Jillian Michaels Quits 'Biggest Loser' Over Concerns for Contestants' Health
Jillian Michaels has allegedly resigned from NBC's "The Biggest Loser" after expressing serious concern for the health and well-being of the contestants. Michaels famously said that the past season's winner, Rachel Frederickson, lost too much weight and she was worried about her.
"After helping hundreds of contestants transform their lives and inspiring millions of viewers at home, 'The Biggest Loser' and Jillian Michaels have decided to part ways and she will not be returning for season 16 when it airs in the fall," NBC confirmed to People.
Michaels had just returned to "Biggest Loser" after taking time away to start her family with partner Heidi Rhoades. The two women have two children, a son and daughter. Michaels returned to the weight loss series in 2013. This past season, Rachel Frederickson lost nearly 100 pounds, and Michaels was shocked by the loss. When Frederickson walked out on stage for the big reveal, Michaels was seen mouthing the words "Oh my God."
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She did not speak out about Frederickson until weeks later, when she finally admitted she thought the contestant had gone too far.
"I was stunned," Michaels told HuffPost Live. "I thought she had lost too much weight. In my opinion, this had fallen through those checks and balances" traditionally imposed by "Biggest Loser" producers and trainers. "Anybody who gains too much weight … these are manifestations of the same issue. It simply means that somebody is utilizing their relationship with food to manage emotions that are painful, hard, difficult to face or control."
"They asked her (Michaels) to come back to boost the ratings and they needed her, but the Rachel thing shook her up," an insider told Daily Mail. "She's not the negative person they portray her as … she wants to be in a place where she has more respect."
Michaels keeps herself busy with a podcast and writing several books as well as releasing new workout DVDs.
