The biggest loser winner michelle aguilar today, For 14 seasons, ‘The Biggest Loser’ has inspired millions of people to begin a journey of weight loss, healthy living and hope. Contestants have worked hard to beat the odds and lose hundreds of pounds, re-gaining a life they never knew they could have. As we cheered and rooted for each ‘Loser’ to reach their goal, they showed us that with relentless effort, courage, and dedication they can accomplish anything. Read on to see where all 14 ‘Biggest Loser’ winners are now.
Then: Actor Ryan Benson lost 122 pounds from his 330-pound frame, becoming the first ‘Biggest Loser’ and the recipient of a quarter of a million dollars.
Now: Post-’Loser,’ Benson admitted to starving himself during the show and relying on unhealthy “cleanses” to lose more weight in the lead-up to the finale. As of 2009, Benson put on all of the weight he had lost (and supposedly gained 30 pounds right after the show ended, merely by re-hydrating himself). Though he has not been in the public eye as much, in 2008, he starred in a movie about body image called ‘Disfigured,’ and does tweet occasionally.
Then: Matt Hoover was the show’s second winner, losing a total of 157 pounds — a whopping 46% of his body weight. In addition to losing the weight and gaining the top prize, Hoover also found love on the show, marrying fellow contestant Suzy Preston in 2006.
Now: Hoover and Preston are still happily married with two young sons. While Hoover has gained some of the weight back, he leads an active lifestyle, training and running marathons, and blogs about helpful weight loss tips and training regimes. He even authored a book, called ‘Matt Hoover’s Guide to Life, Love, and Losing Weight,’ which was published in 2008.
Then: During Season 3, Erik Chopin lost an incredible 214 pounds, going from 407 pounds to 193 in eight months — clinching the title of ‘Biggest Loser.’
Now: After the show, Chopin gained back most of the weight — a difficult journey that was later portrayed in a one-hour Discovery Health documentary special called ‘Confessions of a Reality Show Loser.’ Part of the reason he re-gained the weight, Chopin believed, was because he didn’t feel he had a purpose in life. Now, as a certified spin instructor and counselor for The Greater You, he has found his passion in life through helping and motivating others. As of 2011, he weighs 245 pounds and maintains a healthy lifestyle by training and competing in marathons.
Then: Bill Germanakos appeared on Season 4 of ‘The Biggest Loser’ with his twin brother, Jim. Originally starting at 334 pounds, Germanakos ultimately lost a total of 164 pounds and was declared the winner of the season, winning $250,000. (Jim was declared the “at-home” winner and received $100,000.)
Now: Since winning the champion title, Germanakos has gone on to become a full-time motivational speaker. Also a group fitness instructor, he has gained a tiny portion of the weight back, but still is focused on living a healthy, active and inspirational lifestyle. He and his brother run their own website, Weight Loss Twins.
