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Biggest Loser's Erik Chopin: Losing Again on Discovery Health
Posted on Jan 6th 2010 10:00AM by Bev SklarFiled Under: Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment
Former "Biggest Loser" champ Erik Chopin losing weight in front of the cameras -- again. Tonight, Discovery Health will air a documentary, "Confessions of a Reality Show Loser," featuring Erik's battle to lose weight at home. He's trying to lose inches again after gaining a ton of weight back following his slim 193-pound winning weigh-in at the Season 3 finale. Oprah even nodded her head in understanding, hosting him on her show in January 2009. And now Biggest Loser has invited him back to the Season 9 finale for another weigh-in.
That's Fit recently spoke with Erik about his new show on Discovery Health, and the former weight-loss winner said it's a far cry from his experience with reality TV. "Now this Discovery show is about the real world. During our couples therapy on the show ... a lot of times it loops back into the struggle of weight within my life," said Erik. After the post-Biggest Loser gigs slowed down, Erik said his purpose faded. "I had no income, had to find a regular job and I fell into a depression. I identified that on Oprah, but I didn't address it." Then Discovery Health came calling. Taping the documentary has proven helpful to his wife, himself and his weight goals. "People have my story to identify with and it can help them," he said.
Erik Chopin's personal story offers many insights for the chronic yo-yo dieter, or anyone curious how someone can lose big, then gain it back. "It comes down to pretty simple terms. I'm a little bit compulsive in different ways," he said. "If I'm on course it's very strict and meticulous, but when I screw it up I skip the gym and eat bad. It's an all or nothing mentality."
At the time of our interview, Erik weighed 327 pounds, wore a 42-inch waist and a 2XL shirt. "My current goal is to have my waist in the 30s, even if it's a 38, and then my weight starting with a two," he said. "Those would be two really great milestones." He hasn't established a goal for the Season 9 finale. "I have a little bit more realistic approach. I've lost and gained and I've had the extremes," said Erik. "I think I need to find somewhere in the middle, somewhere manageable. It's definitely going to be below 250." Instead of separate meals, Erik and his wife are preparing realistic foods they can enjoy as a family. And he still loves his boxing workouts.
Interestingly, Erik has become protective of pounds lost. "I have to guard my weight loss, I have to totally be on top of it. I know when I'm off course, when I skip a workout and also eat terribly. I can't do that and string a few days together. I have to nip that right in the bud and control myself," he said. "Identify the moment you're steering off course and not give yourself a pass. That enjoyable day, it can't be every day. And you know when you're abusing that."
Tune in tonight at 9/8c at Discovery Health for the full scoop on Erik's progress. Then check out these Best Lessons from Biggest Loser's Season 8, and don't forget "The Biggest Loser" Season 9 premiered this week.
That's Fit recently spoke with Erik about his new show on Discovery Health, and the former weight-loss winner said it's a far cry from his experience with reality TV. "Now this Discovery show is about the real world. During our couples therapy on the show ... a lot of times it loops back into the struggle of weight within my life," said Erik. After the post-Biggest Loser gigs slowed down, Erik said his purpose faded. "I had no income, had to find a regular job and I fell into a depression. I identified that on Oprah, but I didn't address it." Then Discovery Health came calling. Taping the documentary has proven helpful to his wife, himself and his weight goals. "People have my story to identify with and it can help them," he said.
Erik Chopin's personal story offers many insights for the chronic yo-yo dieter, or anyone curious how someone can lose big, then gain it back. "It comes down to pretty simple terms. I'm a little bit compulsive in different ways," he said. "If I'm on course it's very strict and meticulous, but when I screw it up I skip the gym and eat bad. It's an all or nothing mentality."
At the time of our interview, Erik weighed 327 pounds, wore a 42-inch waist and a 2XL shirt. "My current goal is to have my waist in the 30s, even if it's a 38, and then my weight starting with a two," he said. "Those would be two really great milestones." He hasn't established a goal for the Season 9 finale. "I have a little bit more realistic approach. I've lost and gained and I've had the extremes," said Erik. "I think I need to find somewhere in the middle, somewhere manageable. It's definitely going to be below 250." Instead of separate meals, Erik and his wife are preparing realistic foods they can enjoy as a family. And he still loves his boxing workouts.
Interestingly, Erik has become protective of pounds lost. "I have to guard my weight loss, I have to totally be on top of it. I know when I'm off course, when I skip a workout and also eat terribly. I can't do that and string a few days together. I have to nip that right in the bud and control myself," he said. "Identify the moment you're steering off course and not give yourself a pass. That enjoyable day, it can't be every day. And you know when you're abusing that."
Tune in tonight at 9/8c at Discovery Health for the full scoop on Erik's progress. Then check out these Best Lessons from Biggest Loser's Season 8, and don't forget "The Biggest Loser" Season 9 premiered this week.
