Age: 22

Occupation: Student, Hamilton College

Motivation: … "I have been overweight all my life. (I'm) trying to live a healthier life without the knowledge, experience and help to do so. … I have the heart and goal to do so, but I (also) have my son to carry me all the way to the top and become the Cedar Valley's Biggest Loser."

Age: 20

Occupation: Hawkeye Community College student, employed at Menard's

Motivation: … "I've gained at least 30 pounds since graduating high school and have lost all energy. I want to do something about the way my body looks and how I feel. I have low self-esteem and I get easily tired from short exercise. I want to feel good again and start making changes now that will keep me looking good and living longer."

Age: 22

Occupation: Office manager, All Turf Beauty Inc.

Motivation: "I guess when it comes down to it, I just want to be like all the other 22-year-olds out there that can wear cute clothes, that go shopping in normal stores where you can always find your size and not have to be discouraged because they don't carry a size 22. I want to be able to go to the swimming pool with my friends in the summer and not be embarrassed by how huge I feel in my swimming suit …"

Age: 33

Occupation: 911 dispatcher

Motivation: … "I am so scared that if I don't do something, I will end up with medical problems that will prevent me from enjoying the rest of my life. I have struggled with my weight for five years. I have four wonderful kids who tell me everyday how much they love me. I know they can see the extra pounds I need to lose but don't say a word. I know they see the disappointment on my face when I can't fit into a pair of jeans I just bought a month ago. I want my kids to see the happy, healthy me."

Age: 28

Occupation: GMAC customer service representative

Motivation: "I want to be in the program to lose weight but it is deeper than just some weight. It's my children, it is my love life, it is my appearance when I look at myself I see a size 10 person. My attitude says size 10, my life style says size 10, the thing I do with my family says size 10. But when I am out of breath, my back hurts and I can't keep up, I realize that I am size 16, 242 pounds and I am not that size 10."

Age: 40

Occupation: Qwest senior account executive

Motivation: "I am a working mother, turning 41 years old and I am ready to change. I have struggled with my weight since I was a child. I have utilized nearly every diet plan and commercial diet pill available, and overall health cannot be achieved with diet alone. I am at the heaviest point of my life. … I don't feel that I need to accept what I am today and that I do have the power to change it."

Age: 21

Occupation: University of Northern Iowa student, employed at John Deere

Motivation: … "My weight has held me back from a lot of things, and I am ready to face my problem and fix it. I have never been this heavy, and I am ashamed and most of all embarrassed of myself that I let it go this far. I think I can be successful and lose weight to improve my health and live a longer life, but I really need some help getting going. I think the team aspect of the (Biggest Loser) program is just what I need to get motivated and stay on track."

Age: 34

Occupation: GMAC Mortgage client relations advocate

Motivation: … "I have three young kids age 7, 5, and 4. As a family, we are very active. … I want to be the mom who can go on the full bike ride without being fatigued and telling your family you need to turn around, or the mom who can practice sports with her kids without getting tired. I exercise about three times a week on a regular basis, however my eating habits need a little help! I would like to … learn and teach my family along with myself how to live a better life by eating right and exercising on a regular basis."

Age: 56

Occupation: YMCA front desk staff

Motivation: … "I need a lifestyle change and not a crash course diet to help me lose and then maintain a healthy weight. As a result of being too heavy I have developed Type 2 diabetes as an adult, suffered lower back injuries that resulted in surgery and had many foot problems. … I worry that if I don't get a handle on my eating I will suffer heart problems or a stroke, both of which run in my family."

Age: 29

Occupation: Special needs pre-K paraeducator, Kittrell Elementary School

Motivation: "Ever since I had my second child just a little over a year ago, I have been very self-conscious of my weight and looks. I don't have as much energy as I used to and that is holding me back from doing the things that my 4-year-old wants to do. … I have tried to exercise on my own but it's just not as fun or as motivating. I know, too, that I need to lose weight to become healthier. I mainly want to be the Biggest Loser for myself, but also for my family."

Age: 22

Occupation: University of Northern Iowa student

Motivation: … "Over the past few months, I have come to the realization that a lifestyle change is necessary for me to attempt to prolong my life and avoid things such as diabetes and heart disease. I have also concluded that if a lifestyle change is to be made, the time is now, rather than later. … Watching my dad and grandpa age has really opened my eyes to the fact that I need to be proactive at this stage of my life. They constantly mention how they were in great shape when they were my age and I repeatedly look at myself and wonder what the future holds for me if I continue to live the lifestyle I am accustomed to as a college student."

Age: 52

Occupation: Podiatrist, Family Foot Health Care

Motivation: "I need the motivation to lose weight. Twenty-four years ago I lost 110 pounds; over the years I have gained back about 70 pounds. Team motivation will help me commit and weekly weigh-ins will help me not ignore the problem. I work in the medical field and I see the consequences of being overweight. I feel I need to make lifestyle changes to take care of myself. I want to live a long and healthy life. I want to look and feel good."