The Biggest Loser UK is back!

by WLR Staff, Adam Vaughan

Returning for its 5th UK season, the Biggest Loser challenges contestants to shed the most weight without surgery – just determination and hard work.

Celebrity Davina McCall is back to host ITV show along with trainers Richard Callender, Charlotte Ord and Rob Edmond.

Airing at 9pm on a Tuesday night the show is sponsored by Subway.

Repeated Sundays at 12 pm (ITV2) and 1pm (ITV2+1), and Mondays 7pm (ITV2) and 8pm (ITV2+1)

The Contestants

This year’s participants weigh from just over 15 stone to over 32 stone and began as seven pairs, including:

Damien & Sam

Two single guys from Dublin and Keighley

• Age:  21 & 26
• Starting Weight: Damien weighs 25st 7lbs, Sam weighs 23st 7lbs

Paula & Gerard

Partners, from Limerick.

• Age:  Paula is 31 years old, Gerard is 24 years old
• Starting Weight: Paula weighs 18st 9lbs, Gerard weighs 19st 12lbs

Amy Mac & Kevin

Uncle and niece from Sunderland and South Shields

• Age: Kevin is 38 years old and Amy Mac is 23 years old,
• Starting Weight:  Kevin weighs 32st 2lbs, Amy Mac weighs 19st

Laura & Diane

Mother and daughter from Rotheram

• Age: Laura is 28 years old, Diane is 53 years old
• Starting Weight: Laura weighs 15st 12lbs, Diane weighs 19st 4lbs

Jessie & Tamara

Friends from Brixton

• Age: Jessie is 22 years old, Tamara is 22 years old
• Starting Weight: Jessie weighs 18st 11lbs, Tamara weighs 19st 10lbs.

Gemma & Amy

Work colleagues from Northumbria.

• Age: Gemma is 25 years old, Amy is 25 years old
• Starting Weight: Gemma weighs 19st 1lb, Amy weighs 19st 4lb

Sarah & Geoff

Father and daughter from Haverfordwest.

• Age: Sarah is 29 years old, Geoff is 59 years old
• Starting Weight: Sarah weighs 19st 10lbs, Geoff weighs 19st 6lbs

WLR's View

Once again, the inclusion of meal replacement shakes, soups and snacks feature in the show. Meal replacement products can be a method to kick start weight loss which can be a good way to get the motivation rolling, however as part of a healthy lifestyle, it is not recommend using this for more than a week.

The rigorous exercise routines are not achievable by average people in an average environment, and that level of intensity would need medical supervision would be necessary. Besides, if you are forced to do it, it is very unlikely that you would come to love exercise.

Ultimately, you can’t get away from the fact that following a calorie-controlled diet based on a wide range of fresh foods including fruit, veg, wholegrains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein-rich foods such as lean red meat, skinless chicken, fish and eggs, is the cheapest, tastiest and most enjoyable way to get all the nutrients we need for good health – and to help us lose weight.