CHRIS POWELL TRAINS SARA, THE FIRST "LITTLE PERSON" TO BE FEATURED ON ABC'S "EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS"

Rocco DiSpirito Guest Stars

"Sara" (Owensboro, KY) - Though she often jokes about being "vertically challenged" (at 4'5"), Sara has faced a lifelong struggle with her height�and her weight. At 39 years old, Sara is nearly 150 pounds overweight. Believing her weight is holding her back from her true potential, Sara wrote a letter to trainer and transformation specialist Chris Powell asking him for help. Her yearlong physical and emotional journey will be documented on the hit series "Extreme Weight Loss," airing TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET/PT) on the ABC Television Network.

Growing up, Sara was constantly made fun of for being short. When her weight started increasing, the bullying worsened. Though she belongs to a large and supportive family, fitting in with her siblings and friends was always difficult. At 26, in a fit of frustration, Sara decided to join a convent, hopeful that answering to a higher calling would help her find her place in the world. Unfortunately, she felt she wasn't accepted as a nun, either, and decided to leave after six years.

Sara currently works for the Green River District Health Department in a program called HANDS (Health Access Nurturing Developmental Services), where she is a family support worker and certified state trainer.

On "EWL," Chris will take on Sara -- his first ever "little person" -- as a client, and lead her on a journey that will transform her life forever. Neither Chris nor Sara will allow her physical limitations to stop her from achieving her goals. In fact, Chris challenges Sara to complete a half marathon (which is the equivalent of a full marathon for someone of regular height).

Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito will stop by to teach Sara how to make healthier versions of her favorite Tex-Mex dishes.

New in Season 4, in addition to working with Chris and Heidi Powell, 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