By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
DENIAL and waffles may have got them to a combined weight of 350kgs but Cranbourne couple Johnee and Tenealle have one goal in mind, a family, and with the help of Steve ‘The Commando’ Willis their weight loss dreams are just around the corner.
Signing up with family members Moses and Rina from Narre Warren, the Auvale family – better known as the black team – will share their weight-loss journey with Australia as part of Network Ten’s new series of the Biggest Loser.
The proud Samoan family linked by brothers Moses and Johnee will compete against three other families in the show’s 10th season.
Older brother Moses, 39, says he feels a deep sense of paternal responsibility for his brother Johnee, 38, who has steadily gained weight since his teenage years, reaching 170kgs before the age of 18.
Moses’ personal goals are to feel good at the beach with his shirt off and enjoy shopping for clothes, as well as becoming a positive role model for his family.
While wife Rina, 37, who weighs more than her husband wants to lose wants to feel beautiful for Moses after steadily gaining weight since moving to Australia 15 years ago.
Sister-in-law Tenealle admits her addiction to waffles, ice-cream and chocolate hasn’t helped her waistline and is determined to shape up permanently and start a family.
Husband Johnee weighing in at 215.7kgs, making him the biggest in the competition, has been in denial about his weight for many years but – desperate for a baby – is ready to be kicked into gear on the show.
The Auvale family will start to shed their weight this week on Network Ten.