Biggest Loser Winners: Where Are They Now?

April 2024 ยท 1 minute read

Michael Ventrella shed nearly half of his starting 526 pounds to win Season 9 at 262 pounds, but he has struggled to segway his weight loss win into lasting success. The pounds are stubbornly returning, and the $250,000 prize money has disappeared.

"I have no money coming in and a lot of money going out. That scares me to death," Ventrella told Chicago magazine in 2010. At the time, he was broke, living with his parents, and had no health insurance. "Ventrella isn't on NBC's payroll, although he is spending much of his time promoting the show. It's part of the contract he signed as a contestant; he receives only a modest per diem rate, plus expenses. Sometimes the network argues over paying his parking," the magazine reported.

Though post-show life wasn't what he expected, Ventrella said the overall experience was positive, helping him put his life into perspective. "I started paying more attention to my needs rather than my wants," he told Chicago. "I want a convertible, but what I need is a car that works. I want a relationship with a girlfriend, but I need to keep relationships with family and friends strong. I want a cheeseburger with grilled onions. I need a salad with chicken or shrimp."

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