Hugo L
You have probably watched at least one season of the Biggest Loser TV show. And if you haven’t watched it, I can guarantee that you have heard about it, because it’s a huge success. Not only in the US, but all around the world.
Starting to air on October 19 2004, the producers and fans can soon celebrate the 14 year anniversary. They can do so while enjoying the new season that will begin to air in September. That’s how popular it has become!
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Biggest Loser Records
Although it all started in the US, the Biggest Loser TV series has spread around the world. More specifically, it has aired in 27 different versions around the world, each targeting a different country or region.
You can imagine the number of contestants, weigh-ins and dramatic moments that have taken place on a Biggest Loser ranch somewhere on the planet. Many records have been set, and some of them are just unbelievable:
- Heaviest contestant: Michael Ventrella in season 9, weighed in at 526 lb. But the world record was set by Kevin Moore in Biggest Loser Australia, season 9, who weighed in at a whopping 562 lb (255 kg).
- Biggest weight loss (%): Rachel Frederickson in season 15 of Biggest Loser USA, lost 59.62% of her starting weight. She lost so much that it sparked an anorexia controversy.
- Most weight lost (lb): Michael Ventrella in season 9 (heaviest contestant in the US version of the show), lost an incredible 264 lb.
- Most weight lost in a week (lb): Moses Kinikini in season 11, lost 41 lb in a single week. That’s just crazy!
- Highest Body Mass Index (BMI): Arthur Wornum in season 11 had a starting BMI of 77.1. As a comparison, a normal BMI range would be in the range of 18.5 – 25.
Do You Remember All the Trainers?
If we stick to the American show, do you remember all the different trainers that have appeared over the 16 seasons? If you do, well done! Because there have been 9 of them (80+ coaches counting all 27 versions!).
If you don’t remember all of them, here they are:
- Bob Harper (season 1-). The only trainer to appear on all 16 seasons. Which isn’t surprising, considering how popular he’s become, and what an interesting person he is.
- Dolvett Quince (12-). First appeared in season 12, and very soon became a regular on the show. He’s been on the show ever since.
- Anna Kournikova (12). This former superstar of tennis, joined the Biggest Loser family as a trainer in season 12. She didn’t win any real big titles in tennis, and her Biggest Loser career ended the same way, as she wasn’t contracted for another season (yes, that was a mean comment, wasn’t it?).
- Brett Hoebel (11). Brett and Cara were also one-season wonders, just like Anna Kournikova.
- Cara Castronouva (11).
- Kim Lyons (3-4). Rumors say that Kim was fired due to bad behavior towards the contestants.
- Jillian Michaels (1-2, 4-11, 14-15). Except for Bob Harper, Jillian is the most popular trainer to appear on the show. Don’t be fooled by her beautiful looks, she is the real deal, and she can be very motivating.
- Jessie Pavelka (16-). Jessie and Jennifer are new trainers for the upcoming season 16.
- Jennifer Widerstrom (16-)
Did You Know That…
It’s not only a reality TV show, it’s also a video game? In fact, more than one game have been released. You can check them out here.
Contestants have to prepare their own food, clean their own rooms and do their own laundry? Perhaps not as glamorous as you thought it was? According to former contestant Bernie Salazar, this is meant to prepare them for the real world (yes there is a real world outside of TV!). Good idea, I think.
An Unanswered Question About the Biggest Loser TV Show
At the beginning of the series, the contestants have to take their shirts off when weighing in. But in later episodes when the remaining contestants have managed to lose a lot of weight, they have to wear shirts when weighing in! What?!
Let me recap. When they are extremely obese – it’s shirts off. When they look good – it’s shirts on! Where’s the logic?
