The Biggest Loser - 476 Pounds, Twists and Turns

Photo: Dave Bjerke, NBC

If "The Biggest Loser" Season 8 is anything like this week's premiere, fans are in for a deeper, more heartfelt season, alluded to by Alison Sweeney during her recent interview with That's Fit. This season features the heaviest contestant ever with 476-pound Shay, a second chance for Season 7's eliminated Daniel, and then there's Abby -- she lost her husband, daughter and newborn son in a tragic car accident -- courageously sharing both her personal loss and and weight-loss journey with America. Of course, producers couldn't stop there, read on for all the twists and turns.

What Did You Wear to the Premiere? Jillian kicked off the show with a blunt challenge to viewers, "Are you ready to listen or do you want to get fatter and sicker?" OK, did you wear workout clothes to the premiere or comfy jeans and a sweatshirt stained with ice cream? Seriously consider dressing the part for this show, and you'll start diving to the floor for push-ups and core moves. I watched half the show dripping on a treadmill, taking legible notes at a 6.5-percent incline at 3 mph. When alpha-Jillian screamed at a contestant to increase the incline to 15 percent for five minutes, I followed like a beta dog.

Beach Challenge, Helicopter Rescue. At the end of a one-mile challenge for immunity, once again, the show's intense first day put contestants in the hospital. Tracey suffered a frightening collapse near the finish line, was evacuated by helicopter and did not return to the ranch. However, Dr. Huizenga reports she's OK. Mo returned after being treated for dehydration, low blood sugar and low blood pressure. This challenge deck was stacked in Daniel's favor, he ran the winning mile in 14:17 after shedding 142 pounds during Season 7 and working out constantly ever since.

Choose-a-Partner, Choose B&J. Love these new twists -- no families or friends this season and trainers Bob and Jillian are a B&J package deal -- although Jillian will likely make more contestants rolf. The Official Season 8 Rolf Meter stands at 2, we lost count on the f-bombs. Season 7's heaviest contestant, Daniel, compassionately chose Shay as his partner for a 788-pound combined first weigh-in for the Orange team. Firefighter Allen picked Abby and her fighting spirit for Green.

That's Why. For anyone wondering why contestants appear so large, trainer Bob explained, "We're having contestants that are bigger than we've ever had before because that's what's going on in America right now."

Obesity Researchers Are All In. The amazing, non-surgical weight loss delivered by Biggest Loser has obesity researchers wanting a piece of the action. Contestants are facing new, comprehensive testing, including early/late show comparative MRIs to analyze what the brain looks like as contestants decide what to eat. Cool.

Dr. Huizenga Shakes the Ranch. Initial test results are in, and 55-year-old Coach Mo was shaken when his biological age showed 69. He can't believe he's the one giving advice to young athletes. Shay is 57 percent fat -- her asthma is thanks to fat shoving gastric content up her esophagus, which then drips into her lungs. Gross, but true. Youth Pastor Sean self-reported no health problems, but Dr. H. brought him to tears with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. No matter your size, get a regular check-up -- it's time to face reality and then do something about it.

Did You See the Commercial? Season 7's Mike and Ron were on-air touting Jennie-O-Turkey. Let's hope they negotiated over-scale residuals. Didn't those grilled turkey and vegetable kabobs look appetizing? Only 240 calories. Remember, ground turkey breast is the best choice.

In the end, Green's Allen and Abby lost a top-scoring 5.94 percent of their body weight combined. Black team's Julio and Alexandria lost only 3.63 percent. That'd be fantastic at home, but a no-go at the ranch. An age alliance seemed to hold firm here, with a tie-breaking vote by Green sending the young Alexandra back home. It's a good thing Jillian jumped on Alexandra in the gym because she realized she could push herself beyond her comfort level and start losing weight. She's lost 60 at-home pounds, and her new treadmill buddy is her mom.

That's Fit wishes Tracey a full recovery in the hospital as we anxiously await Week 2's ultimate challenge -- lose 150 pounds and everyone stays, or fail and two contestants go home. No doubt that's better than the nine sent packing last season. We're also hoping Season 7 newlyweds Nicole and Damien had a memorable adventure kayaking on their honeymoon. See you next week.