AUGUSTA, Ga. - It's a story of a young man who is on a mission to change his life at the age of 29. John Howard says he can't remember the last time he weighed less than 375 pounds.

"I've always been a big kid," said John Howard, Augusta’s Biggest Loser contestant.

John Howard's weight has always been a reality that he's come to terms with. Growing up, food was the center of every day life.

"When it was time to eat, that was when we had the best family relationship. Food was what made you happy," said Howard.

At the age of 29, John is now searching for a different kind of happiness. About six years ago, John met his first and only love Vanessa.

“I have always been attracted to guys with dark hair and fair skin,” said Vanessa Howard, Wife.

From the first time they met, John's weight was never an issue for Vanessa.

"I never really thought of it as an issue. I just love him for him because he has such a great personality and that's what attracted me to him," Vanessa.

Three years ago, John hit rock bottom with his weight, a secret he kept to himself until our interview.

"The heaviest I've been was 410. I never told Vanessa. It was embarrassing. It got past me and was a rough time," said Howard.

Life is now a little different for John. He has two little girls, Anna Rosa and Lillian.

"I can't run around with her. I try, but my weight, I can't keep up," said Howard.

"He tries to be as active as he can be, but a two and a half year old is real hyper, he just wants to be able to keep up," said Vanessa.

Now, he works out, every day he can, pushing himself, with one goal in mind: losing the weight to be a better father and husband to his family as he competes to become Augusta's Biggest Loser.

In four weeks, John has lost 20 pounds. If he can lose at least 100 pounds, his wife promised him a motorcycle.