Our 18 challengers below are evenly broken down into 9 fireball “newbies” who are fresh to the program and an unheard of 9 “Vets” who have lost a significant amount of weight in a previous program but want to close the deal for good with round two.
"Newbie"A 30 year old sign language interpreter who joins the program with one main goal—to lose weight! She has already lost over 10% of her body weight in our individual program and is ready to ramp things up with the challenge of the Largest Loser. Her self-admitted barrier is going to be not complaining, but she doesn’t lack confidence either so watch out!
AND...
Terri "Newbie"
As a 47 year old Nurse, she reports that she teaches Diabetic Education, yet works so hard she has trouble managing her own food intake. She’s ready to roll though because “It’s my time!” Her only potential roadblock is that her husband cooks dinner, but she’s excited and determined to hit the ground running.
Beth "Newbie"She’s a 49 year old Pollution Control Officer whose goal is to be fit by the time she’s 50. Her difficulty will be snacking but she’s motivated to succeed and she’s teaming up with her husband in an effort to sweep the top 2 places (see John below).
He has a teammate for this journey but he’s here because he has a “big belly, and big cholesterol/triglyceride numbers.” He feels that losing weight is going to be a difficult task, but he also plans on taking his Largest Loser prize money with him to Vegas on his trip after the program. One thing you probably didn’t know about John? He was on Let’s Make A Deal and won a 2010 WV Jetta
Andrew "Newbie"
A 51 year old Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army has teamed up with his wife Mary (one of the “Vets” below) to take the program by storm. He anticipates that the hardest part is going to be becoming motivated to workout on his own, but we think Mary will keep a pretty good eye on him.
Mary -"Vet"
She’s part of the FHA 50 Club (participants who have lost over 50#) and at 50 years old, her main motivation is to be a good role model for her family—especially her 6 year old granddaughter. In addition to going head to head for another challenge, she’s also a teammate (and coach) for her husband who looks to join her in her success.
Barb - "Newbies"As a 63 year old retiree, her goal is to lose weight, feel better, and get into her clothes. She anticipates success because of her determination to do well. She feels that she might be a slow starter with some of the exercises but will give her best effort every session.
Misty - "Newbies"
She’s a 38 year old Business Development Manager and mother of 5 who’s tired of hearing people say “you look great….for having 5 kids.” She had been working out since last October but suddenly stopped losing weight about 3 months ago despite watching her food intake. Her difficulties will be managing stress and getting enough rest, but she’s not here to try it out and see if it works—she’s in it to win it!
Ami "Newbie"
She’s a 34 year old Associate Principal of a Large Suburban High School and is teaming up with Francesca, one of our LL Vets (below). She’s going to do well because she’s supporting a friend and has decided to dedicate her energy to herself for a change. She may have a tough time avoiding sweets, but that’s not going to stand in her way of working towards a healthier lifestyle.
AND....Francesca "Vet"
As a school administrator and activity director, she joined the program because she kept gaining weight and wanted to get a handle on it. More importantly, she wanted to improve her health for her family and for herself. In an odd turn of events she acquired quite a taste for exercise in the last program, and has brought her friend Ami along for the ride this time.
Laura "Newbie"A 52 year old sales manager who join the program because she hates carrying extra weight around the middle, she’s also here to fight the metabolism slowing effects of menopause. Her only worry is what she’s going to do when the program is over, but she has a habit of succeeding at anything as long as she can stay focused—and she’s focused!
Ted "Vet"
He is a 49 year old Computer Consultant who wants to continue losing weight for mobility and health reasons. He likes the program structure and support as well as the results he attained from his first round in the program. He will have to overcome bad knees and some exercise limitations, but with Dr. Nick’s guidance should be on the path for a repeat success.
Dianne "Vet"
A 49 year old homemaker, she was crowned Winter 2010 Largest Loser Champ but still wants to continue the lifestyle changes she has been making. She guarantees victory because for her losing the rest of the weight will be a victory regardless of the outcome of the challenge. She’s
very excited that her friends from the last round will be rejoining her and looks forward to meeting some new friends from our “newbie” group.
Tricia "Vet"
She joined the program because she loves being around people, enjoys working, and wants to shape up and learn more about nutrition and exercise. As we found in the Winter 2010 program, she loves a good challenge and a pretty darn good teammate, as she takes partial credit for Diane’s win in the last program J
Peggy "Vet"A 53 year old Graphic Designer and last sessions overall % of weight loss winner is back to close the deal because she loves the support from the trainers and staff. She’s still determined to lose weight and feels she has progressed quite a bit physically, but she’s still a bit fearful of running.
AND...
Becky "Vet"
As a 25 year old event planner, she battled a string of events last round but still managed to lose weight. She’s excited for a fresh start this round and feels that it’s time for her now! Over the past program she excelled at developing an exercise routine and will try to put all three components of exercise, nutrition, and behavioral modification together to make a solid run again this session.
Carol - "Vet"As a part time care giver and home maker, she’s here for her life. Her goal isn’t just to lose a few pounds, she wants life-long weight management and plans on not only living to 100, but achieving quality of life as well. She was very successful in the last program overall but hopes to figure out the week to week fluctuations that haunted her Saturdays in the last round.
Mary Anne "Vet"