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'Biggest Loser' 2009 Winner Helen Phillips: Before and After Photos
by Kelly Woo, posted May 13th 2009 11:54AM
After losing 140 pounds, a total of 54.47% weight loss, 48-year-old Helen Phillips won the 'Biggest Loser' season 7 crown and the $250,000 grand prize.
She beat out fellow finalists Mike Morelli and Tara Costa. After winning, the triumphant mother of two from Michigan said, "I haven't worn a dress in at least 10 years," she said on tonight's show. "It was just wonderful. I actually feel beautiful today. I haven't felt that in a really long time."
A total of 2,763 pounds was lost this season. See before and after photos of the three finalists after the jump ...After losing 140 pounds -- more than half of her original body weight -- 48-year-old Helen Phillips won the 'Biggest Loser' season 7 crown and the $250,000 grand prize.
Having begun the season at 257 pounds, Phillips wasn't considered a serious threat to beat out considerably younger finalists Mike Morelli (19) and Tara Costa (24). Costa, a ferociously competitive former model, won a record 12 challenges and didn't once fall below the dreaded yellow line (a 'Biggest Loser' first). And Morelli, a fan favorite, beat out his father Ron with enough call-in votes to win the third spot in the finale.
But it was Phillips who proved that age -- and weight -- ain't nothing but a number. Though she was vilified by some for sending her own daughter, Shanon, home (through a mutual decision), Phillips had the last laugh at the end. Her final weigh-in put her at 117 pounds, pushing her past her competitors for a total weight loss of 54.47%. It also cemented trainer Jillian Michaels' reputation for training 'Loser' winners -- she's trained the victorious contestant in every season on which she's appeared.
After winning, Phillips, a mother of two from Michigan, exulted, "I haven't worn a dress in at least 10 years ... It was just wonderful. I actually feel beautiful today. I haven't felt that in a really long time." E! Online also reported that she said she would "absolutely consider chest surgery" to repair some of the sagging skin where she's shed fat.
A total of 2,763 pounds was lost this season.
She beat out fellow finalists Mike Morelli and Tara Costa. After winning, the triumphant mother of two from Michigan said, "I haven't worn a dress in at least 10 years," she said on tonight's show. "It was just wonderful. I actually feel beautiful today. I haven't felt that in a really long time."
A total of 2,763 pounds was lost this season. See before and after photos of the three finalists after the jump ...After losing 140 pounds -- more than half of her original body weight -- 48-year-old Helen Phillips won the 'Biggest Loser' season 7 crown and the $250,000 grand prize.
Having begun the season at 257 pounds, Phillips wasn't considered a serious threat to beat out considerably younger finalists Mike Morelli (19) and Tara Costa (24). Costa, a ferociously competitive former model, won a record 12 challenges and didn't once fall below the dreaded yellow line (a 'Biggest Loser' first). And Morelli, a fan favorite, beat out his father Ron with enough call-in votes to win the third spot in the finale.
Biggest Loser': Before & After
BEFORE: Contestants Helen Phillips (left) and Shanon Thomas (right)
NBC
AFTER: 'Biggest Loser' winner Helen Phillips
NBC
BEFORE: Contestants Ronald Morelli (left) and Michael Morelli (right)
NBC
AFTER: Finalist Michael Morelli
NBC
BEFORE: Contestants Tara Costa (left) and Laura Denoux (right)
NBC
AFTER: Finalist Tara Costa
NBC
But it was Phillips who proved that age -- and weight -- ain't nothing but a number. Though she was vilified by some for sending her own daughter, Shanon, home (through a mutual decision), Phillips had the last laugh at the end. Her final weigh-in put her at 117 pounds, pushing her past her competitors for a total weight loss of 54.47%. It also cemented trainer Jillian Michaels' reputation for training 'Loser' winners -- she's trained the victorious contestant in every season on which she's appeared.
After winning, Phillips, a mother of two from Michigan, exulted, "I haven't worn a dress in at least 10 years ... It was just wonderful. I actually feel beautiful today. I haven't felt that in a really long time." E! Online also reported that she said she would "absolutely consider chest surgery" to repair some of the sagging skin where she's shed fat.
A total of 2,763 pounds was lost this season.
Watch Helen's winning moment
