'The Biggest Loser' Packs on Another Season

"The Biggest Loser" will continue to help Americans shed unwanted pounds -- at least for one more year -- as NBC today announced that the show has been given a pickup through the 2009-2010 season.

"I love that show. I inherited it," Paul Telegdy, executive vice president, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios says. "I love it when you get a toy that you like. I love it when I talk to people who aren't in the business about that show. It is incredibly inspiring. Every year people make resolutions to be healthier and that show is the No. 1 tool kit available to people to be inspired."

As for the fate of Shannon, this season's "The Biggest Loser" contestant who was charged with domestic violence after an incident in suburban Detroit last month, a spokesperson for the show says that at this time the matter won't effect her participation in the series.

As for the themes for next season, Telegdy adds, "The challenge is to keep the cast and the stories amazing. Some of the transformations we saw in the last season where Michelle [Aguilar] lost 110 pounds was just extraordinary. We have to be careful we don't compromise health. I love the family stuff and the stakes between two competitors."

Telegdy also says that host Alison Sweeney will not miss many episodes following the birth of her daughter Megan Hope Sanov on Monday, January 12. He jokes, "Ali was our biggest loser that day: 6 pounds 7 ounces."

"The Biggest Loser" airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on NBC.
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