Shay Sorrells, a contestant on this season of the NBC series The Biggest Loser, will continue her weight-loss journey with the help of Subway restaurants. Shay began her experience as the heaviest contestant in the show’s history, weighing 476 pounds. As revealed during the season finale, she now weighs 304 pounds—a 172-pound drop.
To ensure the continuation of her journey, Subway restaurants will continue to motivate Shay, offering her $1,000 for every pound she loses between now and the Season 9 finale of The Biggest Loser in May 2010. Shay accepted the challenge from Subway restaurants during the show’s live Season 8 finale.
Shay will serve as a spokesperson for Subway restaurants in 2010, joining Jared Fogle, who in 1998 began his own journey with a 245-pound weight loss, crediting Subway sandwiches and exercise as key factors in changing his lifestyle.
Key highlights of the new partnership include in-show and online integration throughout Season 9 of The Biggest Loser as well as a mid-season weigh-in and follow-up package. In addition to periodic check-ins throughout the show’s next season, fans will also be able to follow her progress online.
“My time on The Biggest Loser showed me that I have the capability to do whatever I set my mind to,” Sorrells says. “For anyone who watched me week in and week out, I promise you that I will continue to do my best, because my struggle with weight is a continuing battle. I thank Subway for providing me with another platform and incredible opportunity for showing America that my journey is far from over.”
To help Sorrells with her efforts, Subway restaurants are providing her with healthier meal options from the Subway Fresh Fit menu, which includes eight sandwiches with six grams of fat or less.
“Shay is an inspiration and we are proud of what she has already accomplished on her road to a better life,” says Tony Pace, chief marketing officer of the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust (SFAFT). “People are rooting for her, and Shay continues to demonstrate that while weight can be a struggle each and every day, you can meet and exceed your goals with a healthy, active lifestyle. Subway is happy to be part of her journey.”
“This season of The Biggest Loser was all about second chances, and we’d like to thank Subway for extending that theme and giving Shay yet another opportunity to continue her weight-loss journey while encouraging millions of Americans to live a healthier, active lifestyle,” says Mark Koops, managing director at Reveille, the production company behind The Biggest Loser.
