One year after embarking on a health and fitness journey, Big Brother’s Derek Frazier is proud of how far he’s come.
“I feel amazing about my progress,” Frazier, 33, exclusively shared with Us Weekly. “I have lost 72 pounds so far. For the first time, I am actually seeing fat turn into muscle. But this journey has been about so much more than fitness. It has been about putting myself first — mentally and emotionally.”
In addition to changing his eating habits and visiting the gym six or seven days a week, Frazier cut back on his social life by not partying and drinking every weekend in Philadelphia.
“For so long, I was focused on everyone else and not taking care of myself,” he shared with Us. “This past year has been all about becoming a better version of me, especially at 33. I want the reality TV world to give big and plus-size people a real chance to compete on physical shows because we can still show up and perform just like anyone else.”
Fans met Frazier when he competed on season 23 of Big Brother in 2021. He was a member of The Cookout alliance, which included Xavier Prather, Azah Awasum, Kyland Young, Hannah Chaddha and Tiffany Mitchell.
The group, which formed on day one with the goal in mind to crown Big Brother’s first Black winner, defied expectations when they all made it to the final six.
During the finale, Prather, 30, was crowned the winner, while Frazier earned second place.
Since appearing on the CBS competition series, Frazier has expressed disappointment that he has not had an opportunity to do more reality TV.
“I am honestly tired of being overlooked just because I am a bigger guy,” he said. “I hope production and casting teams start to notice the growth and the work I have put in. … Most importantly, I want to be healthy physically and mentally. At the end of the day, you only have yourself.”
After marking one year of his journey on Monday, March 31, with a before-and-after photo on X, Frazier said his goal is “to get under 250 pounds.”
“I am currently at 339 and started [around] 409,” he said. “I want to compete again and come back stronger and more confident than I was before. I want to feel good about myself not just in the TV world but also in the gay community.”
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