Ride of a Lifetime: Ohio man lost nearly 200 pounds to ride Kings Island's new coaster

MASON, Ohio (WKRC) - Seven years ago, Jared Ream had given up on what he loves: roller coasters. Weighing in at 430 pounds, he couldn't fit on the rides.

But, on Aug. 15, 2019, Ream's life changed with one simple announcement: Orion was coming to Kings Island, and Ream was going to ride it no matter what.

Ream is waiting in line to realize a dream he's been working hard to get ready for. He's strapped in and ready to ride Orion.

"The first drop is amazing, and the speed hill and the air time -- it's excellent," Ream said. "I'm at peace. I'm relaxed when I'm riding roller coasters. To me, that's my happy place is when I'm riding roller coasters."

When he weighed 430 pounds, Ream got escorted off roller coasters all the time because he couldn't fit in the seats.

"I always told myself that if Kings Island ever built a B&M giga-coaster that I would have to ride it no matter what," said Ream. "The day that they announced Orion was the day in which I said to myself, 'I will lose this weight.' I went and I bought a scale, I weighed myself that day and I was 430 pounds."

Orion was the goal, and he took no days off to get there.

"Reduced my diet down to around 2,000 calories. I was exercising daily within my garage. While binge-watching television shows, I would run in place," he said.

Ten months and 190 pounds later, Ream rode Orion for the fifth time.

"Not only is it a great roller coaster, but for me, it will always be one of my top favorite roller coasters just because of the sentimental value of it," said Ream. "Before all of this, I was on blood pressure medication, cholesterol medication and now I'm off all of it...I've received many messages from many people that have said, 'This has happened to me. It's great to hear your story that I can do.' I've gotten messages saying that they're going to start their diet based on what I told them my story was, and it just makes me feel good that I've helped those people."

Ream said the thrill of the ride was worth it and he plans to ride it over and over again.

"It was a motivation for me to change my life, and I'll think about that every time I ride the ride."

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