Edinburgh man travels to Antigua for Discovery+ show 'The Big Body Hotel'

An Edinburgh man has taken part in a new Discovery+ programme titled ‘The Big Body Hotel’ which aims to allow for overweight people to learn to love themselves.

Pete Aubery, 44, is a children’s entertainer from the Capital and was put in touch with show producers after an Edinburgh friend had touted him as suitable.

The idea behind The Big Body Hotel is that overweight individuals can go on holiday and not be embarrassed about their size.

Those taking part in the eight-episode Discovery+ series were sent to resorts in the Bahamas and Antigua, which are run by Jim and Karin King.

The resorts are designed as private spaces that allow for guests to work through the issues they face being a plus-sized person.

Pete stayed at the Catamaran Hotel in Antigua and said the tasks as part of the show allowed him to learn to accept who he was and to feel comfortable in his own skin.

He said: “Hotel staff were extremely helpful and friendly as were the crew of the show. I enjoyed my time there as there was no judgement or funny looks or comments from anyone involved, and the camera crew really took the time to indulge my curiosity into the technical side of filming.

“There was no focus on boot camp style weight loss programmes but instead the show aimed to encourage us to work through our issues. Before I set off for Antigua I was asked to write a letter to myself and to share a picture that I did not like with producers. On the show I have to deal with that and there was a moment when another person on the programme noticed that I was smiling in the photo and that made me realise I was only allowing myself to see negatives.

The Big Body Hotel, available to stream now on discovery+

“And my challenge at the end of the show was to be able to stand up on a paddle board - something that does not sound difficult but can be for a man weighing 150 kilos. I was so proud of myself when I stood up.”

It was not all plain sailing for Pete in the Caribbean though as he grazed the top layer of skin from his toe when swimming and had to be taken to hospital.

When he arrived he was rushed to accident and emergency as a doctor discovered that his blood sugar was dangerously high - something caused by Pete not taking insulin.

Pete said that the nurses and doctors treated him fantastically.

The Big Body Hotel, available to stream now on discovery+

He added: “The incident with the insulin led to a scene where a friend I made on the show, Michelle, spoke to me to tell me to take better care of myself. That is something that I have learned since leaving the show is to take better care of myself as I am worth saving.

“I recommend going and taking advantage of these judgement free holidays. I would also like to give a call to action that if people are worried about weight or suicide - speak to somebody and you will get help somewhere you are not alone and people will understand.”

All 8 episodes are available to stream on discovery+ and viewers can sign up via web or app for £4.99 a month or £49.99 a year.

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