Original Air Date:
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Best Life Week Follow-Up
After the conclusion of the Best Life Week, the follow-up episode served as a way for viewers to share what they had learned from the shows and implemented into their own lives.
Biggest Loser Erik Chopin - Off the Wagon:
Oprah's email has been flooded with people commenting on the Best Life Week show on falling off the weight-loss wagon. One of those viewer comments came from Erik Chopin, the season 3 winner of The Biggest Loser. When Erik started the reality show, he weighted in at 407 pounds, and after 8 months lost an amazing 214 pounds.
Erik had chosen to stay out of the spotlight to hide that he was lying to the world about his weight. Feeling like he had let his family and fans down, Erik was embarrassed that his weight had risen to 315 pounds since winning the reality show.
When talking to Oprah, Erik shared the denial he was in while putting the weight on; not getting on the scales and falling into a deep depression. An admitted food addict, Erik expressed to Oprah that he used the food as a way to heal himself; to make himself feel better. Oprah shared the problem of thinking that weight troubles are something that can be conquered.
Knowing that if weight if ever an issue, it will always need to be managed, is a place for anyone who has fallen off of the wagon to start. Erik stated that 2009 will be a new year for him; he realizes that going beyond the "finish line" of The Biggest Loser will be his hardest challenge, but he's ready to do it for himself this time.
Viewer Weight Loss Story - Corinne from London:
Via Skype, Corinne described being at her highest weight and using excuses not to be healthy until she saw Oprah on Monday explain that she exercises even though she doesn't like it. Corinne found a fun way to exercise - salsa aerobics!
Grandma Cindy's Weight Loss & Gain:
Viewers may remember Cindy, a grandmother who lost 50 pounds and became a bodybuilder. In February of 2003, Cindy showed off her new body by wearing a bikini on Oprah. Cindy Skyped in on the show from her home in NC, where she shared that she was so embarrassed to watch the clip of the way her body was now that she has put the weight back on.
Oprah stated again that we all need to let go of the shame and move forward with honesty. It's most important to start with gratitude, says Oprah, and be thankful for everything your body has done for you in the past year. Make the mission about taking care of yourself.
Viewer Money Story - Nima from Virginia :
Nima watched the Suze Orman show for making a 2009 Action Plan and Skyped in to share how she and her husband have made changed with their money since the show. Nima decided to:
- Open a "hands-off" account and start saving every month
- Check on mortgage terms - Nima was able to consolidate her mortgage and home equity line of credit with a lower interest rate and saved $678 a month
- Eat out less and pack a daily lunch
- Plan how to spend extra savings - Nima chose to put more into her 401K account and extra towards the mortgage payment
Viewer Sex Life Story - Foreplay Map with Karyn and Jerry:
Karyn watched the Best Life show with Dr. Berman and liked the foreplay map, so she shared the idea with her husband Jerry. After being married for 28 years, the couple were excited to open up a different conversation about sex and learn something new about each other. Karyn and Jerry didn't rush through the process and were sensitive to each other's wants and needs - having an extra-special intimate encounter 3 days in a row! The couple shared that the exercise would be great for anyone looking to open communication with added intimacy and safety with on another; gaining new knowledge of your partner's wants.
Oprah's Thyroid Correction:
Oprah wanted to clear the air from Tuesday's Best Life episode with Dr. Oz where she announced that she was cured of her thyroid problem. What Oprah meant by that statement was that her thyroid levels are normal and she is off of her medication.
Oprah welcome Dr. Oz back via Skype from his office in NY to clarify Oprah's condition. Dr. Oz explained how most people have an under, or hypo, productive thyroid which causes weight gain. Oprah's thyroid was over, or hyper, productive and then shifted to under productive - like a rollercoaster.
Dr. Oz described the thyroid as the thermostat for your body; which causes discomfort if it's off. Dr. Oz suggests that each person be the "world expert for your body" - that only you know what hormone level is right for your body. Just like there is no normal shoe size, there is also no typical hormone level for everyone. If your body feels off, insist that your doctor does something for you. Your body is talking to you, says Dr. Oz, and you need to listen to it.
Reverend Ed Bacon - Being Gay is a Gift from God:
On Wednesday's Best Life episode on Spirituality 101, Rev. Ed Bacon made the comment to a viewer on Skype that "being gay is a gift from God." Oprah knew as soon as he said it, that it would cause people from all backgrounds to start talking. Both Oprah.com and Rev. Bacon's church website received a number of visitors causing a heated discussion in both directions - for and against the statement.
Rev. Bacon appeared on the show via Skype from Seattle to say that he "meant exactly what he said." Rev. Bacon clarified that every person is a gift from God, particularly those who are shunned by society.
Many who emailed Rev. Bacon expressed that his statement helped their hearts to heal and felt free having his public support.