"The Biggest Loser" winner, Rachel Frederickson, has achieved her goal to lose weight and win the grand prize of $250,000.
However, there is controversy arising that the 24-year-old from Los Angeles may have lost too much weight in such a short amount of time. Criticism towards NBC has been non-stop with questions of how the show would allow this to happen.
Frederickson began the competition at 260 pound and ultimately took home her prize weighing only 105 pounds. She has lost 155 pounds, which is 59.62% of her body weight.
As the voice-over artist walked on stage in her silver dress that showed off her new figure, even trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michael couldn't hide their surprise.
Frederickson came onto the show with a story that drew sympathy. Once a competitive high school swimmer, Rachel followed her boyfriend to Europe after giving up a full college scholarship. When the relationship ended, she returned home with regret, finding solace in food.
The winner was ecstatic, saying that she "feels amazing" and that she "feels truly alive and just transformed."
She has also explained her workout regimen and diet by stating "I make sure that I plan ahead. I cook my meals; make sure I'm ready for the week and that I have some snacks prepared. If my day is really busy with work, I have a snack prepared and ready to go so that I don't have to take the quick fix. I eat five times a day."
She has also mentioned that her workouts are now "fun."
Regardless of her lifestyle changes, viewers have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts on Frederickson's drastic weight loss and how it can be unhealthy to young girls watching.
DietsInReview tweeted "105 pounds? 60% loss? That's not healthy, by any definition. Hard to celebrate that." Another viewer (Carl Steiner) tweeted "so disappointed in Rachel. Just unbelievable how far she took her weight loss with so many young girls watching her every move."
The question of the safety and ethics of grueling weight loss as entertainment has been raised and open for answers.
