LA Sheriff pursuing US Biggest Loser drug claims

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is looking into claims by former contestants on The Biggest Loser that they were forced to use drugs to lose weight.

While not conducting an official investigation, a Sheriff’s Department spokesperson confirmed it was inquiring into the allegations.

Former contestant Joelle Gwynn and Suzanne Mendonca both made allegations in a New York Post article.

Both the producers and show trainer Bob Harper denied the claims last week, when the report first surfaced.

In response to the allegations producers said, “We believe these allegations are without merit and false. The safety and well-being of our contestants is, and has always been, paramount. Contestants are told at the start of the show that there is zero tolerance for any weight loss drugs. We prohibit the use of any illegal substances, in addition to the many other rules and procedures of the show that are designed to ensure safety.”

The show’s resident doctor, Rob Huizenga, also denied the report while several former contestants also denied the claims on social media.

Source: Variety