‘Biggest Loser’ contestants admit to cheating

CEBU, Philippines - Four contestants in the “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles” volunteered to drop out of the competition after admitting to breaking the rules of the program and cheating by taking weight loss supplements.

In a controversial episode last Saturday, Du brothers Ralph and Christian and showbiz royalties Pat and Cathy came clean and confessed that they brought in cigarettes, junk food, and even slimming tea to help them lose the extra pounds even if they knew these items were extremely prohibited inside the camp.

“I admit that it was a grave fault. There’s nothing good about what I did. My integrity was tested, it’s already ruined. It was really wrong to put up with all the lies,” stated Ralph.

“I was waiting to stumble and go wrong. Maybe this is the way for me to understand myself. To the people I hurt, I will show you that I will learn from this,” said Christian.

Even before the program looked into the case, the other contestants apparently already had a hunch about the Du brothers and showbiz royalties’ deceitful practices, but chose to remain mum for the sake of camaraderie and lack of evidence against the four contestants at fault.

Before leaving the camp, Cathy apologized to her co-contestants and said, “I know I disappointed a lot of people – my parents, ‘Biggest Loser’, the coaches, the contestants, everyone who believed in me, even Ate Pat. Thinking of what I did, it wasn’t worth it. I could have stayed true to myself. I can’t even express how sorry I am to you guys.”

Pat added, “I don’t want this to define me, because this isn’t who I am. I want people to remember me that I was the one who made a mistake but bravely owned up to it and rose again.” Contestants Kayen, Osie, and siblings Bryan and Ikya, on the other hand, tearfully expressed their disappointment and hurt over the violations, but said they were optimistic that they would remain friends.

Host Iza Calzado also became emotional, while fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret aired their regret over the contestants’ actions, especially that they treated all of them as family.

After Ralph, Christian, Pat, and Cathy’s departure, a batch of doubles is set to return to the “Biggest Loser Doubles” camp and resume their weight loss journey. Who will they be?

Watch “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Doubles” from Mondays to Fridays after “Aquino & Abunda Tonight” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida, and on Saturdays after “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” (FREEMAN)