Tag Archives: Biggest Loser 15

Biggest Loser Nutritionist Cheryl Forberg, RD Approves Rachel’s Dramatic Weight Loss

Nutritionist Cheryl Forberg, RD, has worked with contestants on “The Biggest Loser” since day 1. The James Beard–award winning chef and educator has been a behind-the-scenes fixture for almost all of the 15 seasons, coaching contestants on all things food—from portion control, to nutrient content, to to healthy recipes. In fact, she was in almost constant contact with season 15’s controversial winner, Rachel Frederickson, according to an article Forberg just penned for the Huffington Post.

Here’s what she had to say about Frederickson:

I am always asked if I’ve had favorite contestants over the years. Naturally I do, but I haven’t singled anyone out. Rachel Frederickson would definitely be high on this list. From the beginning of the season, she has been positive, inquisitive and focused, in terms of learning and living the eating plan I teach.

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Posted on February 13, 2024 by Jessica Cassity

“I Feel Absolutely Great.” Biggest Loser’s Rachel Frederickson Speaks About Her Win and Shocking Weight Loss

Last night’s Biggest Loser finale wasn’t exactly the celebration we were all hoping for. Rachel Frederickson, a favorite to win, and one of our favorite contestants to watch, was named the Biggest Loser over Bobby Saleem and David Brown. Her victory should have been wonderful, but instead had a sour taste to it.

What stuck out was how thin she appeared to be. At just 105 pounds, Rachel lost 60 percent of her body weight during her Biggest Loser journey, setting a new record for highest percentage of body weight lost during the show. NBC has offered “No comment” about Rachel’s weight loss.

Mary Hartley, R.D., spoke out against the speed at which Rachel lost weight.

“Fast weight loss is often associated with muscle loss and protein-calorie malnutrition since protein from the muscles and organs is converted to glucose to feed your brain. Muscle glucose makes up for the lack of glucose coming in. Rapid weight loss, and any starvation, leads to psychological changes that promote binge eating as the body attempts to replace lost mass.”

From a starting weight of 260 pounds, Rachel lost 155 pounds in 7 months. What concerns us about her weight loss is Rachel admits to being 5’5″ tall which puts her current BMI at 17.5. That’s solidly in the underweight range, and she is the only contestant in Biggest Loser history (worldwide) to end their season underweight.

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Posted on February 5, 2024 by Elizabeth

Rachel’s 60 Percent Weight Loss is Nothing to Celebrate; Biggest Loser Should be Ashamed

UPDATE: Editor Brandi Koskie spoke with WCCO radio in Minneapolis, MN, about Rachel’s shocking weight loss. Listen to the conversation here:

105 pounds. 60% loss? Rachel is beautiful, but @biggestlosernbc that is not healthy. We both know that. We shouldn’t celebrate that.

That’s what I tweeted tonight once the confetti fell on the Biggest Loser stage. Reactions of shell-shocked viewers, like this one, poured in. And there are more below.

I don’t think I’ve ever been this uncomfortable watching the finale. Rachel just looks so sickly. She shouldn’t be able to win. #BLfinale

— Bobby (@Elbobbo87) February 5, 2024

Rachel Frederickson may have won Biggest Loser season 15 tonight, but there’s very little to celebrate. She looked stunning when she was finally revealed during the live finale, but awe turned to shock when millions of viewers at home noticed her frail, skeletal frame.

“I knew it would come to this someday, just wish it hadn’t,” was the comment from a trusted insider who attended the finale. For years people have wondered if the $250,000 prize money would push contestants too far. This isn’t the first time a finalist has looked too thin on that scale; but no one has ever looked as frighteningly emaciated as Rachel did tonight.

“It’s so much worse in person, isn’t it?” I texted, following the show’s ending.

“I legitimately cried,” our insider told us upon seeing Rachel in person. “[NBC] should be beyond ashamed.”

NBC has “no statement,” confirmed at 9:15am today.

My sentiments were the same as my insider’s. Rachel’s final weigh-in put her at 105 pounds. That’s not how much she lost, that’s her current weight, a 60% total weight loss off of a starting weight of 260 pounds. That percentage, most likely one of the highest in show history, absolutely secured her win. (more…)

Posted on February 4, 2024 by Natalie K

Bob Harper’s Coming Out Conversation Helped Biggest Loser’s Bobby Find Self-Pride, Weight Loss

The Blue Team may have resisted the temptation of eating waistline-busting food delivered by the diner-working White Team, but that still wasn’t enough to put them on top at the final weigh-in. After an emotional experience on the Biggest Loser Ranch that included a life-changing conversation with mentor and trainer Bob Harper, contestant Bobby Saleem fell below the red line and was sent home.

Today we spoke with Bobby about his decision to discuss his homosexuality on the show, and how he’s been doing since he was eliminated.

This season, trainer Bob Harper had a milestone moment when he announced that he was gay. The admission may not have been a surprise to viewers, but it was a defining moment for Bobby, who was able to share his struggle with homosexuality. Today, Bobby said their conversation was an emotional turning point.

DIR: Was your coming-out conversation with Bob helpful, and if so, what role do you think it played in your weight loss?

Bobby: It was absolutely helpful. Before coming on to the ranch, I felt ashamed of being gay. I never had a role model I could look up to. After my conversation with Bob, I realized that being gay doesn’t make you weak. Now I’m proud of the skin I’m in, emotionally and physically. (more…)

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Dani Stone

A Very Biggest Loser Thanksgiving: 7 Fat-Trimming Tips from the Ranch and a Pumpkin Flan Recipe

Tune in to Biggest Loser tonight for a special Thanksgiving on the ranch. We’ll see the contestants gather ’round the kitchen for all of the traditional favorites like turkey, dressing, gravy, and of course a pumpkin dessert. But a few things will be missing – loads of fat, calories, and processed ingredients.

Don’t feel too bad for the contestants missing their families, though. By our calculations, this Thanksgiving episode would have filmed in mid August; meaning most or all of them are home with their families for the real holiday this week.

Cheryl Forberg, RD, the show’s dietitian and a James Beard award-winning chef, showed the contestants how to craft a Thanksgiving meal so out of this world they no doubt forgot how good it was for them, and you, too! Using fresh, wholesome ingredients, and what she calls flavor agents, all explained in her cookbook Flavor First, Cheryl was able to give the contestants a holiday meal to remember (and one their waistlines will soon forget!). Her best have-a-healthy-Thanksgiving tips are shared exclusively here.

Let’s start with the turkey. Low in fat and high in protein, it’s an inexpensive source of B vitamins, iron, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Cheryl served a non-traditional take on the bird, with her Turkey Roulade.

Baste your bird with flavorful fat-free broth (instead of butter). You’ll have lots of delicious juices to serve without breaking your calorie bank. (more…)

Posted on November 26, 2024 by Natalie K

Biggest Loser “Save” Goes Home Amid Controversy – We Talk to Craig

Last night on The Biggest Loser, the battered white team was dealt another blow when trainer Jillian Michaels was called out during the final weigh in for giving her team caffeine supplements last week without permission. The public chastising led to a ripple effect of consequences including a four-pound penalty for Jillian’s team and a reversal of last week’s events that gave immunity back to team blue and allowed the convenient return of fan favorite Ruben Studdard.

Unfortunately, the white team could not overcome Jillian’s penalty and Craig fell under the red line – for the second time.

We had a chance to speak with Craig about his elimination, his feelings toward Jillian now, and how he’s doing at home:

DIR: Your journey continued with a save from Jillian but ended because of it, how does that feel?

Craig: I know my leaving was premature but it was my time. The five weeks I had at the ranch were amazing and gave me motivation to do it on my own at home. I was actually excited go to back and see my wife and daughter.

DIR: How is your relationship with Jillian? Do you blame her for your exit?

Craig: My relationship with Jillian is great. Fear-wise she helped me through things I never would’ve been able to work through on my own. I’m using everything she taught me and I’m grateful.

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Posted on November 13, 2024 by Dani Stone

Jillian Michaels Cheated; Team Loses Big and Ruben Returns to the Biggest Loser Ranch

A shocking moment at last night’s Biggest Loser weigh-in left fans dismayed, confused, and some even celebrating.

Before the contestants stepped on the scale, trainer Jillian Michaels was confronted by Alison Sweeney about giving her team caffeine supplements. “Last week, Jillian broke the rules and gave caffeine supplements to each member of her team without [a] doctor’s permission,” said the host.

NBC responded with a statement this morning, telling us, “While caffeine is allowed in ‘The Biggest Loser’ house, Jillian did not ask permission to give it in supplement form. Because of this rules violation, the previous week’s weigh-in was thrown out.”

Michaels’ white team was penalized four pounds. Bob’s team regained the immunity they would have had last week. And Ruben’s elimination was void, allowing the former American Idol to return.

The trainer said she stands by her professional opinion and the decision she made to give her team caffeine supplements, calling the supplement “significantly healthier than unlimited amounts of coffee.” It should be noted that Michaels does not have formal dietetic training nor certification, but does have a nutrition and wellness consultant certificate with the American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA).

It’s been widely assumed that this sort of back room behavior takes place on the ranch; with accusations of juice fasting, diuretics, and the like swarming for years. One source told us that select players were known to get such caffeine supplements, but it wasn’t something open or available to all contestants. Another source who also requested anonymity, told us, “Everyone knows Jillian has been giving caffeine supplements to her contestants since the first season. And Dr. H prescribes supplements we never hear about.”

If this is fairly common practice on the ranch, a rarely enforced rule, why punish Jillian now? Our first source was shocked that they even aired and explained what happened. Our theory is that the producers needed a reason to get the Velvet Teddy Bear, who revealed a 104 pound total loss in last week’s elimination interview, back on the ranch. (more…)

Posted on November 13, 2024 by Natalie K

Exclusive Sneak Preview: Biggest Loser Kids Return to the Ranch with Let’s Move’s Sam Kass

The youngest members of The Biggest Loser family return to the ranch tomorrow night to catch us up on their progress, but to help teach the season 15 contestants how to cook healthy food that kids want to eat!

Watch this exclusive sneak peek only here at DietsInReview.com!

Sunny, Biingo, and Lindsay are such great examples of how a health-conscious life can benefit the individual and the family as a whole. In fact, since appearing on Biggest Loser last season, Biingo’s family has collectively lost more than 200 pounds! These teens look better than ever, and it’s clear they feel good, too! (more…)

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Natalie K

The Biggest Loser Premiere “Drinking Game” Workout

I’m a huge fan of The Biggest Loser. Like many of you, I’ve been a faithful viewer since the very beginning and have been eagerly anticipating the start of season 15, which is all about second chances. I always look forward to “meeting” the contestants and seeing what kinds of twists and turns are going to be thrown into the show.

One of the big twists this year is that the episodes are only one-hour long. While I love watching the show and definitely don’t look forward to it being over, the previous two-hour format was a long time to be sitting on the couch. And while there’s definitely nothing wrong with spending some time relaxing at the end of the day, if I can get a workout in while watching my favorite show I call that a win.

Something that I’ve started doing recently while watching some of my favorite shows is creating my own drinking game-style workout. Just in case you’re not familiar, a drinking game means taking a shot of liquor every time a “buzz” word is said. While that sounds like fun, it’s not exactly conducive to calorie burning. The difference with my game is that instead of taking a shot each time a buzz word is said I perform a specific exercise; burning instead of gaining.

Play along with us! Here’s a full body workout that you can do in the comfort of your own home (using your own body weight) while watching the premiere of The Biggest Loser, Season 15. You will not be exercising for the entire hour and have the option of performing more or less exercises during each segment of the show.

During the Introductions:

As contestants are being introduced, start by warming up with some dynamic stretching such as arm circles, side to side lunges and toe touches. Every time footage is shown of a contestant eating unhealthy food or says I need to start taking care of myself or second chance, do 15 jumping jacks. (more…)

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Lauren Martin

8 Must-Know Facts and Teasers from Biggest Loser 15

When Biggest Loser returns for an epic 15th season tomorrow night, you can expect some same ‘ole same ‘ole where challenges, temptations, and weigh-ins go, but you’ll also be in for some exciting new treats. All three of our beloved trainers – Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper, and Dolvett Quince – are back in the gym. And of course, Alison Sweeney will keeping the whole lot in check from her post as host.

But what about the twists, turns, and surprises? Biggest Loser’s publicity team is very good at keeping a secret, but they’ve let out a few teasers that new and old fans need to know before starting this season.

1. One hour episodes. Many fans were growing tired of the two hour format Biggest Loser’s been known for for as long as we’ve been covering the show, which was season 5. Tuesday nights will only have 60 minutes of Biggest Loser now, with a few special two-hour episodes thrown in here and there.

2. Longer season! There are shorter episodes, but the fall season is longer. The BL15 finale will air February 4, 2024, just before the Olympics start. This will be the first time the season carries over in to the new year, and one of the few times a new season isn’t set to start right at the new year. (more…)

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Natalie K

Ruben Studdard’s Debut on Biggest Loser Helps Him Put Health Before Career

“I’ll be whatever my fans want to call me,” said Ruben Studdard about his Velvet Teddy Bear persona. Will the trimmed down star still use the name after his stint on this season of Biggest Loser? He won’t mind if you do!

Ruben checks in to the ranch at 462 pounds, making him the heaviest contestant this season, but that’s one title he’ll happily part ways with.

Once a well-known vegan, Ruben told us he no longer follows a meatless lifestyle. Because of his high protein needs on the ranch, he’s following the diet prescribed there by Cheryl Forberg, RD, the show’s dietitian who co-created its award-winning nutrition plan.

In recent years, the former American Idol has not been able to consistently manage a healthy weight. “The show gives me a second chance to live a healthy lifestyle. It gives me the opportunity to put me first, not put my career ahead of my health.”

For the past eleven years, he says his life has been an open book and available to the public eye, with the exception of his struggle with weight loss. He knew it would be a difficult decision to open himself up in this way, and admits the process was “a lot to think about.” So he looked at the opportunity in a different way – not to see it as a reality show, but instead for how it would impact his life in a positive way. (more…)

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Natalie K

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