The Biggest Loser programme run by TV1 exists to change people's mindset to live healthy.

TV1 Managing Director, Galumalemana Faiesea Matafeo, said this year, ten obese people are participating in the programme.

Their efforts and enthusiasm to join has inspired others to take action as well. 

Galumalemana said the purpose of the competition is to offer a platform for obese people to change their lives.

"One or two obese people that we can help to fully change their living habits is enough for us," Galumalemana said. 

"It's not about who wins the largest amount of money or who loses the biggest weight, but it's about making them change their ways for a new beginning."

Samoa Observer also spoke to the members of the public to express their opinions on obesity following the death of an 18-year-old boy, whose mother claimed, died of obesity. 

A 72-year-old man, Tavita Tavita, from Saleimoa said hearing the news worries him as he has two of his grandchildren who are in primary schools and overweight.

"I know it's also my fault as a parent for over-feeding my children but to be fair, there should be more platforms out there to educate the public about such issues like obesity and the damage it can cause," he said. 

"Some parents are proud to feed their children to become fat so people can say they must have a lot of money but at the end of the day, they have very little knowledge of what comes after that so I suggest our country especially the Ministry of Health to emphasise health programs in schools and villages to prevent obesity," he said.

Naimoa Falefata, 28, from Vaivase said she has always been scared of her weight because she might not be able to make a family in the future.

"I'm almost to my 30s and I still cannot find myself a man because I'm afraid of the circumstances that may arise from my uncontrollable appetite. It's a matter of fear, and I'm not sure if I can be able to build a family in the future or not," she said.

However, she is willing to join the biggest loser competition next year.

Evelin Mareko, 18, attends Leifiifi College, and learned from the recent general medication for lymphatic filariasis disease that she weighed "98 something kg".

"After that, I was told by the guy who gave me medication at our church that I weigh too much and advised me to lose a little. Up until now, I'm still fat and I'm starting to feel sick and lazy most of the times."

She now hopes to join Fika Fou next year and make a change to her health diet. 

The 10 people who are participating in the biggest looser competition are listed in the table below: