Alumnus David Brown (mass communications ’95) competed in the final episode of The Biggest Loser Season 15.
Brown and two other finalists competed in a triathlon and final on-air weigh in Feb. 4.
Brown entered the competition at 409 pounds and lost 222 pounds during the season. He had the highest total weight loss of the final three competitors, but finalist Rachel Frederickson won with a total weight loss of 155 pounds, more than 60 percent of her body weight.
Brown’s drastic weight gain began in his early 20s with the death of his first wife, Andrea, from a brain tumor. Brown began to care for his two daughters on his own while working several jobs.
Though he remarried in 2004, Brown continued to struggle with weight gain. After the birth of the couple’s third daughter in 2008, Brown realized he was falling short on his promise to care for his daughters because of his obesity.
Brown was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2012 and realized it was time to make a drastic change. He joined Season 15
of The Biggest Loser to begin intensive weight loss.
On his website, Brown wrote that his family’s motto is simple: “No Reserve. No Regret. Love God. Live Free.” Brown said the motto motivated him to the finals of the reality show.
Brown wrote on his Twitter account after the finale, thanking fans and his family for their support on his journey.
“I honestly feel like the winner of #BL15. The love and support is amazing. From the whole family – Thank You.”
Brown was unavailable for comment when contacted by Student Publications.
OCU has been supportive of Brown from the start of his journey. Student Life officials organized weekly watch parties of The Biggest Loser in the Student Lounge outside of the caf in the Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.
Fans have been following Brown’s journey on his Twitter account and through updates on his Facebook page.
Cary Pirrong, director of alumni relations, said he has been in contact with Brown throughout the run of the show.
“David has always been very nice and supportive of OCU,” Pirrong said. “It’s great to see an OCU grad doing such amazing things.”
Pirrong said campus organizers hope for Brown to visit campus once he is done with his commitments at The Biggest Loser.
Shelby Brown, acting senior, said that seeing a fellow Star on television is inspiring for all students.
“Shows like The Biggest Loser are inspiring to begin with, but when somebody you share something with is competing, it’s much more special,” Brown said.
“It gives you faith that people you know can do great things, and that maybe you can as well.”
For information on David Brown, visit his website at
1stronger.com or follow him on Twitter @strongerby1.
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