Work together The biggest loser, Jillian Michaels and Bob HarperThe friendships on screen range are completely different – but where are they standing now?
NBC’s The biggest loserThis was premiered in 2004, following a group of people considered overweight will compete for the 30-week race. The goal is to reduce as much pound as possible to crown as the “biggest loser”.
Rapid competition series Become a cultural phenomenon As viewers survey weekly to enjoy Michaels and Harper trainers. The biggest loser Later criticized for allegedly prompting contestants to lose weight through intense exercise and a calorie-limited diet.
Harper is part of each season before taking over as the new host for Alison Sweeney. However, Michaels played for the first two seasons and was replaced Kim Lyons. Michaels returned to the reality show in 2007. Also a coach Australian version from 2006 to 2008.
Michaels quit The biggest loser Her last season was in 2013 before returning to Season 14 in 2011, but she didn’t return until the biggest loser ended the initial 2016 game.
Harper and Michaels Seems very friendly Neither of them leaned outside in the show The biggest loser. Harper was asked about Michaels’ collaboration in 2020 Watch live with Andy Cohen.
“I’m so happy to be working with two new coaches. I mean, they’re great,” Andy Cohen told the audience, “Well, read between this line.”
Michaels also confirmed that she no longer stayed in touch with Harper after experiencing a heart attack. Their problems are briefly resolved in Netflix’s August 2025 documentary Suitable for TV: The reality of the biggest loser. Keep scrolling to relive their friendship:
2004
Harper and Michaels joined The biggest loser As trainers, this means their teams are competing against each other, seasons. Michaels left a few times while Harper stayed on the show.
2013
Michaels officially leaves The biggest loser Benefits in 2013.
“I don’t want fans to think I feel like I’m too big about the show or I’m looking for a greener ranch. I’m so grateful for the show, it’s hard to get out,” she told people at the time that the “fundamental difference” between her and her and the producers of the show, who “had been around for a while.”
Nutritionist said she didn’t like her portrayal, adding: “You can’t see the bond I built with my clients. [It caused] Millions of people have this distorted negative view of me. ”
As far as Harper is concerned, he hasn’t addressed Michaels’ exit, and they don’t seem to be in touch.
2017
Michaels weighs after Harper Heart attack While exercising in the gym in New York City.
“What did I really think of?” She was in E! Daily Pop Music. “I know a little about Bob, I know he does have a family history. When he lost his mother’s heart attack, I was there, with the night he died. So there is a family history. I also think, you know, you know, you’re in the middle of cross-exercise, you’re in Paleo, and you’re eating Paleo, it won’t help, I won’t help.
Michaels seemed to confirm that she had no contact with Harper, adding: “From Bob I remember, he was looking at it, and he was like, ‘I can [do it]! ‘That’s not how he thought about it. He was personally like, “I like this challenge.”
Shocking, indeed! Some celebrities seek extreme ways to lighten pounds, while others use healthier ways to transform. From Rosie O’Donnell’s and Jordin Sparks’ respective 50-pound weight loss to the 155 lighter frames of the biggest loser champion Rachel Frederickson, see the celeb’s photo before and after the weight loss transition.
2020
After returning to the host with the new trainer Erica Lugo and Steve CookHarper told US Weekly He and Michaels have not kept in touch for a long time.
“I’m fine,” he said at the time. “I have a few people in the past, but not many. There are fresh eyes on the show, but my OG eyes can help contestants too, which is great!”
2020
Michaels caught eyebrows in an interview with BuzzFeed News It’s DMwhen she comments Lizzoweight.
“Why don’t we celebrate her music?” Because if she had diabetes, it wouldn’t be great.” “I’m just honest. [My family] like [Lizzo’s] Music, but never a moment, I’m glad she’s overweight. “Why should I care about her weight? Why is it my job to care about her?
coach Go to Twitter to stand by her Comment. “We are all beautiful, worthy and equally worth it, as I say again,” Michaels wrote at the time. “I also strongly love ourselves enough to acknowledge that obesity has serious health consequences – heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name a few. I will never want these people to anyone, and I want us to prioritize our health because we love ourselves and our bodies.”
Harper told us in 2020: “I can never even think of where she comes from. When it comes to anyone’s thoughts, I will never give an opinion to anyone who doesn’t ask for it. It has nothing to do with me.”
2025
Harper is Ask their friendship In a three-part documentary on Netflix Suitable for TV: The reality of the biggest loser.
“How do I put this? People always like, ‘You and Gillian have been so close.’ I was like, “We’re very close on TV. “She was a person I’ve never heard of after my heart attack. This has said a lot to me. ”
Harper explained in an interview guardian In August 2025, he said: “We are not good friends, but we are partners on TV shows for a long time. I don’t want Jillian Michaels to do anything else.”
Senior News Analyst & National Affairs Writer
Prabhat Sharma is a veteran journalist with over 12 years of experience covering national news, current affairs, and breaking stories across India. Known for his analytical approach and in-depth reporting, Prabhat brings clarity to complex topics and delivers content that informs, educates, and empowers readers.
He is passionate about political transparency, policy analysis, and the evolving landscape of Indian journalism.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find him reading non-fiction, watching documentaries, or exploring offbeat destinations
