Update: CBB Exclusive: Erik and Michele Chopin welcome son; Introducing Jack Lucas Chopin

http://www.celebrity-babies.com/index3.html

Congrats Eric and Michelle!!

Kind of looks like he's put on some weight. I guess that happens when you work at a deli.

I actually think that he sold the deli and I believe that was the reason why, too much temptation. I remember reading that somewhere.

Yes, but he's still a far cry from his max. Hope he turns it around again before he gets back there.

"And I supposed owning a deli didn't help any," Chopin says. "I sold it after 'The Biggest Loser' ended; I just had to ask myself if I was drawn to food as some sort of obsession or passion. My degree is in accounting so operating a deli is pretty far afield."

Here's the rest of the article, http://www.ienhance.com/article/Detail.asp?ArtID=430

As for the weight gain we all know they lose more initially to win the money. It's okay if they gain a few pounds back.....as long as they keep their eye on it and jump on it when they feel they need too.

I had the privilage of meeting, Eric and his beautiful wife Michelle ( who also dropped ALOT of weight prior to the pregnancy ) as well as Poppi, last year at the NY casting call with my buddies Pink ( Kathy ) John Baker, Sarah ( winner of engaged couples BL ) and a couple other's. I have to say..though it's OBVIOUS Eric isnt the same weight he was at the finale, he IS HEALTHY! I would not classify him, by looks as being heavy or obese. The size that he was at the ranch was tramendous and VERY unhealthy. He was at great risk of living with a terrible weight induced disease or an early death!
He's happy and active and I think that we ( America ) need to stop being so close minded and sterotypical with our factors of judgement!
He's not risking heart attacks, strokes or insulin anymore. He isnt half bad to look at ( wink wink Michelle ) and I think that we should acknowledge that though these thing's wouldnt have won him his title, they are the most important thing's and what we all really want to accomplish!
I felt so bad for the HARSH HARSH HARSH comment's made throughout this community and other's about Matt ( season 1 ? ) Matt did gain some or even what some may consider alot of weight back...BUT he still is not what he was when he was at that ranch and negitive critizism DOESNT DO ANYTHING BUT FURTHER DAMAGE someone attempts at successful weight loss!
Think about it...If you drop 10 pounds...arent you going to talk about it and expect praise for months to come??? Well I do believe that even with their weight gain's both these men have still at the VERY LEAST accomplished that!!!
Still rooting for ya Matt and Eric!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brandi~

Personally, I'm someone who always roots for people to keep off the weight they've worked so hard to lose, but I still notice when they start putting it back on. Sure those who have gained (most of them, anyway) haven't put it all back on. But as someone who has lost and gained back countless times in the past, I know only too well how a few pounds regained can turn into a slide back to the original weight. And unfortunately, all too often, those pounds that come back bring all their friends with them. I actually hurt for people who are in this struggle, because I'm one of them and I know in my heart that if I want to keep it off, I will have to sacrifice every day. It's not easy, but I want to be thin (I'm talking a healthy thinness) more than I want to be able to eat ice cream. So, for me, if I ever see that I'm up 5 lbs, I will take immediate action.

My biggest gripe with TBL has always been how all the attention is on getting as much weight off as you can as quickly as you can. It makes for good drama and the final reveal is amazing. But how much of a lifestyle change can you really develop in a few months? It's taken me three years to do all of the mental and emotional work to get to where I can feel confident that I've truly changed. My whole attitude towards food and exericise is completely different from what it was when I first started, and I really wasn't there yet when I lost the first 80 or even when I lost the first 100. That time at the ranch is a great start, but it's not all there is. The hardest work comes after the contestants go home. For anyone who has lost a trememdous amount of weight, getting to a goal weight is only the beginning. So my hope and prayer for Eric and Matt and for all of you who have lost weight, whether you're a contestant or not, is that you will keep all of the healthy habits that allowed you to lose weight in the first place.

Marilyn

keep in mind, TBL does not give a great after program to contestants (which I think it is so needed considering there are over 100 past contestants now). yes the results are outstanding on the ranch because they are being primed for a weight loss competition AND they do learn some great skills... but that support system is not given once you go home and live your life. Also, the final 4 are at or close to their lowest weight possible to win the prize. of course they are to gain back weight. 90% of the past contestants gain back some weight (according to Dr H's stats).

Eric looks great in person. He is healthy. That's more than I can say about myself, I don't know about the rest of you. FYI I spoke to his wife yesterday and the baby is great and they are doing fine. And to confirm, the deli has been sold for some time.

Thats awesome Congrats! He still looks good!

There should be as NBC and the people who produce the show make money and continue to make money from these people.

The contestants on the ranch are being educated in weight loss, diet and exercise.......seems to me that is more than the viewers are getting. They can't hold their hands forever.....let them take their education into the real world. Why is that not enough?

Education is great, but most people who need to lose weight have all the knowledge they need to lose it. What they need is to change their behavior. Permanent behavior change takes more time than a few months in a controlled environment. It takes a very strong commitment. That's why, in the world of weight loss, only about 5% are able to keep it off. I'm determined to be a member of the 5% club this time!

Marilyn

I totally agree Marilyn! I could have given anyone who asked for it weight loss and healthy living tips. However, I was morbidly obese myself! I finally got to the point that I was ready to take control and able to actually put my advice to work on myself. I truly think motivation has a lot to do with it. Most are motivated on TBL because of the speed the weight comes off. Possibly once they are home, without seeing all of the results, some lose their motivation. I don't know. It does take a long time to create a permanent change though, and 15 (or a few more) weeks in a controlled environment is not enough. (I too, aspire to be one of the 5% once I reach my goal weight!!)

As the mother of 3, I know that the mother is not the only one to gain weight during a pregnancy. It is natural and happens to a lot of men. The only thing different here, is that it was a BL contestant who was the father. Give the guy a break.

The show doesn't have an after program, but the experts behind the scene like Dr. Huizenga and Cheryl Forberg (nutritionist) still stay in contact with us. I know if I have a problem or a question I can get an answer, advice or help from either or both of them right away. NBC isn't paying them a dime for it, but the two of them honestly want to see us be healthy and keep the weight off. I know they've certainly helped me out over the last year and a half since the show wrapped. : )

I agree that education is not the only thing needed for after care. I don't think a lack of understanding is what makes most of us obese. Like I didn't know that eating a whole bag of "Dorito's" was unhealthy. Food was just my way to deal with stress and depression.

I had the gastric bypass surgery, lost a lot of weight and slowly gained it all back. I have always had an addictive personality. I drank, kicked it. Moved to painkillers, kicked it. Then I gambled, and kicked that. Overeating has been the one that is getting the best of me.

I was talking with a friend before we were both about to have the gastric bypass. His thought was that he wanted to get back to a normal size, then if he screwed it up it was his own fault. I didn't understand what he meant. But I think a lot of us believe if we can get back to a manageable size all the problems in our life will be solved. I have come to the conclusion that our weight is not the cause of our problems, but the result of our problems. Along with getting the weight off we need to figure out the real cause and fix that.

he looks great!!! congrats on the baby!!!!

Hey Matt...any way you can tell me some adivse on losing the lbs...I need some help here