It is the heaviest cast ever when season nine kicks off with twenty two contestants - eleven family teams of two - coming to The Biggest Loser ranch hoping to transform their bodies, their health and ultimately, their lives. The new season players include Maria and Michael, an Italian mother-son duo who have always put others first while Michael's weight soared to 526 lbs., identical twins James and John, who together weigh close to half a ton, Tongan cousins Sam and Koli, who hope to inspire others in their culture like Sione and Filipe Fa did in season seven, and Cherita, a competitive mother who has already beat cancer and is ready to take on obesity along with her determined daughter, Vicky. Before coming to the ranch, all of the contestants have to weigh in - but for the first time ever, it will be in their hometowns in front of friends, families and neighbors. Then they arrive on campus and are faced with a strenuous bike challenge their first day - and a shocking surprise from host Alison Sweeney.