by Gina Scarpa

 

On the outside, The Biggest Loser's Vinny was outgoing, popular, and the life of the party. On the inside, though, was a broken person dealing with the aftermath of being abused as a child and feelings of worthlessness. Not only did he find peace on the ranch, but he found himself, and left there healthier, skinner, and engaged! Today, we talked to Vinny in an exclusive interview about his Biggest Loser experience and his tough elimination from the competition.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It seemed like, on the outside, you had a good life before coming to The Biggest Loser. What made you decide to try out and get healthy?
A. Vinny: In February of 2011, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, which led me to a week's stay in the hospital due to an infection in my body, caused by my high blood sugar. That was a wake up call for me and I knew I had to do something to change.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The show has always preached that in order to change the outside, you need to deal with and change the inside too. Was it difficult for you to open up to Dolvett, to America, and ultimately, to your mom about your tough upbringing?
A. Vinny: It was definitely difficult for me to open up the first time I talked about it, but I realized the more I talked about my past, and dealt with those issues, the better my future would be. I'm very glad I shared my story with everyone.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You had many weeks of pulling double digits but you had a few where you pulled a 5 or an 8 on the scale. Looking back on it, what do you think led to those weeks where you struggled?
A. Vinny: The weeks that I struggled were in the beginning of the show and I just wasn't physically able to run or work out at the intensity I needed to, to pull a bigger number.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I really loved your personality on the show this season but I also loved seeing your relationship with Lori. Were you always planning on proposing to her at some point during the show or is that an idea that grew as the season went on?
A. Vinny: I had always planned on proposing to her, but I wasn't sure if I was going to do it on the show... she gets a little camera shy. But as the season went on, I knew I wanted to make it a moment we would both never forget. And it's cool to have it captured on film so our children and grandchildren can watch it one day.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When you went home, you seemed to stay very focused on eating right and working out. Were there any major challenges or obstacles you faced?
A. Vinny: I think the biggest obstacle for me was staying focused. Because I'm such a social person, it was hard for me to not go hang out with my buddies when they called. Instead, I had to go hang out at the gym.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I thought you were going to make the finals, for sure. When you didn't, you took it very well and seemed genuinely happy for the ones who did. How did you handle getting eliminated right before the very end?
A. Vinny: I was very grateful to make it as far as I did. For me, going on the show was never about winning the title or the money, it was about winning my health, and winning my life back, so I can be around for many more years to come. But don't get me wrong... I am definitely trying for the at home prize of $100,000!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: I'm sure it's safe to say you're totally focused on winning the at home prize now! What have you been doing to prepare for the finale?
A. Vinny: To prepare for finale I have been working out with my trainer, Carter Hayes, every single day putting in extra hours at the gym. My diet is better than ever and I'm focused and training hard.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the biggest thing that's changed about you?
A. Vinny: Aside from my much smaller appearance, I have gained a new passion in life for health and fitness and I'm very excited to share my motivation and knowledge with the world!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Are you going to go back to a career in music? What's next for you?
A. Vinny: I am definitely going back to my music career. I love being on stage, entertaining, and making people smile. Next for me... we are planning a wedding, starting a family, doing some motivational speaking, touring with my band Trailer Choir, and launching my acting career!

 

Don't miss The Biggest Loser's live finale, Tuesday at 8/7c on NBC.

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

 

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