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The Biggest Loser 9: Exclusive Interview with Melissa Morgan

Posted on 02/10/2010 by Gina in The Biggest Loser and Cast Interviews

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Melissa Morgan from The Biggest Loser 9

 

by Gina Scarpa

 

Trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Harper accused her of gameplay and tampering with her weight but The Biggest Loser's Melissa Morgan swore up and down that she was honest from the very beginning. She struggled with weight loss coincidentally in the same weeks that she and her husband, Lance, had immunity. This week, host Alison Sweeney announced that two players would go home, one of whom would automatically leave if they fellow below the red line at the weigh in. That person was Melissa, who proved once and for all that she wasn't playing the game. Today, she spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her experiences on the show, the accusations from Bob and Jillian, and her weight loss journey at home.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Whose idea was it to do The Biggest Loser this season and how did you and Lance end up on the show?
A. Melissa: I am the one that decided to apply for the show. We started our journey applying for season 6. We also applied for seasons 7 and 8. We were really close in Season 8 and I just couldn't bear going through all the emotion of being declined again so I decided not to apply for season 9. Lance wanted to but I just wouldn't do it. Then the casting people called us and we decided to apply. Now, here we are - cast members of Season 9!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How difficult was it to leave your family and life back home behind?
A. Melissa: Leaving the kids was the most difficult for me. Carson, my daughter, is a momma's girl. I was worried how she would handle me being gone for long. Fortunately, she did exceptionally well. Wyatt, on the other hand, he would go live with anyone - he's pretty easy.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Both Bob and Jillian thought you were intentionally messing with your weight in order to "play the game". How did this affect your relationship with them and your ability to be successful on the ranch?
A. Melissa: My relationship w Bob and Jillian was obviously stressed for some time because of their belief that I was playing the game. It wasn't until my week 4 weigh in that Bob finally believed I wasn't playing the game. I would hope that following my +1 in week 6, without immunity, that Jillian now realizes I was not playing the game.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which teams did you bond with the most? Are there teams that you'll stay in touch with after the competition is over?
A. Melissa: I really bonded with Stephanie and Cheryl while I was on the ranch. I have stayed in contact with Stephanie's mom, Patti, since being eliminated. I have to say, I don't know that I would have been as successful as I was at home without Patti. She was a life saver!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: This week, there was an Olympics-themed challenge and you had to compete as individuals. What bothered you about not being able to compete with Lance?
A. Melissa: I wasn't really bothered by not being able to compete with Lance. I'm a huge fan of the show and I knew this day was coming. We both did. Lance had doubt in his ability to be successful in this journey, related to his weight loss, and he had done great things up to that point. He kept crediting me for motivating him through it. I was actually excited that we could compete individually so he could have further validation that he can be successful on his own.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Before you stepped on the scale this week, and knowing there would be a double elimination, how confident were you?
A. Melissa: What's interesting is that I can read my body pretty well. Each week that I had poor results on the scale, I told everyone that I would not do well. This week was no different. I knew I was not going to have a good number. I didn't expect a +1, but I knew it would be bad.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You seemed to have been more successful with your weight loss at home than on the ranch. What do you think the reason for that is?
A. Melissa: Actually, my weight loss at home was about the same average as it was on the ranch. During my time at home there was a week when I gained 3 pounds and a week where I lost nothing. I believe there is clearly something different about my weight loss cycle than most people. I can't put my finger on it. I'm still paying close attention to my food and working out vigorously each week. I have to credit most of my success to Chris Conklin, my trainer. He has been instrumental in keeping me motivated and interested in working out.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What are you doing in preparation for the live finale?
A. Melissa: Again, it's all about the food and workouts. I've got to eat clean and get in as much cardio and resistance training as possible. My trainer Chris will be key to my success.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is all forgiven and forgotten with Bob and Jillian?
A. Melissa: I have the utmost respect for Bob. He believed me and trusted that I was there for the right reasons. I don't feel like Jillian believes or trusts me and that is difficult for me because I was on that ranch to change my life. I didn't have the opportunity to talk to Jillian following my elimination. I would hope that +1 helps her trust that I was not playing the game.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was the experience of being on The Biggest Loser a good one for you?   Would you do it again?
A. Melissa: Being on The Biggest Loser changed my life. Lance and I struggled in our marriage and we were able to work through many of our issues while we were on the ranch. That, in and of itself, was worth being on the ranch. Fortunately for me I also lost 58 pounds. While I don't love the way I was portrayed as a game player, there is no question I would do it again.

 


The Biggest Loser airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 


Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more Biggest Loser links, visit SirLinksALot.net

 

 


  


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