Filipe Fa

Filipe Fa was a contestant on the 8th season of Biggest Loser in the second couples series. Filipe Fa joined the show with his cousin Sione Fa. They come from an obese family and were willing to work hard to set an example to their loved ones. While on the show, Filipe Fa lost 130 pounds before he was voted off as a top 5 contestant.

Weight Loss

Starting weight: 370 pounds
Week 1 loss: 17 pounds
Week 2 loss: 9 pounds
Week 3 loss: 14 pounds
Week 4 loss: 13 pounds
Week 5 loss: 3 pounds
Week 6 loss: 10 pounds
Week 7 loss: 7 pounds
Week 8 loss: 8 pounds
Week 9 loss: 8 pounds
Week 10 loss: 1 pounds
Week 11 loss: 7 pounds
Week 12 loss: 4 pounds
Week 13 loss: 4 pounds
Week 14 loss: 7 pounds
Week 15 loss: 5 pounds
Week 16 loss: 3 pounds
Week 17 loss: 10 poundsNBC: Filipe Biggest Loser Biography

Background

After feeling responsible for the loss of a sibling, Filipe Fa feels it is his job to motivate his family to achieve success. He says that the majority of the people in his large family are obese and that 60% of the people of his Tongan ethnicity are overweight.Buddy TV: Filipe and Sione Biography

Filipe Fa didn't have weight problems until he developed asthma while attending high school. He used the asthma as an excuse to not work out.

Where's Tonga?

Tonga is a Polynesian kingdom located in the south Pacific Ocean south of Samoa. More than 70% of the women there are considered obese and it is known to be the "fattest" ethnic group in the world.Times Online: Welcome to the Town That Will Make You Lose Weight (February 18, 2008)