Hometown Chicago, IL
Occupation Deejay
Team Color White
Teammate Maria Ventrella, mother
Starting Weight 526
Week 18 Weight 299
Total Loss -227
Family Single
Videos and Interviews
Exclusive interview week one at the ranch
Health Wake-Up Call with Dr. Huizenga
Factoids
Set record for most weight loss lost in week one by any contestant in history (-34 pounds) – Week 1
Set goal to lose 100 pounds by week six, to beat Rudy’s season 8 record. – Week 2
Set record for reaching 100 pound weight loss in week 7, beating Rudy’s record. – Week 7
Mini Bio
Michael grew up spending time with his father’s band, and from that became inspired by music and has been working as a mobile deejay since age 11. The exposure to large groups and crowds helped him to feel comfortable as the center of attention. At an early age, Michael began struggling with his weight. In recent years he has tried everything possible to lose weight, including dangerous over-the-counter and prescription pills, fad diet plans, expensive nutritionists, starvation and, at his most desperate attempts, inducing bulimia. Michael’s primary goals are to pursue a career in advertising and public relations, and to eventually meet the love of his life to start a family.
Factoids
Becomes the heaviest contestant in the show’s history
Other Spellings Mike, Micheal, Ventrela, Vetrella
