Fairfield Iowa Convention & Visitors Bureau

Matt Hoover

Winner of NBC’s Emmy nominated hit show The Biggest Loser.

Matt Hoover was born and raised in the small Iowa town of Belle Plaine. Matt became one of the best high school wrestlers in state history by winning two state championships, earning all-American status and representing the United States in international competition.

Matt was a member of the University of Iowa wrestling team for four years, wrestling in the 177 and 190 pound weight classes, but he never achieved his wrestling goals. After his wrestling career ended, Matt struggled with his failure to live up to the standards that were set for him—not winning an individual national title, not competing on the international circuit, and, most of all, not competing in the Olympics. As a result, Matt lost the motivation to stay fit, healthy, and athletic. He ultimately developed severe eating and drinking problems, became severely overweight, and all aspects of his life suffered as a result. In February of 2005, Matt was cast to be on NBC’s hit reality TV show “The Biggest Loser 2” and his life changed forever. Matt arrived at The Biggest Loser Ranch in March of 2005 weighing 339 pounds. During his stay, he battled and confronted the inner demons that caused his eating and drinking problems, his weight gain, and his unachieved athletic goals. At the Biggest Loser 2 Live Finale, which aired on November 29, 2005, Matt won the show's grand prize of $250,000 by weighing 182 pounds. During his time with The Biggest Loser 2, Matt lost a grand total of 157 pounds (over 46% of his body weight). Matt is currently sharing his story of health, wellness and weight loss as a public speaker to groups and organizations of all types. Matt’s first book, “Matt Hoover’s Guide to Life, Love, and Losing Weight was published in 2008. He continues to inspire others by completing the world famous Kona Ironman course in October 2009.

Matt and his wife Suzy, who he met on the show, have two boys, Rex (2 years) and Jax (1 year). They live in Seattle, WA.