“I feel as though I've won my life back – I've won "a life". At 155 kilos life can be very depressing… you can't do what your friends do, you can't go shopping, you don't feel comfortable, where as now you have that confidence - you do want to go out and start living a life that you couldn't have ever imagined before. You just want to be able to walk down the street and have people not judge you - you just want to be like everyone else.”
When University student, Sam, started his journey on The Biggest Loser in 2008 he weighed 154.6kg. Sam was tired of his weight and how it affected aspects of his life such as his confidence to meet new people. His overall quality of life was poor and he wanted to change. Sam wanted to be able to feel comfortable and to have a happy and healthy life, and in shedding the weight he hoped that it would increase his chances romantically with the ladies.
Over three months Sam endured the training, the temptations and the stress. But Sam’s determination to change his life kept him motivated and with each weigh in Sam was brought closer to his ultimate goal.
“While you're in the house you think about what your family and friends will say when they see you. And of curse there's always Shannan – he's always there and knows what to say to keep you going.”
As we got to the Grand Final, we all awaited with nervous anticipated to find out what Sam’s final weight was going to be. As he got on the scales the screen flickered and his weight was displayed at 82.9 kilos, which meant that Sam had lost a grand total of 71.7 kilos.
Out of all the contestants there that night, Sam had lost the most weight therefore taking out the title of Australia’s Biggest Loser for 2008.
Alison
"Accepting I have a weight problem; making the decision to take this journey all the way; I feel I have mentally prepared myself to be away from my family; Have made the decision to be open and ready for a change, even though I am unsure where or what it will be. I was prepared for this journey from the moment I pressed submit on the application."
Mother of three Alison, who came second in The Biggest Loser, joined because she wanted to do something for herself in order to change her path and to have her outside show how she felt on the inside.
“I have the mental and physical strength to take this all the way; I have prepared and accepted that I need to change from the day I submitted my application and I am determined, passionate and I believe in myself”
As each episode progressed onto the next we witnessed Alison’s amazing physical and mental transformation as her mental strength and determination peaked each week.
When it came time for the Grand Final, Alison thrilled us all with her stunning transformation and for the first time she got onto those scales without hesitation or nervousness. She was confident and she was proud and when her weight flickered on the screen she had lost a total of 55.3 kilos!
Kirsten
“I was watching Biggest Loser 2 and realised I too could do that and regain my confidence. Then, I decided to apply and since then every time I go into a clothes shop I know I made the right decision to apply.”
Former Australian water-polo player, Kirsten came on Biggest Loser in 2008 because she wanted to permanently change her life and get back to being a happy, confident and fit individual who could return to playing her favourite sport of water polo and enjoy it.
At her first weigh in, Kirsten weighed a total of 126.8 kilos. She was single, unhappy with her current lifestyle and wanted to change everything in order to regain her life.
She had a goal and there was nothing that was going to get in her way of achieving that goal.
“I’m determined and I never give up. Because of my sporting background, I’m used to hard work and I know what it involves so I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ll give 100%”
When Kirsten stepped onto the scales at the Grand Final she looked absolutely fabulous, having shed almost 50% of her weight and though Kirsten didn’t take out the title of Australia’s Biggest Loser, she still did exceptionally well having lost a total of 54.9 kilos.
2007 Past Contestants
How do the contestants cope once out of the Biggest Loser house? Catch up with Season 2's Damien, Pati and Marty. Find out how they are staying healthy and loving life!
Damien – life is good!
Damien joined Season 2 with the dubious accolade of being the heaviest contestant to ever appear of The Biggest Loser worldwide, tipping the scales at just over 216kg.
When asked what advice he could offer future contestants, Damien says, "Having lived it, I know just what the contestants are going through in their journey. Things are pretty full-on in the house right now; the focus is totally on diet, exercise and lots of education – not to mention the competition! You look good and feel great afterwards but it is a shock after the finale to stop living the intensive kind of life that you've lived for several months. But, most people don't have that to begin with. Once the show stops filming, and, although contestants still have the guidance and support of The Biggest Loser Club, motivation really has to come from within."
While Damien wouldn't recommend full-on partying as a good move for contestants after they leave the House, he remains positively philosophical saying, "The first few weeks back home can be tough. There are always going to be times when the focus slips a little. Nobody is perfect all of the time. Just think about the fact that you've come so far. The really important thing is not to let a set-back take over and destroy your plans – stick at it. Everyone's journey has ups and downs – that's normal."
Pati – still going strong!
Pati's unflinching determination made her one of the most successful and popular women of The Biggest Loser Season 2. But is Pati still on track almost a year after leaving the show?
"Life is great right now; 2008 started off brilliantly," says Pati. "I'm still working full time, but make the time to head to the gym at least five days a week; now I'm finding it easier to balance this with a great social life as well. I have a couple of holidays planned this year one of which will be to Vanuatu. I suppose I'm just trying to be true to what I wanted out of the whole Biggest Loser experience, and that was to be able to live life the way I want to and to make the most of life's opportunities."
Asked what advice Pati could offer future contestants, she says, "Remember that the experience of The Biggest Loser is a gift. You have to run with it completely, give it all you have so you have no regrets. The stress, the heartache, the mind games and, of course, the results – all of it! When you view it as a gift, it'll be hard for you to slip back into your old ways. Once you've left the White House, use the tools at The Biggest Loser Club to stay on track and focused on the finale. Your health and your weight really are your responsibility – no-one else's. Don't be afraid of this, embrace it and you'll feel so much more confident."
Marty – working hard at it!
During Season 2 of The Biggest Loser, Marty transformed from a complete cynic about weight loss to an inspiration for others. With his unique blend of honesty and enthusiasm, Marty gives us an insight into life post the show...
"It was great to be part of The Biggest Loser, but it was a tough gig. After the series finished, I partied a bit too hard (as did the other contestants) and put on 6-7kg. But, I wasn't too worried about that; I knew I could get back on track. Losing weight and feeling great really inspired me, so I took a personal training course. But, there was a bit of a delay in starting my new career – I had four or five major abdominal hernias which meant that I was laid up for four months and couldn't exercise. My weight crept up to nearly 124kg! I'm still very motivated, though, and was able to apply what I learned in White House and get back to 106kg which is a comfortable weight for me – my finale weight of 90kg now seems too light!"
Marty reckons that his time in the House didn't change him – only his waistline! He explains, "I'm still the same person I used to be but the transformation in my weight was great – it was worth doing and it gets easier. I've got my health and a longer life ahead of me."
It seems there are some added benefits to being a success in The Biggest Loser, too. Marty explains, "A lot of girls ask me for my phone number now, which is always a bit flattering. Of course, I don't take them as I'm seeing [Season 2 contestant] Sam!"
