Entertainment

TAKE IT ALL OFF – ‘BIGGEST’ LOSERS WIN BATTLE OF BULGE

IT’S DOWN to the waistband.

There are only four contestants left. And it’s every man and woman for themselves. Mo has finally won a challenge. And whiney Lisa is gone for good.

If you haven’t been watching “The Biggest Loser,” there’s still time to catch up.

This Tuesday night there will be a “bonus episode” that includes never-beforeseen footage of the 12 cast members and holiday fitness tips from trainers Bob and Jillian.

The hit reality show, where the player who loses the most weight wins $250,000, involves excruciating physical challenges and irresistible food temptations. “The Biggest Loser” may be the only reality program where everyone gets what they came for – to drop significant poundage

The first two contestants booted off the show were Dana and Lizzeth. Then came Aaron, a handsome guy with a big gut who wanted to lose his “man boobs.” Matt, an outgoing, funny homosexual, was the next to go – even though he lost a whopping 23 pounds in the first week alone and 46 in total. Then fast-talking, tattooed Dave from Boston was eliminated.

Things started to get nasty when Kelly Mac (who lost 41 pounds) was voted off. Andrea, a strong-willed woman who shed 39 pounds, left next. Last week, the annoying Kelly, 50 pounds lighter, was shown the door.

The four contestants remaining are Gary (down 50 pounds), big-boned brunette Lisa (47 pounds), machine-like Ryan (80 pounds), and the Ruben Studdard of the group, “Mo” Maurice (55 pounds).

Tears have been shed, tantrums thrown and anxiety attacks have flared throughout the show.

“Everyone in this cast re heroes,” says executive producer David Broome. “They’re willing to get on a scale in front of America.”

Two weeks ago, when Gary won immunity and was rewarded with a visit from his family, even the camera crew couldn’t stop crying. When he told his wife in a sweet whisper that his asthma was gone, everyone burst into tears.

“There was not a dry eye on the set,” says Broome.

Last week, Maurice, the most obese player, was pushed harder than ever. After finally running two miles to “the gate,” a challenge that every other contestant has been able to do, he wrapped his arms around Bob and said, “You’re the best trainer in America.”

Bob’s reply? “You’ve just won.”

Molly Kimball, a nutritionist at the Ochsner Clinic’s Elmwood Fitness Center in New Orleans, thinks Americans can learn from the show, which is currently casting for “Biggest Loser 2.”

“In America, everything we do involves food, whether it’s shopping at the mall or even driving,” she says. “The show is educational. People see someone in the same position and that is motivating.”

Keri Glassman, president of KKG Body Fuel, Inc. a nutrition counseling practice, has clients constantly asking her about the show. “Many of my clients have those same struggles with food issues,” she says.

“The show exposes the contestant’s vulnerability. I’m tearing up when I see the guy’s face when he steps on the scale. The show is a breath of fresh air compared to these ‘Extreme Makeover’ shows.”

“So many people want a quick fix whether it’s for their hair, skin or body. There is no quick fix in “The Biggest Loser.” There’s just a lot of hard work.”

Before and after contestant pictures don’t lie. And no one’s had either liposuction or stomach stapling.

“It’s the most real thing I’ve ever seen,” says Broome. “Weight is one of the most prevalent issues in our society.

These are real emotions and real struggles.”

THE BIGGEST LOSER

Tuesday, 8 p.m., NBC

“The show is a breath of fresh air compared to those ‘Extreme Makeover’ shows.” – KERI GLASSMAN, nutrition counselor