Erik Chopin is the winner of The Biggest Loser in 2006. Before appearing on the show, Chopin attempted and often failed at losing weight and keeping it off. As the largest contestant on the show at that date, the odds were stacked against him from the beginning. He lost 214 pounds, breaking all of the show's previous records, and held that record until Season 8 in 2009. After his win, Chopin underwent plastic surgery to eliminate 12 pounds of excess skin. He traveled the country as a motivational speaker and lectured at many elementary and high schools, health clubs, corporate headquarters, youth weight loss camps and various health and wellness expos. He appeared on television shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, The Today Show, Neil Cavuto, Entertainment Tonight, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell, Access Hollywood and local news channels. His many interviews also appeared in such publications as The New York Times and People Magazine as well as US Weekly.com and numerous local newspapers.