Walgreens partners with Shine America on original 'Biggest Loser' webisodes
LOS ANGELES — Walgreens and NBC’s hit weight-loss competition series "The Biggest Loser" on Wednesday joined forces to launch a new web series that follows former contestant Filipe Fa's journey to lose weight and keep it off once and for all.
“The Biggest Loser is changing how American’s view health and wellness, and together we are highlighting Walgreens 'Way to Well Commitment’ by sharing Felipe and Sione's dramatic stories,” stated Megan McCambridge, divisional VP customer relationship marketing for Walgreens.
“We are deeply proud of our contestants whose weight-loss journeys continue long after their time on the ranch, and are thrilled to partner with Walgreens to share Filipe’s inspiring story,” stated Vivi Zigler, president of Shine 360° & Digital at Shine America. “Walgreens shares our passion for encouraging people to live their healthiest lives.”
Through eight original episodes, fans can follow the journey of the former season seven "The Biggest Loser" contestant, who is pushed to get fit by his cousin Sione Fa, also a contestant from season seven of the hit TV series and who is now a personal fitness trainer at The Biggest Loser Resort in Utah.
The web series is inspired by the Walgreens "Way To Well Commitment” program that focuses on improving on everyday health through prevention and early detection of today's leading diseases, like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. This program along with the company's recently launched "Steps with Balance Rewards" program that allows members to participate in health-related activities to earn rewards points.
Since appearing on the NBC series, the two cousins have gone down two dramatically different fitness paths.
Sione Fa, who shed over 146 pounds on “The Biggest Loser,” has been able to keep off his excess weight while helping others through his new career as a trainer. Filipe, who lost 135 pounds on “The Biggest Loser,” has struggled with his weight since leaving the show. He has gained more than 119 pounds and reverted back to a weight of nearly 350 pounds.