Press Release:
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – NBC’S “The Biggest Loser” kicks off in early January 2013 with the return of Jillian Michaels and a big, bold mission: to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic head on by featuring kid participants (ages 13-17) for the first time ever in addition to adult contestants. Michaels will join popular returning trainers and top fitness experts Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince. Season 14 will also feature special celebrity guest stars and additional surprises that will be revealed closer to the premiere.

(L-R) Dolvett Quince, Bob Harper “The Biggest Loser” season 13 finale.

In addition to being one of the top health and fitness experts in the country, Michaels is a best-selling author who co-owns and runs her health and fitness empire Empowered Media with business partner Giancarlo Chersich. She whipped contestants into shape for 10 seasons on “The Biggest Loser,” and returns in season 14 as a new mother of two, a life change that has made her more committed than ever in helping kids who are struggling with weight issues. “As a former overweight teen, I know firsthand how dramatically weight issues can affect every aspect of a child’s life,” said Michaels. “Having recently become a mother of two, I am more passionate than ever about helping empower children and families with the information and resources they need to live a healthier life.”

Jillian Michaels training a “The Biggest Loser” contestant.

Contestants will be divided into three teams in season 14 – supervised by trainers Harper, Michaels and Quince. Each trainer/team will be paired with at least one child participant (age 13-17) who will compete with and contribute to their respective teams, but the kids will not be eligible for elimination. They will work at both the ranch and at home, and their progress will be featured in every episode. The trainers and “Biggest Loser” medical staff as well as behind-the-scenes childhood obesity experts will help the children get healthy, achieve their personal goals and transform their lives during the course of the season.

Jillian Michaels with her daughter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese, with obesity prevalence among children and adolescents almost tripling since 1980. With childhood obesity at an all-time high, jeopardizing the health of kids and future generations, “The Biggest Loser” is committed to fighting this epidemic by featuring children this season to serve as ambassadors of change who can inspire kids all over the country to get healthy.