sione fa

“I have no regrets, I know I gave it my all,” says Felipe Fa about his experience on Biggest Loser season eight. While he won’t be considered a finalist, he was on the ranch for the entire 17 weeks, an accomplishment worth being very proud of. After his elimination, the final four were also sent home to do it on their own for 30 days before moving on to the season finale. Filipe played every moment of the game with heart, and every time the audience needed it the most, gave us a good reason to laugh.

Filipe lost a total of 130 pounds on the ranch, going from 364 pounds down to 234. He said he left with a positive outlook and “really realized the whole purpose of this show — to inspire people.” He says that he was able to connect with Bob in that final week, and took to heart some advice from his beloved trainer. Bob Harper told him the show was “not about winning a game, but fixing what’s broken.”

Listen now to hear the DietsInReview.com interview with Filipe, before reading more. He shares the five moments that were most epic for him in this most epic of Biggest Loser seasons.

For Sione Fa, there was never a question about why he was at the Biggest Loser. His heart and mind were in it to regain his health and his life from day one. Sione lost 116 pounds on the Biggest Loser ranch (down from his starting weight of 372), and says today he’s lost about 135 pounds total. His weight loss has inspired his family and Tongan community. Sione explains that the Tongan culture is typically overweight. He says that now they’ve watched him, and cousin Filipe Fa, lose weight on national TV and it’s opening their eyes. His own family has come to him for advice, and Sione shares his breakthroughs with them. Recently he attended a luau where brown rice and baked chicken were served, which he says is unheard of at those events. He’s proud that he and Filipe have been able to influence their culture to make healthier choices. He’s even thinking about creating a “Polynesian workout” video!

Listen now as Sione talks with us about his training style, the traditional New Zealand war chant “Maori Haka,” the emotions of leaving Filipe, and his relationship with Tara.

Keep up with Sione’s journey on Biggest Loser: Couples all season long. Sione joins partner and cousin Filipe during the show’s seventh season.

Eliminated Week 14 - Listen to the Interview

Interview with Sione and Filipe at the Biggest Loser 7 finale.

Age 28

Hometown Maricopa, AZ

Occupation Owner, Landscape Company

Teammate Filipe Fa, cousin

Team Color Blue

Trainer Bob Harper

Starting Weight 372

Final Weight 226

Total Loss -146