Ruben Studdard is putting his music career on hold to take control of his health. The 35-year-old R&B singer is one of the newest contestants on "The Biggest Loser" and is hoping to set an example, lose weight and improve his health.
According to USA Today, Studdard will be the first entertainment celebrity on the reality weight loss show and also weighed in as the season's biggest competitor at 462 pounds.
"I was ready to change my life," he said of his decision to participate. "I couldn't wait another day to get myself in real shape. I really want to be around a long time and I want to be able to perform and do the job that I love for more than just another 10, 15 years. Being over 400 pounds, the odds were stacked against me."
He will be joining 14 other contestants who will train with Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince. On this season, which has the theme "Second Chances," each trainer will be able to "save" one of the contestants who were eliminated from going home.
Studdard said his health is a big concern for him. He was diagnosed with diabetes, something that runs in his family. High blood pressure is also a concern for him. Studdard believes his current weight makes him a "ticking time bomb" for other health problems down the road.
"I was scared. I'm getting to the age where a lot of people in my family tend to find out that they have those issues and I don't want that to be my story," he said. "I'm glad I got the opportunity, because I get a chance to talk to people that have seen 15 seasons of overweight and obese people change their lives through hard work and dedication. And not just change their life here, but keep it off."
The contestants will be competing for a $250,000 prize but Studdard said the experience for him is to "win his health back."
The "Together" singer put his music career on hold to do the show but said afterwards he will be working on another album and a tour.
"The Biggest Loser" airs on NBC, Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
