Miss Michigan USA Amber Uhler will compete in the 75th annual Miss USA pageant, vying for the crown at 41 years old, making her the oldest contestant. Her journey to the stage is marked by a dramatic 170-pound weight loss, prompted by a stark warning from her doctor and a deeply embarrassing experience at a trampoline park.
Five years ago, Uhler weighed 300 pounds and was prediabetic. Her doctor informed her that her health put her at risk of not living to see her children graduate college. This health scare was compounded by an incident at a trampoline park where she became stuck in a foam pit, requiring assistance from three men to extract her. This event left Uhler feeling profoundly humiliated and highlighted the physical limitations her weight imposed.
"I didn’t realize how much my weight was limiting me until I was waist-deep in that pit, completely stuck," she told Canvas Rebel. "I tried everything to pull myself out — pushing, grabbing, crawling — but my body simply wouldn’t cooperate."
Following childbirth, Uhler had gained weight after having three children in four years. She described feeling like she was living a "half-life," struggling with basic activities like climbing stairs.
Her transformative goal became competing in a beauty pageant. This aspiration fueled her dedication to a disciplined regimen. "I knew I wanted to lose a crazy amount of weight, and I knew I needed to have a crazy goal to go along with it," she said. Uhler emphasized that the process required persistence, acknowledging instances where she faltered, such as waking up with a dozen doughnuts in her bed, but stressed the importance of recommitting each day.
While Uhler found that exercise was not inherently enjoyable for her, she increased her physical activity through daily walks and playing with her children. Her significant weight loss, however, was primarily achieved through dietary changes. After trying various programs, she found success with Jenny Craig, citing its pre-portioned meals as instrumental in eliminating guesswork and preventing overeating.
Over three and a half years, Uhler lost 170 pounds. Her success led her to win Mrs. Florida Universe in 2024 and Mrs. Universe USA in 2025. This year, she was appointed Miss Michigan USA.
Despite her age and past struggles, Uhler's confidence has grown. She noted the support she has received from younger contestants, stating, "I thought I was going to get here, and I was going to show up and see the 20-somethings and feel so insecure, but they’ve all rallied behind me."
Uhler's overarching message is one of personal reinvention. "I want to prove to everyone that you can rewrite your own story and that you can become your best self," she told FOX 13. She aims to inspire others by demonstrating that one's circumstances are not fixed and that a better self can be achieved.