"The Biggest Loser" winner is half the size he used to be...HALF!

The eighth season of "The Biggest Loser" has been packed full of medical dramas, tears, product placements and, of course, cussing personal trainers. Usually, that's enough to keep me glued to episode after episode of a reality show.

But this time, I was also compelled by the heart-wrenching back-stories of some of the contestants, the hardcore determination other showed, and the amazing transformations that happened after double-digit weight losses became triple-digit totals for several people who took to the scale.

When the finale aired last night, it was hard not root equally as each contestant burst through their before pictures and revealed their new bodies. Four of Season 8's participants began the show weighing more than 400 pounds each. Five initially weighed in at over 300 pounds each.

Seeing these contestants in particular show off the results of all the exercise and eating overhauls they've done was pretty incredible. Maybe even inspiring.

But it was winner Danny Cahill who made my mouth drop. Cahill was unrecognizable as he stepped on to the scale. As the numbers ticked down and the tension mounted, the audience cheered around the anxious contestants all watching on stage. Would he beat Rudy Pauls' stunning 234-pound weight loss or would he take second place by a margin?

When Cahill's final weight popped up, it was the biggest reveal of all -- the 39-year old Oklahoman, husband, and father of two lost 239 pounds, propelling him into the ultimate biggest loser spot. Cahill lost a total of 55.58% of his total body weight, narrowly beating Pauls' 52.04% drop.

Cahill earned $250,000 prize. The other big winner of the night was 25-year old Rebecca Meyer, the eliminated player who was given the $100,000 at-home award for losing a total of 139 pounds and 49.82% of her total body weight.

Shay Sorrells, the heaviest contestant to take part in "The Biggest Loser" at startlingly and sadly close to 500 pounds, lost a total of 172 pounds and was offered a deal by Subway. The offer promises her $1,000 for every pound she loses by next season's finale.

As wowed as I was that so many contestants started the season at such extreme weights, I am even more amazed at the transformation they've each made. And the winners?! Losing more than HALF their body weight? Absolutely incredible.

I can watch Jillian cuss a profusely sweating, crying contestant barely hanging on to a treadmill handlebar all day long. But watching the smiles and swagger of these people I somehow connected to through the television screen, now living healthier lives? That was even better.

Did you watch? What did you think of the results? Were you cheering Danny on or did you predict another winner?



Read more about "The Biggest Loser":

• Does "The Biggest Loser" motivate you?
• Trainer Bob Harper tells you the only REAL reason you should exercise
• Ali Vincent, the first female winner
• How to set a smart pace when you work out