'The Biggest Loser': Patrick House wins Season 10 and a chance to start over

Patrick House came to "The Biggest Loser" ranch in worse shape than most contestants.

He was obese, to be sure: He carried 400 pounds on his 6'2." But Patrick was also unemployed after losing his job as a sales rep. He was deeply in debt. He had a junker of a car. And he was also depressed, wondering how he would care for his wife and their two young boys. His situation was so dire that even his teammates rallied to help him. During one of the most poignant moments of the season, Ada and Brendan were the front-runners in a challenge to win a new Ford Edge. Instead of duking it out, they conspired to step aside so that Patrick could walk away with the vehicle instead.

On Tuesday, Patrick effectively won "The Biggest Loser" lottery, taking home a $250,000 payday after losing 181 pounds, or 45.25% of his body weight, and the Season 10 title. He'll use the money to settle debts and put his family on solid financial ground. Even better: He starts a new job in January. He'll help run an academy that will help obese children tackle their weight issues.
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"It means everything to us," a jubilant yet-teary-eyed Patrick said of the win. "It means we can start over." (We'll have the chance to speak to Patrick during a Wednesday morning media call. If you have any questions for him, let us know in the comments section below.)

Trainer Bob Harper said he'd pegged Patrick for the winner from the moment he arrived at the ranch. Normally, Bob discourages contestants from competing for the prize money or the fame that comes with winning the title. Such external motivations don't last, he said. But Patrick's case was different -- his family was on the verge of financial collapse and that was a powerful motivation. "He needed the money, bad," Bob said. And Patrick used that to motivate himself. "I knew he was going to win, I knew it, knew it, knew it," Harper said.

The Season 10 contestants were a close-knit group with hardly any overt rivalries. One flare-up occur ed when Patrick voted to oust Mark, his chief competitor. Mark was shocked and hurt. In retrospect, it was a wise decision. Had Mark stuck around and made it into the Final Three, he would have easily won: He started at 421 pounds and lost 213 pounds or 50.59% of his body weight. Mark had to settle for taking home the $100,000 at-home prize.

Other highlights, mostly sartorial:

--Ada was voted into the final three over Elizbeth, but in the end it didn't matter. Both women glowed in short, sassy dresses that showed off their new figures.

--We got a glimpse of the two mystery trainers who are coming in to help ease the transition as Jillian Michaels prepares to depart after the end of the next season. But the new trainers were only shown in silhouette -- who are they? If you know, message me!
 
--Ali has found her perfect color -- that purple.

--Bob Harper was channeling James Bond in that tux. (He's the rare man who can equally rock the casual look as much as fancier duds.)

--Adam! The hometown kid -- he's from Santa Ana -- started at 402 pounds, and lost 182 pounds, or 45.27% of his body weight. He's now a lean, mean 220 pounds and credits his late mother with divinely guiding him to success. "I feel like I won. I came on "The Biggest Loser" to get my life back. And I did that."

--There are only three people in the world who would dare to pull off a white suit and black shirt. John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever." Al Pacino in "Scarface." And Jillian Michaels.

--Rene Lynch
Twitter / renelynch

Photo: NBC

Comments

[Cathy]

Congratulations.
Where is the academy for children you will be working for located at?

[Frank Shelton]

I'm a friend of Patrick's and in all honesty I can say that a good guy won. What you saw with Patrick on the show is the real deal. He's a true gentleman and his wife, kids, and family are everything to him. I'm proud to know him and call him my friend.
On a sad note, while he's excited about Mindspring Academy and what it (and he) can do for overweight kids, it means he'll be moving away from here... but I guess our loss will be a bunch of kids gain.

[Jayne GAllagher]

Now that Patrick won $250,000.00 wil he consider giving Ada the car back or giving her money for the value of the car?

[Jennifer]

It was actually Jesse, not Mark, who was very hurt by Patrick voting him off. Mark handled himself very well, considering he was wronged by a group of cowards.

[Rhonda]

I am happy for Patrick as he really did struggle. To Patrick good luck on your new job I know you will do well.

Rhonda
from Bettendorf, Iowa

[Beth]

A couple initial guesses for the females: Ana Julaton and Patty "Boom Boom" Alcivar. Golden Gloves and silhouette looked similar.

[rick]

Congrats patrick and to your family this season was a blast watching every one work so hard, My wife enjoyed seeing you change your life for the better keep up the excellent work and be well.

[rick shelton]

America is proud of you all, You did a excellent job turning your life around, We can hope more will follow in the future.

[paul graves]

While this show is just a 'reality' business, it's certainly the best in breed. Not only does it represent regular people and how they can dramatically change their lives, it inspires and impresses those who aren't in that situation. To it's credit, 'Biggest Loser.' reflects the sad state of our country's health, and then shines a light of hope for those who commit to change their course in life. People can't change who they are, but they can change what they look like and live longer, healthier, and most likely happier lives.

[Alison]

I am guessing the boxer is Laila Ali.

Is the school he is going to the one that is featured on Too Fat for Fifteen?

[Lou Selby]

What is it with people asking if he's going to give the car back? He was given the car by 2 very selfless people. They knew what they were doing when they gave it to him.

[kathy]

congrats patrick.. you and your family are an inspiration to all of us. yes the acadamy is the one shoen in Too Fat for Fifeteen. i watched a few episodes and was impressed by the staff. these kids are in a world of hurt and the staff members don't take any bull from them. patrick.. you are going to ROCK there. in the long run... those kids will thank you for your expertise and experiences.. btw, i am a BL watcher from the beginning, and have lost 40 pounds, changed my eating behaviors and understand WHY i overate in the past. BL truely is an inspirator and motivator..

[Mary]

Jayne, usually when you give something to someone, you don't expect nothing in return. That's called PAYING IT FORWARD. Just sayin'. It was awesome of Ada and Brendan to give Patrick the chance to win the car. God bless them!

[Linda]

Good job to all, I have one question- Why did Adam win ,he lost more weight and more body fat.He weight in at 402 lost 182, body fat 45.27%.Patrick weigth 400 ,lost 181 ,body fat 45.25%.Adam lost more.

[Kim Kay]

Wow, congrats, at the end of the day this show really is pretty inspirational, have to give them credit for that.

[Denise]

Patrick should buy Ada a car.
I think he is greedy and won't even think of it.