NBC's 'The Biggest Loser' to feature contestant from Ann Arbor this season
Debbie Lounds
In a season which will, for the first time, pit different age groups against each other, Deborah "Debbie" Lounds of Ann Arbor will be one of the 15 competitors. Lounds, 60, is listed by the show as a senior administrative assistant.
This season will feature three teams of five divided by age: under 30, ages 30-49, and 50 and over.
Here's NBC's summary of Lounds' background:
"When Debbie Lounds turned 60, she stopped smoking after 40 years and made a commitment to herself to get healthy. The birth of her three children, coupled with an abusive marriage, caused her to comfort herself with food and to gain weight through the years.
"Debbie was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, with her two younger siblings. She never lost the 50 lbs. that she gained with her first pregnancy at age 22, marking the beginning of her struggle with weight. In 2002, at over 300 lbs., she tried gastric bypass surgery, but ultimately gained back part of the weight she lost. She says her biggest motivation for going on “The Biggest Loser” is to have access to all of the experts - including a nutritionist, doctors and trainers - who can help her to develop a healthy lifestyle.
"Now a grandmother of six at age 60, Debbie weighs 239 lbs. and hopes to have more energy to play with her grandkids and become more of an active participant in life once she loses the weight."
"The Biggest Loser" has featured a number of contestants from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Last year's competition featured the Ann Arbor father/daughter team of Darrell and Andrea Hough.
The new season begins with a 2-hour special at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20.
The season features 2 new trainers, tennis star Anna Kournikova and fitness expert Dolvett Quince, joining returning Bob Harper. According to a press release from NBC, in the premiere, host Alison Sweeney tells the teams that they will make their first game-changing decision— who their trainer will be—in the order in which they finish the first challenge. The new contestants will compete for a $250,000 grand prize.
For more on the show, including a rundown of the new contestants, see the "Biggest Loser" website or Facebook page, and follow the show on Twitter.
Comments
Ron Granger
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
I think Blimpy Burger would be a perfect partner for the show. I'll bet they'd even be willing to allow contestants to cut to the front of the line.
jns131
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 3:43 a.m.
I talked with someone who was from Ann Arbor who was one of the finalist and she said the stuff they make you go thru to get to the television part is phenomenal. She says they make you diet even while hoping to make it as a selected finalist. Sometimes I wish Jillian would show up on my door step. But then again....maybe not. Good luck. I didn't watch it as much last year as I have in previous.
10dz
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 2:34 a.m.
go girl!!
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
I've never seen this show, though my son is a fan. He'll be excited to see a local competing. And, I may just have to tune in to cheer her on. Good luck, Debbie! I wish you the best!
Bertha Venation
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
GO Debbie! You can DO IT! We're all-a-rootin' fer ya!
timeatwork
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 7:51 p.m.
I thought this was another story about B. Hoke.....
dotdash
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.
This reads like reprint of the NBC press release. The byline should probably read "by NBC staff" not "by AnnArbor.com staff", I'm thinking.
A2Westsider
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 7:11 p.m.
Go Debbie Go!! I have never watched this show, but I'll tune in this season to cheer you on!