Jenni and Lynn



Name:Lynn Westphal
Starting Weight: 409 lbs
Eliminated Weight: 390 lbs
Hometown: North Ridgeville, OH
Favorite cheat food: Mexican food
Goal for '08: To get my weight down to 250 lbs


Name:Jenni Westphal
Starting Weight: 267 lbs
Eliminated Weight: 260 lbs
Hometown: North Ridgeville, OH
Favorite cheat food: Pizza
Goal for '08: To get to my goal weight

1.) What was your big turning point -- either during the show or before that made you realize you needed to lose weight?

Lynn: [My turning point was] when I weighed 420 last summer.

Jenni: Losing weight became important to me when I turned 30. I saw those pictures at my party and thought "Wow, I really have gotten big!" It was then that I decided that I needed to spend my 30s in better shape than my 20s.

2.) If you could go back in time, would you go on the show with the same weight-loss buddy? Why or why not?

Lynn: Yes. Jenni keeps me going in the right direction.

Jenni: No, I wouldn’t. My dad really let me down as a team member. I don’t regret having spent the time with him, and the experience was something I will never forget. However, I was there to win and make permanent life changes and he was not.

3.) Who worked harder at losing weight—you or your partner? Tell us why.

Lynn:Jenni worked a lot harder then I did because she really wanted to be on The Biggest Loser and do well.

Jenni: In my opinion, I have worked harder. When we were at the campus, Lynn would not go to the gym except on days when the trainers were there. He did not weigh his food properly, and he cared more about cleaning up the kitchen than he did of the task at hand. Now that we are home, everything is a priority over fitness. He does write down all of his food, which I give him credit for, and his wife has hired him a trainer who he sees 2 days a week now.

I, on the other hand, am doing great on my diet. My best friends have joined my gym, and they are right there every step of the way. We have all lost weight together, and they tell me I have inspired so many people to get out there and get healthy. I am the most unlikely of people to have done that, remember, I was the cheeseburger, mayonnaise-on-my-french-fries girl who loved to just sit and watch TV. Now I have a trainer, I am at the gym at least 2 times a day. I have not had mayo in 8 weeks!! I love weighing in every week to see how my hard work has paid off.

4.) What do you think your biggest weight-loss obstacles will be now that you're dieting on your own?

Lynn: The diet is under control, I just can't find the time to work out.

Jenni: My biggest weight-loss obstacle is bar food. When I am out with my girlfriends and we are dancing into the wee hours of the morning, you get hungry. There are no good food choices at 2 am in a bar.

5. ) Who do you think will make it to the end of the show and why?

Lynn:Roger—he can knock off the weight.

Jenni: I think that Mark and Jay, my favorite Boston boys, will be there in the end. They dominated the challenges when I was on campus. However, what I think will carry them through is their determination to succeed for their families. Mark and Jay have a strong family bond and they adore their children, and in this game, that will turn into a determination to win. They are two of the most genuine and likable guys TV has ever seen, good luck to them!

6.) What is one thing that happened behind-the-scenes that no one would know from watching the show?

Lynn:[People don’t see] how hard it was to make it to be a castmember.

Jenni: How sore you are. When you go on the show, you keep hearing people say “Just wait until the beatings start.” You don’t really know what sore is until there is that moment that you would rather sleep on the toilet than have to get up off of it. When you go to bed sore, and wake up sore, you still have to go to the gym sore. I had never been that sore in my whole life.

7.) What advice can you give other people who are hoping to lose extra pounds?

Lynn: Food journal and watch your calories.

Jenni: Diet and exercise. It really is that simple. There is no quick fix. No pills, no surgery, no special food. You can eat regular food, you just have to watch your calories and you have to get your butt up and moving to see results. Period.

8.) What strategy did you use to try and stay on the show? Why don't you think it worked?

Lynn: Nothing worked we fell below the yellow line first show and went home.

Jenni: My strategy was to let everyone know how much I wanted to stay. I really did not want to go home. My strategy did not work because it was so obvious that first week and my dad wanted to go home. He did not adjust to campus life very well at all.

9.) Do you think anyone was portrayed unfairly on the show?


Lynn:No


Jenni: I have not seen the show so I cant answer that.


10.) Did anyone act differently when the cameras were off?


Lynn:No


Jenni: No, everyone on this season was genuine. I love this cast! I miss them so much!


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  • Posted by Michelle McIvor on December 28, 2007 07:22 PM

    Comments

    I am really looking forward to seeing Jenni progress at the finally. Taking the same energy towards wanting to stay on the show to fitness and nutrition and she will do great.

    Posted by: Bryan | January 1, 2008 11:51 PM

    I am looking forward to seeing Jenni at the finally. Taking the same energy towards wanting to stay on the show to fitness and nutrition and she is going to do great.

    Posted by: Bryan | January 1, 2008 11:53 PM

    Hi , A fitness trainer can assist you by discussing what you want to achieve from your efforts. Some people want to loose weight, some want to gain and some others want to build their muscles. There are specific exercise programs only a Fitness Trainer can give you correct training.

    Posted by: smith | January 2, 2008 07:11 AM

    This will be long - because I was troubled tonight by the show and out of this may comes some advice and some insight for Jenni and Lynn that will be able to help. (note it was because I rewatched the show with my family a second time - that I could see what happened very differently.

    Jenni be more positive towards your dad and that will go along way towards both of you succeeding. Jenni expect good results. I would recommend to you watch and rewatch the show tonight - and look at how subtle your expectations of failure were there. (I am the same way - and it is a self-fufilling prophecy>) Emphasize the positive - erase all thoughts of expected lack of success. (remember we get what we expect.) It is a mindset -- recognize that you have power over your own life.


    It was as if you were so worried about his performance that unconsciously you may have signaled to him and to others you didn't expect him to make it. And you did this out of great love for him.
    That may have cost you -- you allowed the other team to define that only one of you wanted to be there in sharp contrast to what the truth was. (They subtlely manipulated the result that only you wanted to remain in that one hour and you unfortunately were the ones voted off.)
    The first time I watched - I too believed he wasn't trying and actually would have voted as the majority.
    The second time I watched, knowing the result I actually realized that his interest in succeeding was no different then all of the others there. You just know him more and it appeared that you believed your success depended on him, and you unfortunately signaled to everyone that your Dad didn't want to be there. It really was time to fly under the radar. (remember from past seasons, when someone even subtlely suggested that they really miss his/her family...it became a reason for elimination when all else was equal. ) Rewatch the show again, and perhaps you too will change youre mind about your dad's efforts. From shows past - all of the castmembers have ambivlance. - that is the struggle for change. If we all embraced change without resistance - change would already have occurred.

    I actually was so influenced by your vision of his participation and your desire for him to do well, that I thought he didn't care to be there. Second time around - I saw a very proud man, who had a hard time admitting he wanted it to work. Your dad clearly listened to what the goals were. You both were on the same page. You got stuck when you thought that there was only one way to reach the goal.

    I wish that you had been a little more under the radar about your dad and I think everyone knew from how badly you wanted him to be involved that you may inadvertantly publicized that your dad wasn't interested.
    But the second time through - I saw his interest and participation differently. He was right there with you for the goals. Okay - he wasn't doing the cardio at 11:38pm.. and he did complain about his blisters, but he was up at 6am, with no one else there doing the workout. And he was there with that balloon not coming in last place. . For a 60 year old team -- he really deserved credit, he really was trying. So my advice would be Don't sweat the small stuff.. (the plan)... just work on the big stuff - the goals, and trust that you both can get there - as long as the love continues...

    (Note - second time around - I now realize that the wrong team got voted off this week and you really should have stayed. )


    In many ways Jillian is correct about having couples at Biggest Loser -- the dynamics of enabling are so well unconsciously buried that it makes it difficult to undo.
    Therefore, take the time to realize he is making changes, and that his strategies didn't reflect on you be more supportive and positive. You are right your support group are your friends. But praise your dad for all of the changes he has made. when he says he will be 250 pounds - embrace that - not negate it... make it easier for him to believe in himself. erase an contrary thoughts or vocalization. and you will find that your dad will live up to his own expectation and maybe extend his living up his own life well beyond his 60 years. Hence at the finale-- you should expect that pink (green?) bikini and he will reach his 250pound goals.


    Posted by: fin | January 2, 2008 08:51 AM

    It was "funny" my daughter and I were watching the show and I thought how cool to have a dad that cared enough to go onto National TV with his daughter, and when we saw him sleeping in the beginning we looked at each other and said thats PaPa (my dad). I know you really wanted to stay and he seemed to be a little more distracted than you, but you should have never brow beat him like you did in front of the cameras. I felt sorry for him b/c it was as if you had just blew off him and his concerns b/c he "didn't want to be there". I understand it's a game and the money at the end would be great but you really portrayed yourself poorly in the way you treated your dad.

    Posted by: Susan | January 2, 2008 10:13 AM

    I was so angry at Lynn for being critical of Jenni, saying,"you lost the least amount of anyone here...only 7 pounds." Seven pounds is a lot of weight. And if he didn't really want to go on the show, he should have stayed at home and let someone else go. There are many people who want to be there. Keep up the good work, girl.

    Posted by: Faith | January 2, 2008 11:10 AM

    lynn and jenni~
    i think that you guys did a great job participating in the challenges...i think that it could have been better when it came to the weigh in. im sure that you jenni werent able to think or concentrate as much as you would have liked to because you were thinking of the needs of your father. in my opinion i think that 7 pounds is GREAT you know i believe that it was the first week and you really arent suppose to loose 20-25 pounds on the first week! anyways this is getting long..so i hope you continue to loose that weight and at the end of this you will be in that bikini...also lynn continue..dont give up!!!

    Posted by: ky | January 2, 2008 01:36 PM

    I'm a little bothered by the people "picking" on Jenni about her dad's behavior. First of all.. You have to know what you're getting into when you go on this show. It is 6-8 hrs of working out, eating right, ect. It's not a vacation!! You are there for a reason..Jenni.. I think you did great with your 7 lb. weight loss. Lynn lost 19 because he was so overweight to begin with.. And it's a proven fact women lose slower than men. Lynn also said people don't realize how hard it is to get on the show.. It just makes me mad when people THINK they want to go on it, then once it gets "tough" or they get sore..they cry to go home.. Jenni..keep up the awesome work..sounds like you're well on your way to succeeding!! Lynn.. I think you need to rewatch the part of the show when the doctors were telling you about the plaque around your heart and take it VERY seriously..And I don't think age is a factor here.. Look at Jerry from the last show!! He never quit!! Good luck..

    Posted by: Amy | January 2, 2008 08:38 PM

    Lynn and Jenni, Keep up the good work. Continue to be a inspiration to those around you. I look forward to seeing you both in the finale. Good Luck!!!

    Posted by: Lindsey | January 3, 2008 01:20 AM

    I was hoping Lynn and Jenni wouldn't get voted off first because I would have liked to see Lynn work with the trainers on the show for a while longer. At 60 years old, he needs to overcome this weight issue NOW before he starts to have other aging issues kick in that would prevent him from aggressive exercise (and perhaps some of those problems were already a problem). I'm 50, and I know how differently I feel compared to when I was in my 20's and 30's.

    There was one picture after the last workout where Lynn's head was rested against a window with his eyes half shut. I'll tell you right now, that was the face of pain. I knew then that he was giving it his best.

    As it is, I think 19 pounds in a week is still a great accomplishment. It's a great start and he still seems to be moving in a more positive direction than he was before the show. He's probably already added years to his life.

    As far as the vote, this is a contest for MONEY. The other teams had two choices and they chose to vote off the stronger of the two. Unless things change a lot, the purple team doesn't appear to be much of a challenge at this point. Whereas Jenni had a lot of determination and if Lynn ever got rolling with his weight loss, look out. The vote would have ended the same even if Lynn was showing enthusiasm to stay.

    I wish Lynn and Jenni the best. If I remember correctly, they were from the Cleveland area and I know from personal experience there's a lot of awesome (as in tasty and diet wrecking) food available in that area.

    Posted by: Brian | January 4, 2008 01:49 AM

    Jenni I'm sorry you got voted off, it's really too bad that your Dad let you down. Do great anyway, you deserve it.

    Posted by: Casey | January 7, 2008 05:13 PM

    I think you were a little too critical of your dad. I understand that you wanted to win but was it for the right reason? Perhaps if you had been more encouraging than critical you would have stayed longer. Good luck and stick with what you learned.

    Posted by: Tammie | January 9, 2008 05:03 PM

    Jenni-I could see how you may have been disappointed and feeling that your dad let you down, but I think it's pretty disrespectful how you treated him. If he died of a heart attack would you lean over him and say I told you so?? That being said I wish the best for both of you and look forward to seeing you at the end of the show.

    Posted by: Julia | January 29, 2008 08:16 PM

    Jenni--

    This past weekend I was at the gym and saw you working out. I just wanted to tell you that you look fantastic!! Keep up the great work!

    Posted by: Courtney | February 3, 2008 09:19 PM

    As former North Ridgevillians, we're pulling for you.

    Posted by: Dave | February 14, 2008 11:22 AM

    Jenni and Lynn
    This note will be long because of my disappointment with Jenni. I agree 100% with Smith.
    I was very disappointed in Jenni for your negative comments about your Dad. You were very critical of him and did not give him the support he needed. Every individual works out better at different times of the day, He did what he could do at his age. I was proud of him for his accomplishments. He is your father, where is your support?? I am a nurse and I know that you have to work with your patients to the point that makes them successful. Not cut them down because they can not keep up with the younger ones. Look at the mother and daughter team. The daughter was so supportive for what her mother did and did not cut down her mother. I am a fellow Elyrian and see your father at the gym. America you should see the support and dedication Lynn has for others. Jenni look at your self and stop being selfish. YOU are the one who contributed to your elimination not your dad. I would never cut my father down as you did. During a family trip to Italy my father was among all of us when we climbed a mountain, he also had blisters the next day. This is painful. We were proud of him for his accomplishment. All 3 of us daughters helped him the next day and did not let him down. Haven't you had blisters from a new pair of shoes? How did you feel the next day? You need to rewatch the show. I think you will be embarassed after you see the show again.I hope you realize that your father needed your support not criticism. He is the only father that you will have. Respect and support him. Rebuild that special father daughter relationship you both should have. Good luck to you both and show America that you do have a strong loving bond.

    Posted by: S.M | February 24, 2008 10:10 AM

    Hey Jenni you go girl. Personally I think your a hottie and if any guy cant see you beautiful inside and out then hes a fool. Bonus pts for not getting married if you werent sure. Wish Id been that smart when I was younger but live and learn.

    Posted by: Dave | February 26, 2008 08:34 PM

    Lyn & Jenni - I hope that you both are doing well. I wish you 2 had stayed longer at the campus. Jenni, you're a sweet girl and telling it like it is was okay. I know you support your dad. He jsut had to make the decision to get up and get moving. Lyn, I really hope you have made some healthy changes since going home. Do it for you if no one else. You both deserve it! Looking fwd to the Finale!

    Posted by: Lori in FL | March 4, 2008 12:13 PM

    Hi Lynn,
    I saw you tonight on the show. Yes, the "blind" man who did all the shades in my house in grafton. I have since moved to North Carolina. Way to go Lynn!!! It was great to see someone from home on TV and especially you! Good luck and all the best!

    Posted by: Mary Beth Russert | March 11, 2008 08:35 PM

    Dear Lynn,
    From the beginning of the show you have reminded me of my grandpa – the proud, strong, sweet man who was one of my favorite people in the world. He died when I was young and his weight problems contributed to his poor health for a good chunk of his later years. He said his one wish was to see me graduate high school, although, he wasn't physically present I know he was there in spirit at my high school graduation AND my college graduation! I think it's wonderful that you are taking on a healthier lifestyle now, and thus, adding more years to your life to spend time with the ones you love, and be there for their special moments. It was great to see you on the show tonight, way to go and keep it going!

    Posted by: Steph | March 11, 2008 09:43 PM

    Jenni,
    I am a member at Fitworks and I see how well you workout with your trainer. My question is, Is your trainer taking on new clients?

    Posted by: Jeff | March 11, 2008 09:59 PM

    It's interesting to me that with Lynn's comment re: how hard it is to be a contestant and then he says he really didn't want to be there. Why did you join then?
    I'm sure there are a lot of other people who would have loved to have been your daughters team-mate and you he screwed someone else out of the chance to be on the show.
    I can't believe the comments to Jenni about how she wasn't positive enough for her dad. What a load of crap. Lynn is the typical older male. Self centered and has an impossible time doing anything for someone else that takes him out of his comfort zone or doing something that will cost him something personally. Jenni was robbed of achieving something great by her own dad.

    Posted by: Chris | March 19, 2008 12:34 PM

    It's interesting to me that with Lynn's comment re: how hard it is to be a contestant and then he says he really didn't want to be there. Why did you join then?
    I'm sure there are a lot of other people who would have loved to have been your daughters team-mate and he screwed someone else out of the chance to be on the show.
    I can't believe the comments to Jenni about how she wasn't positive enough for her dad. What a load of crap. Lynn is the typical older male. Self centered and has an impossible time doing anything for someone else that takes him out of his comfort zone or doing something that will cost him something personally. Jenni was robbed of achieving something great by her own dad.

    Posted by: Chris | March 19, 2008 12:36 PM

    First of all Kudos to you Lynn!! I saw you at the Fitness Center today and you are such an inspiration!!
    To Chris
    Jenni herself is responsible for her own weight loss. Rewatch the show . Jenni only lost 7 pounds and 30 at the reunion. She cheated herself out of achieving great weight loss. Her dad is not responsible for her habits. Also how dare you talk about the older population! You will be their soon enough and I hope you do not get treated badly beacuse you are old. Were you not taught to respect your Elders? Making those comments about Lynn is wrong and disrespectful! He did what he could for his age and weight and look what he has accomplished. He lost 67 pounds! That is a great accomplishment. Chris for you to say that Lynn is not inspiring his daughter that's a wrong statement.

    Posted by: Anoymous | March 19, 2008 06:46 PM

    Both of you as a team were not a winning team. I hope you check this blog and comment on occasion. I don't remembder your wiegh in at the chance to come back into the house. I don't remember. I think if it was significant I would remember. I hope you both are taking note of how the show is going this season and how teamwork is paying off even with former rivals. I hope that the revisit helped spur on new energy. I don't know if you know this but jack and elain lelane are very fit for thier age. jack was a competetive wieght lifter in the 50s or 60s and he is very healthy still. age doesn't have to be time to give up on life or your family and family needs to support eachother because only they can know the struggles they are facing. Watch the show season 5 catch up on the show. Your lives can change for the better. I was praying that Lynn would not stop jenni's wieght loss efforts. I have been pulling for you both to be in good health and I understand why lynn is concerned for having a trainer present. I do agree that the two of you should have hired a trainer at the beginning of the show. I truely hope that you have lost alot of wieght since the show.

    Posted by: Dale Bulthuis | April 8, 2008 11:39 PM

    Both of you as a team were not a winning team. I hope you check this blog and comment on occasion. I don't remembder your wiegh in at the chance to come back into the house. I don't remember. I think if it was significant I would remember. I hope you both are taking note of how the show is going this season and how teamwork is paying off even with former rivals. I hope that the revisit helped spur on new energy. I don't know if you know this but jack and elain lelane are very fit for thier age. jack was a competetive wieght lifter in the 50s or 60s and he is very healthy still. age doesn't have to be time to give up on life or your family and family needs to support eachother because only they can know the struggles they are facing. Watch the show season 5 catch up on the show. Your lives can change for the better. I was praying that Lynn would not stop jenni's wieght loss efforts. I have been pulling for you both to be in good health and I understand why lynn is concerned for having a trainer present. I do agree that the two of you should have hired a trainer at the beginning of the show. I truely hope that you have lost alot of wieght since the show.

    Posted by: Dale Bulthuis | April 8, 2008 11:39 PM

    You are an awesome team and did a great job. congratulations

    Posted by: Frumpi Klumsterduche | April 10, 2008 10:49 PM

    Dear Lynn and Jenni I am looking foward to seeing if yall have met yalls goals!
    yall make a wonderful team!

    Posted by: Abby | April 13, 2008 05:14 PM

    Jenni:
    HELP!
    I need to know how to find that beautiful dress you wore on the finale. I have a wedding to go to, and now nothing else will do. I have to have that dress! :)

    Posted by: Heather | April 19, 2008 01:21 AM

    Jenni-
    Hey, I swear I saw you in line at G.E. in Lakewood the other day. You were in line ahead of myself and my three children (8, 2 and 1), I kept looking at you and couldn't place your face-then I realized it was from the show...YOU LOOK AMAZING!!! I leaned over and told my son who you were and he wanted your autograph SOOO bad, but you look so different that I wasn't 100% sure it was you and I didn't want to bother you. I looked at your profile tonight online and I am no sure that it in fact, it was you. I just wanted to let you know that we are huge fans and are so proud of you, keep up the good work and maybe some day we will bump into you again!

    Posted by: Nicole | June 20, 2008 10:30 PM

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    • We're the contestants who have been voted off season six of The Biggest Loser, but we're not giving up. Follow us as we continue to try to lose weight and follow a healthy lifestyle at home, plus get our inside scoop on what goes on behind the scenes of the show and what it's like to lose weight with a family member.
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