The Biggest Loser - Skeletal Helen Wins

by Bev Sklar (Subscribe to Bev Sklar's posts)
May 14th 2009 12:00PM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment

"The Biggest Loser Couples" crowned a new winner this week on LIVE TV -- the skeletal darkhorse Helen. I figured Tara or Mike would win, Helen didn't have enough weight left to lose. Helen proved America wrong on that one, but it took skin and bones weight loss for her to pull it off. Too much, I'd say. Read on for my takeaways and lessons gleaned from Season Seven.

A Hot Pink Dress, But No Humility -- During Makeover Week, Helen shared she hadn't worn a dress in at least 10 years. Whoa, did you see that hot pink dress? She was dancing her 117 pounds all over the stage in the little pink number, convinced she'd won and talking smack as Tara entered stage right. Someone needs to teach Helen about humility. The blogosphere is ranting with distaste for Helen, many comments read like an Anti-Helen Fan Club. They claim she lost way too much weight, looks emaciated, selfishly shoved her daughter off the show and was a poor winner on stage. I contend she now looks older than her age, and the women at my gym yesterday morning unanimously agreed.

Tara and Mike -- In the end, Mike lost 53.35 percent of his body weight to land at 181 pounds. Tara lost 52.72 percent, weighing in at 155 pounds. Six more pounds and Tara would have been the winner, Mike needed five more. But both looked fantastic and will hopefully leverage their exposure on the show for opportunities and cash.

Smaller, Older is No Disadvantage -- A 64-year-old Jerry -- the first eliminated contestant who passed out during the first workout -- lost 47.97 percent of himself to win the $100,000 at-home prize. Kristin (46.39) and Nicole (45.72) were nipping at his heels, but he still won by more than a full percentage point. Do not dismiss older contestants on this show, Jerry had the right mindset to lose the weight almost entirely at home. Champ Helen only weighed 257 pounds upon arriving at the ranch, a smaller contestant compared to many of the women. She won, but it took a skeleton frame to do it. Click here to see before and after shots of Season Seven's contestants.

A Three-Hour LIVE Finale is Too Long -- C'mon NBC, this is starting to rival The Oscars. Keep it within two hours, I was snoring through much of the show. I love the LIVE unpredictability, and Ali did a nice job keeping the show rolling, even discreetly peeling Tara away from hugging both rows of eliminated contestants.

I Didn't Like This -- Ali introduced us to Erinn and Amanda, two obese, young girls vying for next season. NBC said America would decide which girl would land a spot on Season Eight during the LIVE Finale. Cameras cut to Bob and Jillian working out with the girls backstage. I thought the whole scene was a circus. Let the producers sift through contestants, I have no idea who would make a better candidate and refused to vote blind.

The Biggest Loser Diet and Exercise Program Works -- Ron, the guy who's tried gastric bypass, even wiring his jaw shut, lost 192 pounds. Combining lean proteins, quality carbohydrates, cardio and strength training works. Check back in next Thursday to learn the Best Lessons from Season Seven right here at That's Fit. Then get started on your own at-home weight loss plan.

Best Tagline -- David may have only lost 10.94 percent of his body weight, holding steady at 350 pounds, but he fired off the best line. He exclaimed he can't wait to lose more and "live lighter." I like that, two out of three Americans need to live lighter.

Do It For Your Health -- Do not accept obesity -- live lighter for your health. When Jerry stated he didn't lose the weight for the money, he did it for his health, I believe him. The guy is chasing his grandkids now and gunning for 90. He'll be rock climbing on a cruise soon, I'm sure.

Check back with That's Fit tomorrow for the inside scoop on Season Three Champ, Erik Chopin. Learn what a real day on the ranch is like, his new secret weapon for weight loss and what he's up to now. Then I'll see you next fall for Season Eight.

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Comments (10)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

aburley 5-14-2009 @ 12:26PM

I agree that Helen looked skeletal, but this was a game for $250,000! I would bet that in a few months she will put a few pounds on to look better, she was in this to win. As far as humility goes, I think again, this was a game-this is t.v.-I would guess the producers were coaching everyone and instigating all kinds of bad behavior. I think people take reality t.v. WAY TOO SERIOUSLY! I don't think you can really see how someone is in front of an audience like that, nerves alone would probably cause most of us to behave in ways that might not look so good.... give Helen a break! she kicked butt and won! good for her! she should be proud!

Deadharbor 5-14-2009 @ 12:48PM

Damn, I haven't watched it yet and I'm spoilt now. No biggie though.

chris 5-14-2009 @ 1:57PM

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Tony 5-14-2009 @ 2:09PM

Thank you Bev for writing every week. I'm in shock Helen won, but your right Mike and Tara look much much better. I wonder if any contestants get surgery to remove the excess skin. Have you found anything about that?

Bev Sklar 5-14-2009 @ 2:52PM

You're welcome! And thanks for all your thoughtful comments this season.

Helen is considering chest surgery:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b123681_biggest_loser_couples_winner_helen.html

Season 3's winner, Erik Chopin, had plastic surgery:
http://www.ienhance.com/article/Detail.asp?ArtID=430

But he's gained significant weight back ... rough. I just interviewed him, check it out on Friday, May 15.

Bev

Marie 5-15-2009 @ 8:34AM

Most of the winners on that show look way too thin. If you see them a year or two afterward they are still thin and healthy but have put some weight back on.

And yes 3 hours is way too long. I love my TiVo.

IzzyBeth 5-14-2009 @ 3:35PM

I wholeheartedly agree!!

http://timeforachangeinme.blogspot.com

laura 5-15-2009 @ 12:49PM

Tara lost 155 pounds and weighed in at 139. I thought she looked a little too thin for her height, but, this is a game and, given the opportunity, I (like previous contestants) would probably go INSANE trying to get every last bit of weight/water weight off of me that I could.

I just hope that everyone can keep up the heathly eating and exercise for life!

LowCarbDiva 5-16-2009 @ 9:13PM

I also thought Helen looked a little to thin, but much better than when she was so heavy. Jerry looked 80 instead of 60 something. These people need more fat in their diets! It is what helps keep you young.

http://www.lowcarbdiva.com/blogs

ana 5-17-2009 @ 8:29AM

It hurt to see Helen. She looked disgusting. She should have worn something with sleeves. She didn't inspire me at all not if i am going to look 30 years older. She looked as old as Jerry. It was so sad to look at her. She does not look healthy. She looks like someone with an eating disorder but on the other extreme of being obese. This was an extremely turn off finale and i have been a faithful viewer since the first season.