Jillian Michaels has opened up about the reasoning that's gone into her decision to leave NBC's "The Biggest Loser" in a new
interview with People magazine.
In a preview of the forthcoming article, Michaels spoke of the show's producers, saying, "there were some fundamental differences that have existed for a while."
NBC confirmed last month that the fitness trainer will not be returning for season 16. Michaels said that this season, she was displeased with the show's editing, which she claimed has showed too much of her "tough" side, and not enough of her helpful side.
Urgent: Discover your risk for heart disease, take the test now!
"In the beginning of the show it was tough love. You saw the tough, and you saw the love," she said. She explained that more recent seasons portrayed her too severely, however.
"You saw none of the relationships, none of the bonds that I build with my clients," which she said has resulted in "millions of people hav[ing] this warped, negative perception of me."
On top of the editing issues, Michaels said she was taken aback when she picked up her and partner Heidi Rhoades' children from camp. Daughter Lukensia, 4, said another kid at camp told her, "I know who your mom is — she's a cheater. I saw it on TV." The child was likely referring to Michaels' decision to let her team use caffeine pills, a decision she stands behind.
"I had to take a hard look at my work," Michaels said after the latest season. "I came to the conclusion that moving forward, I need to be able to have an impact on the outcome of what I do."
The Washington Post noted that Michaels has "quit and returned multiple times" over the last 10 years of the show, and that this is the third time she's announced she's leaving.
Special: These 5 Things Flush 40 lbs. of Fat Out of Your Body.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.