In Bartlett, 'Biggest Loser' shares weight-loss tips with board

Michael Ventrella stood silently in the back of the room when Bartlett Village President Michael E. Kelly announced a special guest was on route to the village board meeting.

It wasn't until Ventrella waved that Kelly knew that the 31-year-old winner from the latest season of NBC's "The Biggest Loser," had arrived.

"Michael, we couldn't see you," Kelly said. "You got so thin."

The Bartlett village board on Tuesday recognized their hometown hero with a proclamation, one of the many accolades Ventrella has received since shedding 264 pounds and winning the reality television contest in May. He'll once again be in the spotlight today when he tosses the first pitch before the Cubs game at Wrigley Field. And no, he has no designs on the Cubs' manager's job. Ventrella, 31, said he appreciates Bartlett.

Ventrella raved about his hometown and the village's landscapes and said he's "more honored to be part of Bartlett than anything else."

"It was everybody's support in the streets of my neighborhood and community that really helped push me." he added.

His mother, Maria Ventrella, also appeared on the television show and attended Tuesday's meeting. Her eyes swelled up with pride when she spoke about her son's journey. He's gone from weighing 526 pounds and working as a DJ to touring the country as a motivational speaker at a healthy 262 pounds.

"Before when he was big, he was afraid and he was always closed in his room," his mother said. "He wouldn't really go out, but now it's like he's forced to be out all the time I think he's enjoying it."

Ventrella showed his graciousness Tuesday by signing autographs and talking with Bartlett residents about their weight-loss stories. Ventrella lost more than half his body weight during the show's 20 weeks.

During the meeting he frantically tapped the keys of his cell phone. Who was he texting? None other than fellow contestant Ashley Johnston. He talks to her every day, but he said he's unsure of where their friendship is heading.

"We definitely have a very strong and profound relationship," Ventrella said.

Ventrella's been interviewed on "Larry King Live," "The View" and "Today." But he said those outlets have failed to focus on what galvanizes him: eliminating childhood obesity. Though he's got a Facebook page, Ventrella said he wishes he had a larger forum to help spread his message about not giving up hope and making healthy life choices. He talked about eating the right portions and finding a regimen that meshes with individual fitness goals. Those goals aren't reduced to weight loss.

"I'm gaining the real weight," Ventrella said while flexing his bulging right bicep.

The Ventrellas still work out at the Life Time Fitness in Bloomingdale. While they don't mind being recognized, Maria Ventrella said the one time when her son prefers to be left alone is when he's focused while working out.

"That's why he usually goes late when he goes," she said.