Drawing upon a gritty determination she never knew she possessed, Lisa Hose overcame her injuries and stuck with her Biggest Loser dream. Then, in the closest finale in the show’s history, Lisa was the surprise winner and the first woman in Australia to take the title. Four months on, what’s life been like for Lisa?
Her caring and compassionate nature came across loud and clear to TV viewers and the nation soon fell in love with Lisa Hose, the caring mum and supportive contestant and friend on The Biggest Loser. Since she was crowned Australia’s first ever female Biggest Loser, Lisa has swapped reality TV for real life in Western Australia. In the four months that she has been back, there have been lots of changes in the Hose household. Daughters Chelsea (15) and Tegan (12) and husband Campbell are so proud of Lisa and do whatever they can to ensure that mum stays fit and healthy.
“I was away for such a long time that the girls and Campbell got into the routine of doing more around the house and they have continued to do so,” Lisa told The Biggest Loser Club. “As a result, there’s more time for all of us to spend together as a family and I have more time to exercise, too.”
Family fitness
In fact, staying fit is a family affair nowadays. Lisa and Campbell have joined their local gym. “The girls get out and they’re more active during their leisure time too and we just enjoy getting out and about together even if it is just a family walk.”
Lisa lost a massive 56.2kg by the end of her Biggest Loser journey – that’s a whopping 46.1% of her starting body weight.
By the time finale day came round, she was a trim 65.7kg. Lisa is happy to report that her weight has remained reasonably steady in the months that she has been back home. “My weight hovers around the 67-70kg which feels fine for me. I did try to go under 67kg but it felt as if my body wasn’t comfortable. So, I have decided not to fight it and I actually feel great about my size and very positive about the future,” Lisa said.
Staying fit and healthy
While on the show, Lisa injured her heel and this prevented her from taking part in the marathon that the other contestants worked towards throughout their own journeys. Lisa found an inner determination she never knew she had and she worked out that it would take her about six hours to run the same distance. Determined to compete – even if it was only going to be against herself – Lisa got onto her spin bike and cycled for six hours flat.
Though her heel hasn’t quite healed, Lisa hasn’t let it hold her back and she works out almost daily. “I hop on the spin bike or the X-trainer and I try to work out for about an hour for at least five days per week,” she said.
Click to enlarge photos
Lisa before
Lisa before
Lisa after
Lisa now
Lisa now
Consistency
As well as determination, Lisa knows that consistency is key to her staying in shape. “I enjoy what I eat and I like the odd glass of wine but I don’t go mad or go over the top like I used to. For me, consistency is important and if I overdo it or my weight starts to creep upwards, I tighten up on what I am eating and increase the exercise,” she said.
Lisa has returned to her job as an education assistant alongside her friend, and Biggest Loser Couples partner, Jarna.
“I am not looking for a career change right now – I am happy working at the school for kids with disabilities. I really enjoy it and working with Jarna is great – she is still going strong and looks great by the way,” Lisa said.
Lisa was at Camp Biggest Loser for the whole time it was being filmed and even afterwards, down-to-earth Lisa chose not to watch herself or the show on TV.
“The parents of the kids are so supportive and nice to me but it does feel a bit strange when they talk to me about my time on The Biggest Loser because I don’t see myself as any kind of celebrity,” Lisa added.
The next few months are going to be filled with fun and celebrations for Lisa, her family and friends. “Shannon is getting married in September and I am really looking forward to seeing him. He is one of my favourite people and one of my greatest friends on The Biggest Loser. He did so well to lose all that weight and he is just so positive and funny. I want to wish him all the best for the future. I am also looking forward to seeing the other friends from the show,” she said.
When she won the prize money of $370,000 (she was wearing the double bracelet at Finale), Lisa said that she had always wanted to take the family to Disneyland in the US and that dream is about to become reality, too. “The tickets are now booked and we are going away in October,” Lisa said. “It means that the girls will have to miss a short time from school but it will all be worth it.”
Nip and tuck
Lisa has also used some of her winnings to pay off part of the mortgage on the family home plus a little has gone towards landscaping the garden. She’s is even considering a little cosmetic surgery. “Nothing drastic,” said Lisa, “it’s just that with such a huge weight-loss and being in my forties now, things didn’t quite snap back into shape. So, I am thinking about having a little nip and tuck to tighten up my upper arms.”
"All I ever wanted from The Biggest Loser was to be a healthier weight and be a better role model to my beautiful daughters and to make my husband proud. I feel now that I have the energy and all the experience I need to actually do that and to live a happier life now and for always.”
Positive Lisa said, “I am so happy with my life and all the hard work has been so worth it. There is no way I am going back to my pre Biggest Loser days. Oh, and I’ll let you know about the wedding and Disneyland!” We’ll hold you to that, Lisa!