Last night NBC aired another The Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now? episode, where we checked in on 40 former contestants to see how they are doing with their new healthy lifestyle.
Since the show's inception, over 18,200 pounds have been lost by contestants. Most have kept off the weight since leaving the ranch; some have gained back a bit of weight. But one winner has gained back almost all of the weight he lost on the ranch.
Erik Chopin of New York was the third season's Biggest Loser. When he first arrived on the ranch, he weighed 407 pounds and had a starting BMI (Body Mass Index) of 52.3, which is the highest class of morbid obesity, "Obese Class III." At the finale, Erik weighed 193 pounds and had a BMI of 24.8, which is the lowest class of BMI and is categorized as "Normal." He had lost 52.58% of his total weight and took home the title of Biggest Loser.
On Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now?, Erik had a surprise visit from his former trainer, Bob Harper. Bob was surprised to find that Erik has gained back almost all of the weight he had lost on the ranch. Erik now weighs 368 pounds and feels he has disappointed Bob. But Bob was not disappointed and told Erik that he understands it's a struggle, but he felt that Erik was thinking incorrectly. Erik thought he would have to go back to extreme diet and exercise to "start all over" and lose the weight again. Bob said that he can't do extreme or it won't work; Erik just needs to find a balance for his daily life.
Erik took Bob to the gym where he has been boxing, and Bob was impressed and saw the potential. Bob offered Erik a goal to work towards - he asked Erik to come back to the season 9 finale and show off all the hard work he'll do between now and then. Erik, excited to have a goal to work towards, accepted. Will he stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan and finally lose the weight for good? We'll find out on the season 9 finale of The Biggest Loser!
Check out Erik Chopin's personal blog, where he describes the struggles he's faced since leaving the Biggest Loser ranch.
Season 9 of The Biggest Loser is set to start airing in early January 2010.
Comments
Thanks for this article. I posted it on my Facebook. Just so everyone knows when they read this, Erik went up to 368 a few months ago, actually in August 2009, after keeing much of the weight off until 2009, he has started losing again and is already down 40 lbs from there. He would ideally like to lose as much as he can before the finale in May, hopefully being a comfortable weight of 230.
Im sorry I cant edit the above, he kept most of the weight off until early 2008...ohhh the years are flying by!
When is the Season 9 Finale going to be aired?
it sways about it will air January 2010.
Thanks so much Michele! Great added info!
Stacey, the season begins in January. They usually run for about 15-18 weeks, but I don't think the schedule for that season has been fully released yet.
Thanks for the Eric update. I was wondering what he was up to...
I watched the episode and recorded it to watch over and over. I know exactly how Erik feels; been there, done that and been there again. This episode has really inspired me to have my tomorrow which started two days ago. I was really inspired by Erik and very inspired by what Bob had to say!! It's such a struggle and it continues everyday and everyday. Stick with it Erik and I can not wait to see the finale with you looking your best once again. I'll be right there with you on my own scale.
You can do it, Terie! You've already taken the first step: finding what inspires you, and making that commitment to yourself. I wish you all the best!
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