Kevin McLernon was crowned weight-loss champion when he won ITV1's The Biggest Loser after losing 40 per cent of his body weight. The 38-year-old from Sunderland shed 12st 12lb during the almost six-month process - equivalent to nearly 82 bags of sugar. Kevin, one of 14 contestants who started this year's competition, said: "I can't believe it - everything I've done since the minute I applied for the show has led me to this moment and it feels incredible. The victor - who weighed 32st 2lb at the start of the competition - added: "I came to The Biggest Loser as the heaviest person ever to compete in the programme and that gave me massive motivation to shed that title and chase the title of The Biggest Loser." During the competition he endured a series of tough challenges racing up the Brecon Beacons, battling across a gruelling 1km assault course and pulling a double decker bus down an airfield. Kevin, who supports his partner Joanne with her property projects, spent eight weeks in The Biggest Loser house and had already trained for 16 weeks at home. Presenter Davina McCall and trainers Richard Callender, Rob Edmond and Charlotte Ord were with him at the final when he learned he had triumphed. Davina said: "I really believe that for Kevin this weight loss isn't just for the programme it is for the rest of his life and he's a winner in this series and in life." Kevin continued: "For me it isn't about the prize and the plaudits. If I can inspire just one person to do what I have done and truly make a change, I will be a happy man." Runner-up Jessie St John Sharpe lost 7st 8lb to finish at 11st 3lb.
