‘The Biggest Loser’ brings former athletes to fore

The show, in its 16th season now and airing on Thursdays, has had its critics who say the show provides an unrealistic way to lose weight, given that folks on the show can spend six hours a day exercising and have nutritionists watching over their diets. And during the time they leave camp and before the finale, some people will lose weight by any means for the $250,000 prize.

Star trainer Jillian Michaels left the show earlier this year and said after the finale that Frederickson lost too much weight.

Quince, who trained Frederickson, defended her and is comfortable with the way “The Biggest Loser” operates.

“You don’t understand why she looked the way she did,” Quince said. “She did check out health-wise. We have doctors who check them out. We have a system. We are good with follow-through. We’re sticking to our guns.”

This season is focused on 20 former athletes, including contestants who have competed in professional softball, basketball, football and tennis.

“These people are far away from their glory days,” Quince said. “They want to get back to their glory days. I think they once saw working out as part of their job. After their careers were over, they didn’t have to listen to anybody anymore. They didn’t have to push their bodies anymore.”

But they kept eating like they were still burning thousands of calories a day. “They redirected their lives and neglected themselves,” he said.

Quince said he has enjoyed competing with two new trainers, Jessie Pavelka and Jennifer Widerstrom. “It’s refreshing,” he said. “They bring new energy. They’re a perfect fit to fill Bob (Harper) and Jillian’s shoes.” (Harper is now training eliminated contestants who have a shot to return to the competition.)

And he has no immediate plans to step away. “As long as the show wants to have me, I’m here,” he said. “I love what I do.”