Rachel Frederickson Reflects on ''Hurtful" Controversy Over 155-Pound Weight Loss: "I Found Strength in This Struggle''

Find out what the Biggest Loser winner is saying today

By Brett Malec Dec 09, 2014 5:48 PMTags
Rachel Frederickson, Biggest LoserNBC

Rachel Frederickson is looking happier and healthier than ever!

For the Today show's "2014 Voices" blog series, the 24-year-old Biggest Loser winner is reflecting on the controversy surrounding her dramatic 155-pound weight loss earlier this year. Frederickson says she applied to be on The Biggest Loser in an attempt to get back in shape and regain confidence and self-esteem.

"It was at the ranch I learned that my voice had to be stronger than everyone else's. From the beginning, no one thought I would make it to the final three and dismissed me as a finalist that could actually win. But I was there to get my life back," she writes. "I knew if I worked hard every day and prepared my meals to fuel my body, I could do it. I'm a competitor. I could win. I worked on building myself up both mentally and physically while staying focused on the positive. It was hard listening to the voices that tried to bring me down, but I was determined to never give up."

NBC

Frederickson won season 15 back in February after going from 260 to 105 pounds. Following her dramatic transformation, some critics bashed her for losing too much weight.

"When I stood on stage at the live finale, I had never felt stronger. I had accomplished everything I wanted to do. I was extremely proud of myself. That moment didn't last long," Frederickson blogged. "Comments during the controversial storm following my weight loss were hurtful. My self-esteem once again was affected by other people's voices—this time, the kind that live forever in Facebook posts or written in the pages of magazines. People tried to bring me down and (privately) succeeded. To the voices of those who tried to lift me up after the finale, I thank you!"

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"2014 has been a year full of learning, changing and growing for me," she continued. "There will always be other voices in life. The trouble comes when you stop listening to your own. I am committed to trusting my decisions and standing strong behind them. I found strength in this struggle and I am listening to my own voice again!

"My question to you is this: What voices will you allow into your life to tell you who you are? Everyone's voice is powerful. Is your voice going to be one that tears others down or one that lifts this world up with positivity, hope, and love?"

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