Rod Durham, a Florida high school teacher who appeared on Season 4 of ABC’s “Extreme Weight Loss,” has died at the age of 52. While on the show he lost nearly 200 pounds.
Durham taught drama and English at Leon High School in Tallahassee.
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His body was discovered at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale, where he was visiting during the school’s spring break, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. While the official cause of death has yet to be released, many speculate that he died of diabetic shock.
Severe hypoglycemia, or diabetic shock, is a serious health risk for anyone with diabetes. Also called insulin reaction, as a consequence of too much insulin, it can occur anytime there is an imbalance between the insulin in your system, the amount of food you eat, or your level of physical activity. If a person with diabetes forgets to eat after taking an insulin shot, they may end up with too much insulin in their blood.
Trainer on the show Chris Powell, wrote about Durham’s bubbly personality. “Your positive energy and contagious laugh brightened this world and everyone lucky enough to meet you. You had an ability to make everyone feel special and loved. You changed your own life and in the process, you motivated and inspired millions of others.”
“You have forever made a positive difference in this world,” he captioned an Instagram photo of the two. “We love you and miss you Rod. There are some lucky angels up there because they can enjoy your awesomeness now. We’ll see you again, brother. PS I’m sure heaven has a pretty sweet gym and all the weight you can lift.”
During his journey on “Extreme Weight Loss,” Durham discussed his addiction to food and admitted that feelings of fear and rejection drove him to eat.
“Without a doubt, I know that I substitute food for fellowship and friendship and camaraderie, and that’s where I seek that stuff,” Durham said on the show.
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Even after the show Durham was dealt another major blow when his father died. But he kept going on with his newfound attitude and drive.
“That whole experience with Extreme Weight Loss gave me back my life,” he told Durham Tallahassee Magazine. “Yes, I lost a lot of weight, but this transformation really has very little do with my weight loss. The transformation was in my head and in my heart.”
Rest in peace Rod. You will be missed.
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