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Big Vinny Reveals Weight Gain Was Caused by Childhood Abuse

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

Trailer Choir member Vinny Hickerson, a/k/a Big Vinny, is still competing on NBC's hit show, 'The Biggest Loser.' The singer-songwriter, who began the weight-loss challenge at more than 420 pounds, reveals it was a painful childhood experience that triggered his massive weight gain.

Big Vinny was only nine years old when he experienced abuse at the hands of his step-father. "I thought I could protect myself if I was bigger," he explains (quote via Nashville's Tennessean newspaper). "I started eating as much as I could every day. Then I got so big and got out on my own at the age of 14. The thing was, I was already over 300 pounds and then it was, 'What can I do to prove that I'm not worthless?'"

The Tennessee native, who will release an album next year on the band's new label, Hollaville, is anxious to deal with his health challenges head on. "Now I realize that I have to face this thing and deal with those issues and realize I was a loveable person," he says.

Contestants on 'The Biggest Loser' are competing to lose the most weight, with the winner earning the grand prize of $250,000. The show airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.



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Judy Stephenson

I have a Grandson that grew up in an obese household, that is all he knew. When he was in his early 20's he wanted to join the Army, he was at least 100 lbs overweight. He wanted to go in the Army so bad, & fight for our country in Iraq, he did what he had to do to lose the weight, in his case, running & watching what he ate. He lost the 100 lbs & then some, went in Army, 2 tours of Iraq & a 5 mo. old son later, he is still thrieving!! It can be done! Go Vinny, you are doing good!!!

December 20 2011 at 9:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Larry

Boo-hoo.

October 22 2011 at 1:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Anthony

Terry your a dumbass, try reading a book and learn to spell exercize, or will you blame that on something?

October 21 2011 at 3:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Terry

Seems everyone that is over weight has some kind of stupid reason or someone else to blame. No one is forcing food down your throat. If you don,t want to be fat, stay out of the fridge , get off your butt, and go get some exersize. And don,t tell me that it is genetic. If you burn more calories then you eat, it is not possible to be fat.

October 20 2011 at 10:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Hgjngvh

Wow, My best fríènd ,she just has annóuncéd hér wēddīng wīth a rich mān who is a cèlèbrìty !They mèt via~~~~SéêkSúɡárDαd.Сσм ~~~~ ..it is the lārgēst and bēst clúb for rich man with yung and beautiful woman and theìr àdmirèrs to chát ōnlìnè. …You do nǒt hávè to bê rīch ór fāmóùs. ,bùt yōu cān meēt yóùr trùē lòvê , It’s wòrthy ǎ try!
people need to love themselves for who and what the are. just because they have six pack abs and good bodys men and woman doesnt mean anything .its inside that counts.when he looses weight anyone who say hey vin lets go out and party. is the first one he needs to punch out.i was good enoughf befor now im ok.

October 20 2011 at 10:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mdonnarmc

OMG - I didn't know he was that good! I LOVE that song! Good luck Vinny, it soumds like a winner for you.

October 20 2011 at 10:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
GOBGOTZ

When is AOL and Huff Post going to write about
people being underweight?

October 20 2011 at 2:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to GOBGOTZ's comment
Mark Lathom

they do it's called the Fashion section.

October 20 2011 at 3:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mikie walker

people need to love themselves for who and what the are. just because they have six pack abs and good bodys men and woman doesnt mean anything .its inside that counts.when he looses weight anyone who say hey vin lets go out and party. is the first one he needs to punch out.i was good enoughf befor now im ok.

October 20 2011 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Carly

My dad was a strict man and my brother and I were beaten every day. Spare the rod and spoil the child, the Bible says. Daddy never spared and I was never spoiled. I went to school every day with large belt welts. Is that why I became fat early and continued all my life? No! Though there is no doubt my father's actions would be called abuse now it was my love of food that made, and kept, me fat. I am a food addict, and like any addict it is a never ending fight for me. I've lost the access now but I know I will always be an addict. This is a long winded way to say 'it isn't the fault of the world, our parents, our childhood issues...to some of us food is an addiction we have to battle and win'. You're doing good Vinny!

October 20 2011 at 1:00 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
oreo cookies

I have heard of The Beatles, but who is this?

October 20 2011 at 12:49 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply

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