Former contestant excited about 'Biggest Loser'

MAGNOLIA, Texas – A youth pastor from Magnolia is closely watching the brand new season of The Biggest Loser.

Mark Cornelison, 44, and his son, Chism, were both on the program last season and lost a combined total of 200 pounds.

"How we eat, how we live life, exercise, everything is different," said Cornelison.

Cornelison was told at the start of the show his real health age was 59 years old, but by the time he left The Biggest Loser his health age went down to 34 years old.

"I didn't realize how bad I felt when I weighed 100 pounds more. Now the biggest difference is I have energy," said Cornelison.

He said he has the energy to run races and be more active with his family, including Chism, who also lost weight on the show and is now trying to keep it off in college.

"Sometimes college isn't the best thing in world for health and fitness. He is still trying and I am really proud of him, " said Cornelison.

The family diet is now made up of fresh vegetables and water instead of fast food and soda.

The father said it was easy to bring home nutrition lessons he learned on the ranch but tougher to get his workout routine down.

"On the show we are working out eight hours a day and at home, that is not normal for anyone. It was difficult to be in control of my workout routine because they told us what to do and we would just do it," said Cornelison.

Now he runs and goes to the gym four to five times a week to work out for an hour and a half.

He was involved in some of last season's controversy after walking off the show two weeks before it was over.

"There were some issues that came up where I didn't feel like people were being treated fairly and was essentially told, 'This is what we are going to do and you have the option to leave.' To say, 'Hey, there are certain things you have to stand up for' sometimes, so I left," said Cornelison.

He said he doesn't regret leaving the show because his goal was to get healthy, and he reached that goal. He remained friends with the staff of the show and other contestants, and remains a big supporter of the show.

"I love it and I will continue to support it and encourage people to go and let their lives be changed by it," said Cornelison.