Rumor Has It That <i>The Biggest Loser</i> Will Be Making Some Changes

Looks like viewers aren’t the only ones responding to Rachel Frederickson’s dramatic weight loss

More news on The Biggest Loser front: Producers are considering “small but significant tweaks” to the series’ production process, particularly what happens after filming at the weight-loss ranch concludes but before the live finale is taped, according to E! News. Sources say these changes might include more support and check-ins for contestants once they leave the ranch and are on their own.

MORE: Biggest Loser Winner Rachel Frederickson Says Her Weight Loss Was Natural 

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the most recent winner, 5-foot-4 Rachel Frederickson, shed 155 pounds—and she dropped nearly a third of that amount after the show stopped filming. So it seems likely that her situation—and viewers’ response to it—may have inspired these potential changes.

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MORE: Does the Jumpstart to Skinny Diet Work?

Biggest Loser Winner Rachel Frederickson Says Her Weight Loss Was Natural

Find out how she and the show’s trainers are responding to all of the anger over this season’s finale

Rachel Frederickson sparked some major controversy when she won The Biggest Loser on Tuesday by dropping 155 pounds and a whopping 60 percent of her body weight. Many fans complained that there was no way her rapid—and extreme—weight loss could be safe (find out what experts say about the health consequences of losing that much weight that quickly).

And now, Frederickson has spoken out to defend herself: “First and foremost, my goals are to be healthy and strong,” she said to Us Weekly. “I'm an athlete and have been an athlete since I was a little girl. I went on The Biggest Loser journey to find that confidence that I lost. Through the challenges I fought to get into the finale, I found that girl again. I'm embracing this new part of the journey.

“I followed the advice and support of the medical team at The Biggest Loser the entire journey. So it's been natural, and I've enjoyed every part of it. I'm going to continue on that path, maintaining this healthy lifestyle and really just enjoy this new life."

Meanwhile, Frederickson’s trainer, Dolvett Quince, posted a statement on his Facebook page addressing the controversy:

 

Post by Dolvett Quince.

As for the other Biggest Loser trainers? Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper took the diplomatic approach in a statement to Us Weekly. Speaking on behalf of both of them, Michaels said:

“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."    

Such drastic and rapid weight loss isn’t a great idea. But you can lose weight in a way that’s healthy. Check out these resources for more info on smart ways to slim down:

Your 1,500-Calorie Eating Plan

The Best Lunch for Keeping Hunger at Bay 

The New Weight-Loss Strategy: Just Don’t Gain Weight 

3 Simple Things You Can Do on Sunday to Help You Lose Weight This Week

Finally—a Diet That’s Super Easy to Follow

4 Slimming Foods to Always Have On-Hand

Never Regain Lost Weight Again!

Boost Your Metabolism All Day Long