Friday August 7, 2009

Big turnout for weight loss show audition

By JADE CHAN

Candidates from all over Malaysia queued up as early as 6am on Aug 1 for their shot at the live audition for The Biggest Loser Asia at Fitness First, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, recently.

Siti Hawa Mohd Najib was among those who came with her family in tow for support.

Making the effort: Maesday (right) having a chat with Farah Abdullah (left) and a fellow candidate who turned up for The Biggest Loser Asia live audition. Farrah, a 26-year-old geologist, travelled all the way from Sarawak just for the audition.

The 31-year-old civil servant said she hoped to lose 30kg and become healthier, win the prize money and even snag a boyfriend.

“Guys value first impressions. I can still remember the look I got during my first and last attempt at a blind date.

“I’m often subjected to cruel jokes, and it’s very demotivating when I’m compared with my siblings,” she said.

Siti Hawa’s siblings had driven down from Ipoh with her, and even made a couple of posters to declare their support.

Her sister, Siti Haniza, 27, said: “It’s God’s fate that despite being the most active in sports compared with us, Siti Hawa is the biggest in size. With her sports training, she’s definitely mentally prepared for the challenges.”

Farrah Zennylyn Salihuddin, 19, hopes to improve her image to be able to break into the entertainment and media industry.

“I enjoy performing but I’m constantly judged by my looks. I’ve learnt that it’s easier to get what you want if you are slim and pretty.

Fighting for a chance: A candidate speaking to the crew from The Biggest Loser Asia during her live audition recording.

“Singing onstage is when I feet most beautiful, and I idolise Britney Spears for her determination despite all that’s happened to her,” said Farrah.

The SEGi University College communications student said her weight had been fluctuating for the past six years, and that even her family and friends looked down on her.

“I dress up and project a confident look, but the constant teasings still break my heart,” she said.

“I’m all prepared for the show. I want to show that fat people also have the determination to get what they want!”

While the USD100,000 prize money is a huge appeal, Fitness First Malaysia managing director Shaun Maesday said the participants’ motivation for signing up was much deeper.

“The journey and transformation is the biggest draw. It offers a great opportunity in terms of improving the participants’ quality of life and how it would affect their lives,” he said.

Fitness First is a major sponsor of the The Biggest Loser Asia?, modelled after the US version that is aired on Hallmark Channel.

“Fitness First’s concept is about making the world a fitter place and inspiring people to live healthy and active lifestyles.

“What better way to do this than to follow the journey of 30 people in The Biggest Loser Asia?” Maesday said.

“The instructors will work the participants through the seven elements of Fitness First’s healthy lifestyle methodology – cardio, core strength, nutrition and meal planning, resistance training, flexibility and balance.

“The programme will feature a combination of personalised coaching and support for the participants off-camera. We will also incorporate different classes within the gym itself.”

Maesday revealed that Fitness First’s trainers would have to go through their own auditions to be the Asian version of The Biggest Loser’s well-known trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.

“The two key trainers need to have great screen presence, be inspirational and have high qualifications. We will have more trainers assisting the participants off-screen,” he said.

Maesday said the participants’ transformation would be incredible over the 17 weeks of production period, as dramatic change is one of the key foundations of the show.

Those who want a chance to take part in The Biggest Loser Asia can also submit their videos via www.biggestloserasia.com.