Kriti Mehrotra
As a documentary series living up to its title in every way conceivable, Netflix’s ‘Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser’ can only be described as equal parts baffling and intriguing. It comprises archival footage as well as interviews with many involved with the titular NBC show to shine a light on the damaging reality behind its success. Amongst those to be a significant part of this original production is former season 7 contestant Joelle Gwynn, who has alleged to feeling berated and belittled for the majority of her time on the show.
Joelle Gwynn Wanted to Turn Over a New Leaf
While Joelle had always struggled with her weight, she became a lot more conscious about it in the early 2000s, in her 20s, and was thinking of different ways she could get healthier. According to her own accounts, she was watching season 3 of NBC’s ‘The Biggest Loser’ while eating a McDonald’s Double Filet-O-Fish combo and an apple pie when she became inspired. She recognized one of the contestants as a man she had dated in college, “and he looked fantastic. He dropped 95 lbs,” she candidly told People. So, she contacted him, learned how the show really helped, and subsequently decided to go through the audition process alongside a friend. When all this transpired, Joelle was admittedly considering gastric bypass surgery, so she took immediate action because she didn’t really want to put her body under the knife.
Producers loved her audition tape alongside friend Carla Triplett, resulting in them being chosen for season 7, with the latter being the heaviest person they had on the show yet. What neither of them realized, though, was that it was going to be quite challenging; in fact, Carla even quit during week 1 before her teammate brought her back. What followed were intense workout sessions with their trainer, Bob Harper. While he and Carla had a solid relationship, he and Joelle often butted heads. He even shouted and screamed at her because it seemed like she wasn’t dedicated to the process, which then led to every other contestant – including Carla – questioning her determination, too. As per her own accounts, she was dealing with personal trauma at the time, too, so all this only made her shut down, and it culminated in her losing 0 lbs one particular week before she and Carla were eliminated.
Joelle Gwynn Has Since Made Severe Allegations Against the Show
In the aftermath of Joelle and Carla’s elimination, the Detroit, Michigan residents were asked about their personal relationship and weight loss journey, to which they responded candidly. As per both their accounts, since they were merely acquaintances/recent friends when the show began filming, the massive fallout they had during week 3 essentially led them to part ways. Their personal relationship was left fractured, but they both continued to focus on their health even when there was no camera following them every step of the way.
As per her own accounts, Joelle’s routine at home consisted of a combination of cardio and weight training as well as activities like kick-boxing, pilates, yoga, spinning, and swimming. As a result, she gradually managed to lose several inches, toned up, and even lowered her stress levels to such an extent that she got rid of high blood pressure and the risk of diabetes. As for claims she had given up during filming, she asserted that she was dealing with personal issues at the time, and that the only time she ever missed training was to go vote in the national elections.
“I tried to stay on the high road and keep quiet about those,” Joelle said. “Maybe my weak point was not speaking or interacting, but the focus of this opportunity was losing weight, and I challenged myself to do that.” She added, “I had to make a decision that the producers and cast did not like. I chose to uphold my civic duty and leave to go vote.” However, in the years that have passed by, Joelle has alleged she was encouraged to use drugs to lose weight, stating they made her feel “jittery and hyper.” She claimed it was added to their regimen, but they were also told it was up to them to take the pills, before further alleging that the trainers and the medical advisor were all aware of it.
Joelle Gwynn Has Come a Long Way Since Her Time on the Show
While the journey hasn’t been comfortable or easy for Joelle in any way, shape, or form, she appears perfectly content in her skin after having lost hundreds of pounds. She is now more confident than ever before, which has even enabled her to take risks and dabble in various vocations, all the while building a life for herself in Charlotte, North Carolina. She and the New York Post were sued for defamation by Dr. Robert Huizenga owing to her claims of drug use, yet the case against her was ultimately dismissed. According to court records, since Joelle had no idea what she was ingesting at the time of filming, even if they were caffeine pills, her claims couldn’t be deemed malicious.
Coming to Joelle’s personal standing, the Winston-Salem State University Psychology and Education graduate is a woman of many hats as of writing. She is not only the Chief Executive Officer at her own Pride Beauty Supply & Salon, but she is also a public figure as a voiceover actor, media producer, and YouTuber with a Channel called Menopause Hottie. She is also a philanthropist who does not hesitate to give back to her community, an advocate for special education as well as mental health, and a specialist in Social and Human Service roles.
In fact, with experience as a producer of Positive Rhythms Radio Shows, Director at the non-profit PUMMAA—Positive Urban Music & Media-Arts Alliance, HIV Prevention as well as Early Intervention Specialist at AIDS Partnership Michigan, Behavior Technician at Centria Healthcare, and Disability Coordinator at Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, Joelle has already done wonders. Nevertheless, with the fitness and dance enthusiast being 57 as of writing, her journey is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what’s in the cards for her next.
Read More: Suzanne Mendonca: Where is The Biggest Loser Star Today?
