US weight loss dance show renewed

The Oxygen network has renewed Dance Your Ass Off for another season in 2010.

The reality series was both criticised and praised during its inaugural year, which saw overweight competitors attempt to get fit through diet and intensive dance routines with professionals.

Last season's winner Ruben Permel, who lost 73lbs during the competition, told People that the show "changed" his life.

He said: "On the show, we learned choreography, a routine. Now I can go social dancing. I can do the fox trot, I can do the salsa, I can do a swing dance with a complete stranger.

"It's kind of cliché to say, 'Oh [the show] changed my life', but actually it did."

Amy Introcaso-Davis, senior VP of programming for Oxygen, added: "We loved watching as contestants danced off nearly 500 pounds. We hope to inspire the entire country to eat healthy and get off the couch and dance!"

The programme's second season will be produced by Magical Elves, the company behind Top Chef for the Bravo network. There is no word yet if host Marissa Jaret Winokur will return as presenter for the new instalment.