by Gina Scarpa

 

Season 14 of The Biggest Loser has not just been about getting the adult contestants healthy, but children as well. The trainers have made it their mission to help kids become more active and live healthier lifestyles, and are working with three young teen contestants as well. Among them is Biingo, a 13 year old from Maryland who has a fear of vegetable and a goal of playing on a baseball team. We chatted with him about the experience of being on The Biggest Loser and what he wants other kids his age to know about changing their lives for the better.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It's very brave for a kid to go on The Biggest Loser. What were your feelings going into it?

A. Biingo: Going on the show, I really just had motivation to be able to change my lifestyle and help others change as well. I was definitely nervous about whether or not I would be able to do this, and lose weight in general.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was it like to be on a television show?

A. Biingo: Yeah, it was definitely something different being around the cameras! At first, it was really weird but hey, you get used to it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Bob is such a great trainer to have. Tell us a little bit about your working relationship.

A. Biingo: Yeah, Bob's really been there for me. He's been really good, he's a good trainer. He helped me play less video games. He's told me to do that a lot!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Right when you started getting active, you got hurt playing basketball. Did that slow you down at all, mentally or physically?

A. Biingo: Yeah, getting hurt was really bad. It really put a dent in my motivation. It didn't really help and it kept me from doing what I wanted. Once I was able to get the cast off, I get more into the groove of things. I would do as much as I could with that thing on. I would run around with it on as best I could. It was just a lot harder!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You and Lindsay and Sunny have been going back and forth from your home states to The Biggest Loser ranch throughout the season. Were you able to keep up with school?

A. Biingo: Yeah, going to the ranch from back at home, I would have to bring schoolwork. I would get it all done. We were able to do our best to get everything done.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How was your relationship with the adult contestants?

A. Biingo: The adult contestants are all really great! They motivated us and pushed us. They're all very kind to the three of us.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the biggest lesson you learned from Bob and The Biggest Loser?

A. Biingo: The biggest thing I learned is that you can get exercise from hanging out with your friends, going on a run or a bike ride.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You said in the beginning of our conversation that you wanted your story to help others as well. What do you want kids your age to know?

A. Biingo: You know, people just gotta know that nutrition is 80% of what your'e doing. You have to change the way you're eating. You need to pay attention to what you're eating.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Are you planning on trying out for or playing for any sports teams?

A. Biingo: Yeah, I have plans to try to play for the Maryland Cardinals [baseball team].

 

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa