The Biggest Loser Finale extravaganza

We all watched spellbound through the last few episodes of The Biggest Loser when the contestants were whittled down to the Final Five. Then there was the agony of that last elimination and at last we were down to the Final Four. Who of these amazing competitors would be this year’s weight loss supremo?

Their fates were revealed at the spectacular Finale. But first we feasted our eyes on all the proud contestants, brought back together again for one last weigh-in. Together they recorded a massive total weight loss of 792.7kg. But it was how they performed individually on the scales that counted …

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The winner

Runner-up

At 62.1kg

Glamazon

Ambassador

The official results leaderboard

 _{*Ranking amongst eliminated contestants.}

The winner Emma Duncan

Emma Duncan was crowned the Biggest Loser 2011. The blonde glamazon lost 62.1kg, which is 46.38% of her starting weight. Her victory has netted her a cool $100,000, that she and her husband will use to set themselves up in their life together. More importantly, however, it has given her a new body and a whole new perspective. “I’m happier, bubblier and more outgoing,” she says. “These days I’m naturally high on life.”

She also attributes part of her success to the online diary. “It’s so useful. I put everything in it – it’s fantastic!”

Read Emma’s inspiring interview to find out how a former junk-food addict was eliminated from the competition only to return better, stronger and fitter than ever and snatch the crown from her Biggest Loser rivals. It’s the story of a staggering physical transformation and the emergence of a true warrior.

Runner-up Leigh Westren

When Leigh Westren entered the house, he weighed 130.1kg and lacked the confidence to shine as a DJ, despite his passion for music. Shannon described him then as broken physically, emotionally and mentally. Through the weeks of epic challenges and gruelling training, he transformed his body into that of a lean athlete and was crowned runner-up with a weight of 72.4kg. That is an impressive loss of 57.7kg – a fantastic 44.38% of his bodyweight! He has his spark back and is ready to  face his new life outside the house with a renewed sense of pride and self-respect.

The at-home winner Sharlene Westren

Like mother, like son. Sharlene Westren also made her mark on this year’s competition by coming in as the at-home winner. She lost 42.81% of her body weight, going from 113.3kg when she started the competition to a healthy 64.8kg at Finale. She looked radiant and joyful on the night and was clearly revelling in her youthful vitality and energy.

The Westrens: the winning family

This year, The Biggest Loser took the competition in an exciting direction by pitching families against families. It added an intriguing new dimension as the family members pulled together and provided each other with extra support – but also brought with them an added load of emotional baggage.

The big question was which family would emerge the overall winner? Here, again, the mighty Westrens were the outstanding performers. Craig, Sharlene, Leigh and Lara worked hard together and did an amazing job to take the family title. They went from a combined weight of 470.6kg to a tiny 277.2kg, registering a 193.4kg loss on the scales and losing a total of 41.1% of their combined weight. The family that would gorge on fry-ups and plates of sticky cakes when Shannan spent his memorable first week with them now trains together and eats fresh and healthy fare.

Congratulations to all the contestants and winners. They are all a fantastic inspiration and their success can motivate you to give your all to your weight loss efforts. Remember, never give up.

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