Austin Andrews Says
“Check Into Life!”
The lovable and talented Austin Andrews, a former contestant on television’s hit series “The Biggest Loser” on NBC, will be at The Daniel Plan Fun Walk & Run on June 11 at Saddleback Church’s Lake Forest campus.
Austin, 21, competed on The Biggest Loser during the recent 11th Season, which aired from January through May. Although he did not win the competition — after losing 174 pounds — he won the hearts of viewers nationwide.
He says that improving his health has helped him “check into life,” and now is campaigning to help others who may have checked out.
“I regained my life and, more specifically, my health by checking back into life,” said Austin who resides in Pasadena, California. Prior to The Biggest Loser show, Austin’s top weight was 435 pounds, and he was diagnosed as a pre-diabetic with high blood pressure, and suffered from sleep apnea.
“With the weight off, I have found myself completely clear of my previous illnesses, and I want to turn around and pay forward this health and new found lifestyle to as many people as possible,” he said.
Specifically, Austin wishes to help the church get healthy and schools fight childhood obesity.
“I want to share my story with believers and non-believers alike,” said Austin whose father Ken is the Senior Pastor at Pasadena Christian Center. “We are called to be caregivers of both the earth that we inherited and our bodies that should be treated as temples. I want to ignite change and help give people the hope that change is possible.”
Austin said when he was 10 years old, he “checked out” and his weight escalated. Now he sees an opportunity to help schools and communities recognize the importance of taking healthy options seriously.
“My goal is to be a part of the solution for childhood obesity. I want to be a catalyst to help change how educators and parents of school-age children approach health, fitness and wellness. I also want to help children become aware of the benefits of being healthy. This is not only about weight and looking good. It is about self-esteem, how well students can learn, and how they fit in with their peers,” he said.
Austin, who attended the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts and is a talented musician, says he wants to “change the obesity problem one person at a time.”
“A goal of mine is to change the obesity problem one life at a time by letting people know that all they have to do is Check Into Life. With hard work and persistence I have overcome my greatest adversary, my weight. If I can do it, anyone can. I want to help the world, will you help me?”
Learn more about Austin’s televised journey and campaign at www.austinandrews.net.
