QUICK TAKE

ABC'S HIT SERIES "EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS" IS PICKED UP FOR A FIFTH SEASON

Special Editions "Love Can't Weight" Featured Next Summer

The ABC Television Network has ordered 13 new two-hour episodes of the hit series "Extreme Weight Loss," a unique, non-competitive show about weight loss that documents the unprecedented 365-day journeys of courageous, "super-obese" people. Season 4 is currently airing on Tuesdays (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT) with its highest ratings in more than two seasons. The series is produced by Eyeworks USA.

In Season 5, there will also be three special editions, "Extreme Weight Loss: Love Can't Weight," in which Chris & Heidi Powell will help three couples get in shape -- both physically and emotionally - for each of their weddings.

Ratings highlights for Season 4:

· "Extreme Weight Loss" ranks No. 2 in the Tuesday 8:00-10:00 p.m. slot among Adults 18-49, behind only NBC's "America's Got Talent." "Extreme Weight Loss" dominates its unscripted competition on FOX ("Riot"/"I Wanna Marry Harry") head-to-head by enormous triple-digit margins in Total Viewers and Adults.

· On average, "Extreme Weight Loss" is growing its overall audience over its prior summer average and is up by 9% in Adults 18-49.

New in Season 4, in addition to working with Chris and Heidi, each participant spends the first 90 days of his or her weight loss journey at the renowned University of Colorado's Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) in Aurora, CO.

Chris and Heidi, along with AHWC's medical director Holly Wyatt, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado, guide participants on their journeys to safely lose up to half their body weight, ultimately revealing an amazing metamorphosis. The Anschutz Health and Wellness Center offers some of the country's most advanced research and science-based expertise, focusing on a comprehensive weight loss and weight loss management approach, including fitness, nutrition and wellness services.

"Extreme Weight Loss" is produced by Eyeworks USA. JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson, Matt Assmus and Brant Pinvidic are the executive producers.

For more information on "Extreme Weight Loss," visit ABC.com