The network insisted that they helped contestants achieve healthy weight loss while Rachel Frederickson danced around the question.
- Feb 6, 2014
AceShowbiz - NBC has responded to the criticism that latest "The Biggest Loser" winner Rachel Frederickson dropped so much weight that she looked unhealthy. Meanwhile, Frederickson, who lost 155 pounds or almost 60 percent of her body weight, preferred to dodge the question about people's concern on her new appearance.
NBC and show production company Shine America said in a statement, "We support Rachel and all of 'The Biggest Loser' contestants who have shared their journeys over the past 15 seasons. We remain committed to helping contestants achieve healthy weight loss and live healthier lifestyles, and to inspiring viewers to do the same."
Frederickson, a 24-year-old former competitive swimmer, did not give direct answer when reporters asked whether she had heard about comments that she was too skinny. "You know, I think I have been on this seven-and-a-half month journey on 'The Biggest Loser' and I went to 'The Biggest Loser' to find that confident girl again," she answered. "I was that national-level athlete and I lost her and I missed her and, little by little, competition by competition, I saw her come out and I loved being in that triathlon and win that to be in the finale."
Frederickson is on a 1,600 calories a day diet and continues her trainer Dolvett Quince's fitness plan as well as Dr. Cheryl Forberg's nutritional advice. "I have had support systems in place the entire time I was on The Biggest Loser. We are given a calorie budget and I stuck to that. I've done lots of working out and the finale was very enthusiastic," she said in the press conference.
Meanwhile, the other two trainers on the reality show chose to keep quiet about the situation. Jillian Michaels told People via her rep, "Jillian Michaels will not comment on Rachel's journey as she was not her trainer. She is celebrating the at-home win of her contestant, Tumi. Any questions about any of the other contestants on the Biggest Loser should be directed to the show's producers."
Bob Harper posted on Facebook, "Jillian and I want to take a moment to congratulate all of the BL contestants on their hard work. We're not comfortable commenting on Rachel's journey because we weren't her trainers and weren't given an opportunity to work with her at any point. Any questions about the contestants on The Biggest Loser should be directed to the show's producers."
