Tag Archives: joe messina

In a surprise move that no one saw coming, Joe Messina has left the Biggest Loser ranch. With no warning and no hint of what he was thinking, the 38 year old truck driver from Auburn, NY simply packed up his bags, walked into the living space of the house, and announced that he was going home. His reason? His desire to be with his fiancee and kids trumps his weight loss goals.

Messina began his journey at The Biggest Loser weighing 342 pounds and lost just 23 pounds in his three weeks there. His actions infuriated his teammates on the black team and frustrated his team leader, Bob Harper. In a phone call after Messina left, Harper called Messina’s reason for leaving, “the biggest excuse ever.” Despite Harper’s repeated insistence, Messina stayed firm in his desire to remain at home with his family. This season has been nicknamed, “The Season of No Excuses,” and Messina used one of the oldest in the book – putting his family ahead of his health. (more…)

By Dani M. Stone

Joe Messina is a good dad. He works hard as a truck driver in Auburn, New York to provide for his three children and wants the best for them. There is one thing, however, that has been steadily creeping away from them, play time. Joe, who currently weighs 357 pounds, admits that over the years, as his weight increased, the time being active and playful with his children has decreased. Joe joins his older brother Mike this season on Biggest Loser 13.

People often need a turning point in their lives to spark the flame for weight loss. Recently, Joe had two of them. On a trip to an amusement park, Joe was surprised and embarrassed to learn he was unable to fit on the ride. Then at home, his youngest son, not quite 4, asked him to go play outside. Joe said he lasted only a few minutes before he had to sit down and catch his breath. When his son took his hand and asked him to play again, Joe had to tell him he couldn’t. In an interview for Biggest Loser 13, Joe said of the incident, “man, it just rips your heart right out of your chest. It just makes you feel so bad and. . . guilty, that you can’t be there for your children. I’m only 38-years old.” (more…)