Hoover’s Biggest Loser contestant wins ‘At Home’ competition

Gina McDonald was eliminated in the penultimate episode of season 14 of NBC's The Biggest Loser. But McDonald didn't let elimination keep her from achieving her weight loss goals. She was sent home and kept a rigorous training schedule and healthy diet. 

McDonald said she's dreamed of being fit and healthy her whole life. She wasn't going to let the opportunity to make her dream come true pass her by.

"It was a truly amazing and life changing overall experience," McDonald said.

During the live finale on March 18, 11 previously eliminated contestants returned for a chance to weigh in a final time. They were still competing for the "At Home" prize, $100,000. Having lost 46.12 percent of her starting weight, or 113 pounds, McDonald won.

"Winning the money was just icing on the cake," McDonald said. "I won more than that. It was about the change, not cash for me."

Starting at 245 pounds, McDonald has not only changed her physical appearance, but she also became emotionally healthy and cured herself of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and type two diabetes.

"My weight loss goal was to weigh in at 135," McDonald said. "I achieved that and more."

Now, at a healthy 132 pounds, McDonald plans on using her weight loss as motivation and education for others.

"I plan to keep myself accountable by staying involved in fitness and wellness activities," McDonald said. This includes running the Biggest Loser Run/Walk in Jackson, Miss., on April 6. She plans on using the money to reward her staff for keeping her law firm going in her absence and to help her trainer with his non-profit wellness outreach.