Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels were shocked to see the winner of season 15 on the finale

Feb 6, 2014 08:47 GMT  ·  By
Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels react to Rachel Frederickson’s dramatic weight loss
   Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels react to Rachel Frederickson’s dramatic weight loss

Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, two of the trainers on the hit series The Biggest Loser, which helps overweight people shed the extra pounds and adopt a healthier lifestyle, were absolutely shocked to see how skinny Rachel Frederickson, the winner of season 15, had gotten for the big finale. They are now speaking out on the controversy.

Losing 59.6 percent of her starting weight (from 260 pounds [117.9 kg] to 105 pounds [47.6 kg]), Rachel has become the contestant with the highest weight loss margin ever to be featured on the show, but many viewers at home found her transformation so drastic it was reason for concern.

After the finale, many of them went online to say that Rachel had basically traded one unhealthy lifestyle for another, and they referred to Bob and Jillian’s shocked expressions to stress that not even they, trained professionals, thought the weight loss was healthy.

You can see a video and a GIF of their reactions embedded below.

Now that Rachel has already spoken out on the issue, it’s Bob and Jillian’s turn. They have chosen to issue a joint statement on Twitter which feigns to address the controversy but basically says that all those who want answers to their questions should address Rachel’s trainers and the show’s producers.

“Jillian and I want to take a moment to congratulate all of the BL contestants on their hard work. We're not comfortable commenting on Rachel's journey because we weren't her trainers and weren't given an opportunity to work with her at any point,” they say.

“Any questions about the contestants on the Biggest Loser should be directed to the show's producers,” Bob and Jillian continue.

The producers and the trainers are still mum on Rachel’s transformation, but Rachel herself has addressed the furor saying she’s never felt happier, prouder, and more confident for her achievement. She expects to gain a little weight back, and she’s preparing herself for lots of “maintenance” work.