JB- I'm not sure how much you keep in touch with previous contestants from the show, is it easy… once you're in the routine of working out and eating better, is it something you can keep on for a lifetime or can you sort of fall off track along the way?

AS- Oh, of course. People fall off track all the time. The national statistics are pretty staggering. I want to say something like only five per cent of Americans who lose more than 50 pounds manage to keep the weight off. So, it's unfortunately very intimidating statistics. The Biggest Loser has a much higher ratio of people who are able to keep the weight off because we really encourage that self-examination of really changing your whole lifestyle -- fixing what's broken, you know. Finding ways to change your whole life so you'll overcome what you're up against and you can keep it off for life. We try to give people those tools -- and the audience at home as well. But it's definitely an uphill battle.

JB- You're probably biased on this question, but why is this show such a hit?

AS- (laughing) It's a hit because, I think, because it really touches people and affects the audience in a way that they relate to. It's not just entertaining. It's motivating, it's inspiring and it gives people hope that even if they only have five pounds to lose or 10 pounds to lose, it's really not about the weight loss. It's about inspiring you and believing and motivating. It's like it could be any problem or any obstacle you face in life. We prove that it's possible that you can overcome it.

JB- The next season if inspiration and motivation is right around the corner. So, what's happening now? What are you working on?

AS- We're working on season 8 of The Biggest Loser. It's going to be (on) in September. And, right now we're auditioning for season 9 which will be (on) in January. We want to get people out there to the casting calls and find out where a place is near you. You can go to nbc.com/biggestloser to find out more and if you can't find a place near you, they'll show you… the website will tell you how to make a tape and fill out the form and send in the audition.

JB- Did you ever think you'd live to see the day where being the biggest loser was a good thing?

AS- (laughing) Well, I think this show proves that it is a good thing. It's so great. I love it.

JB- Alison Sweeney from The Biggest Loser. Thanks so much for joining us. We'll be watching the next season.

AS- Thank you so much.

JB- Take care.