NBC Chicago /

News

Suburban Retirees Are Big Losers Wheaton couple is oldest ever on weight-loss reality show

By  MATT BARTOSIK

Updated 8:45 AM CDT, Mon, Jan 5, 2009

NBC

A husband-and-wife team from Wheaton are the oldest-ever contestants on NBC's "The Biggest Loser."

 

Many people resolved this year to lose weight, but this goal requires a daunting long-term commitment to eating well and exercising regularly. If you need some inspiration to stay on track, look no farther than Wheaton, IL.

Jerry and Estella Hayes are both 63 and retired, and they recently moved back to Wheaton from California to be close to their children and grandchildren. But at 369 and 242 pounds respectively, the husband and wife of 41 years had difficulty keeping up with their loved ones.

After trying both diet and exercise, they took a drastic step and auditioned for NBC's "The Biggest Loser."

The couple was accepted as the reality show's oldest contestants to ever compete. The seventh season also features the series' youngest male contestant (388 pounds at 18 years old), heaviest female (379 pounds), and heaviest male (454 pounds).

"It's a different experience to watch the show and be on it," Estella told the Sun-Times. "I didn't realize going in how little muscles I had. I had not done that much, sitting there taking care of my grandkids. I really have to work at building muscle."

But the couple didn't let the hard work stop them from reaching for their goals. Jillian Michaels, one of the show's trainers, believes they will be an inspiration to many viewers.

"If they can do it, anyone can do it," she says.

The seventh season of "The Biggest Loser" premieres Tuesday at 7 p.m. on WMAQ-Channel 5.

Copyright NBC Local Media / NBC Chicago

Comments (1)

Sort by: Most Recent | Oldest
  • Cheering for a local! Monday, Jan 5 at 9:33 AM FLAG COMMENT Mr. and Mrs. Hayes congrats and good luck to both of you! I live nearby and somehow that seems to matter on how I approach my new year with weight loss. If you make it one week or the whole thing it won't matter to me. What matters is that you had the courage to take this plunge on national tv!!! Not to mention facing the work out wrath of Jillian! She's great but I heard she's a tough one! I look forward to watching you ... MORE >

Post a Comment

Name


Comment - You have 2000 characters left

Enter both words below, separated by a space, in the field located to the lower right. Can't read the words below? Try different words or an audio captcha. What's this?