Two of the country’s favourite contestants on The Biggest Loser Couples show were Tiffany and Bob Herdsman. Their success transformed their lives, looks and health; but four months on, has their incredible weight loss been sustainable? And how have their lives changed since Finale? We reveal all in our exclusive interview.
Bob’s weight maintenance
Winner Bob Herdsman first weighed in at 167.8kg and lost more than 87kg by Finale, stealing the number one prize and taking his body weight to a lean and healthy 80.2kg.
So has Bob managed to maintain his weight loss in the real world, even at the age of 57? Proudly, he reveals, “Right now I’m still around the same weight as I was when the show wrapped up and I don’t intend on that changing. It feels great to be fit and healthy.”
Bob believes that it is his new view on food and eating that has helped him maintain his healthy weight. “In my mind I ‘weigh things up’ whenever I eat,” he says. “I still eat the things I like, but I don't regret it afterwards because I won’t eat anything if I’m not willing to pay the price, be it a session on the cross trainer or a jog. This way I never feel deprived.”
The online tools at The Club are also key to Bob’s ongoing healthy lifestyle. He says, “I used The Biggest Loser Club online diary religiously while I was in Camp Biggest Loser. It was a great way to make sure I was heading in the weight-loss direction. I really feel that the diary is a very good tool, not just for counting the calories, but because it helps keep your mind switched on to what you’re doing.”
Life after the show
Since the Loser cameras stopped rolling Bob has been busier than ever, taking part in magazine shoots, interviews and presenting motivational talks, plus flying state-side for The Biggest Loser US.
He explains, “Just a few weeks after our own Finale, Tiffany and I went to the live Biggest Loser US Finale. We met the current contestants and shared what we were experiencing and feeling. We also got the chance to talk to former contestants who gave us some good insider pointers about what to expect after the show and some reassurance that it is normal to feel slightly dazzled by all the changes and media attention.
“It was talking with these people that made me realise I would like to share my experiences and help other people who might be struggling with similar challenges. I want to get the message across that it really is possible to change your life. I believe if I can do it, anyone can!”
Happy families
While Bob is now looking forward to the next stage of his life – retirement – he's still coming to terms with what he has achieved. He says, “When I look at photos of me before, I can’t believe how huge I was. It seems strange, but I didn’t think I was really that big back then.” As memories of his Loser experience come to mind, Bob says, “It all happened so quickly that I have to remind myself what I went through and that I’m now slim. The impact of losing half my body weight has been truly huge!”
Throughout his life-changing journey, there is one person who has never been far from his side. Married to Jan for over 40 years, Bob reveals his weight loss has changed them as a couple.
“My relationship with Jan is still good, but things have undoubtedly changed. I am now lighter, stronger and fitter. When she looks at me she sees something she hasn’t seen in a long time and it shows in her eyes. My Biggest Loser experience is something that Jan shared with me and without her support I’m not sure I could have done it. I’m just looking forward to enjoying our retirement together.”
Tiffany’s weight maintenance
Twenty-eight-year-old Tiffany Herdsman, Bob’s daughter-in-law, shed over 54kg and nearly 48 percent of her starting weight of 113kg. Just losing out to Bob to become the first Australian female Biggest Loser, she happily stood as his runner-up.
Now successfully maintaining her Finale weight of 59.5kg Tiffany says, “Losing the weight meant a lot of sacrifice, but it was all worth it. Now that I am maintaining my weight I don’t have to be nearly as strict as I was when I was losing the excess kilos. I just make sure that I eat regularly, make healthier choices and that I don’t overdo the carbohydrates. When I fancy something sweet I have a hot drink, such as cocoa or low-calorie chocolate made with hot water and some milk.”
Most mornings for Tiffany start with an hour-long run with her husband Ben or a friend. She says, “I try to keep as active as I can now because I understand I eat when I’m bored. I often cycle 2km to the library and home again with Isabelle in a special seat on the back."
Life after the show
Four months after taking part in the iconic weight-loss show, Tiffany has experienced some exciting times but has managed to stay true to her roots.
Speaking of her trip to America, Tiffany says, “I really enjoyed taking part in the filming of The Biggest Loser US Finale. It was fascinating to hear the personal stories of past contestants of the show; it was like being a part of an exclusive club.
“I’ve taken part in some interviews for TV, radio and magazines and I even appeared on the cover of a few publications. I’ve kept my feet on the ground though and I haven’t even framed the pictures. I might look at them when I’m old!
“I have loved my experiences and they’re what have made me who I am today, but it’s time to move on now. The show and losing all that weight controlled and consumed my life and I am enjoying feeling normal again. I feel happier and more at peace about myself now.”
Happy families
Having recently celebrated her eighth wedding anniversary with Ben, how has the Loser experience affected them as a couple?
Tiffany reveals, “Ben didn’t really realise how much my weight had affected our health and happiness, but now there is a marked change. When I see him now, his eyes light up and that’s fantastic. It was hard to be apart, but it has been worth it and it has refreshed our relationship.
“In a couple of weeks we’re off for a three-month trip around the north of Western Australia. It was tough being away from my family for so many months while filming the show and Ben has been busy since I’ve been home, so we decided to make up for lost time with a holiday for the same amount of time that I was at Camp Biggest Loser.”
Ready to live a quiet, healthy life, and with her bags packed, Tiffany finishes with words of wisdom that she hopes will inspire others to take action. “I wish everyone could feel how much brighter life is when you don’t have that weight dragging you down emotionally, physically and spiritually. It’s like getting glasses and being able to see things as clear as crystal for the first time in a very long time. Maybe life isn’t full of glamour and glitz, but it is peaceful and happy – just how I like it!”