commitments.

Taking It Off participants come from a wide range of careers and backgrounds but they all share the same desire – to lose weight sensibly and permanently. There’s the single father of three, tipping the scales at 463 pounds; the former model determined to never again hear “too bad, she has such a pretty face”; the gay hairdresser resolute that a physical makeover is the route to emotional and spiritual attunement; the young bride-to-be who wants a picture perfect wedding and a much smaller wedding dress; the housewife who has decided that it’s “time for her”, now that the children are grown; and the single dad, about to hit 30, afraid of succumbing to the family’s history of heart disease. A host of nutritionists and fitness experts provide both the participants and home viewers with excellent fat-fighting facts and tips for “taking it off”.

Taking It Off won a Gemini Award for Best Lifestyle/General Interest series in its second season (2003) and has received thousands of heartfelt emails over the years from viewers responding to its stories, proving that the desire to affect change in ourselves strikes a chord in all of us.  Taking It Off’s website offers viewers an opportunity to track the participant’s progress, pick up weight loss tips and connect with others who are fighting the good fight.  Visit us at www.takingitoffonline.com and join the journey toward a healthier lifestyle.


KEEPING IT OFF?

Those brave, funny, flawed people who staged a war on fat have been all alone with their fridges for some time now.  No more cameras.  No more national TV audience weighing each mouthful and each bead of sweat.  The pressure’s off, but are they Keeping It Off? 

Six past participants from the first three seasons of Taking It Off lay bare their bodies and their secrets once more, to inspire and enlighten everyone who’s ever gasped at a bulge or a binge.  This one hour special goes behind-the-scenes to discover:  Who’s keeping in shape?  Who’s still struggling?  Who’s given up, and why?