'BIggest Loser's' Jillian Michaels: The Real Reason She Left Weight-Loss Show; Coach Opens Up For First Time About 'Sad' Decision

Biggest Loser coach Jillian Michaels made headlines earlier this month when she revealed that she would no longer be part of the weight loss series.

This will be Michaels' third time departing from the show, but it seems like this exit may be permanent. After backlash surrounding the shocking weight loss of season 15 winner Rachel Frederickson, the coach decided she wanted to distance herself from the series.

The fitness guru is opening up for the first time in an interview with People magazine, letting them know that her decision to leave the series is a "sad" one.

"There were some fundamental differences [with Loser's producers] that have existed for a while," Michaels told the magazine. She also explains that she wasn't fond of the way she was being portrayed on the past two seasons of the series. "You saw none of the relationships, none of the bonds that I build with my clients," Jillian says.

It seems that the breaking point was Frederickson's shocking 155 lb. weight loss that made the coach reevaluate what she was doing on the series.

"I thought she had lost too much weight," Jillian explains. "I was immediately concerned and wondering how this happened, how no one had said something to me and how the checks and balances that have been put into place, in my opinion, this had fallen through those checks and balances," Michaels explains.

"I had to take a hard look at my work," she continued. "I came to the conclusion that moving forward, I need to be able to have an impact on the outcome of what I do."  

The decision to leave wasn't an easy one, the coach says.

"I don't want fans to think I feel like I'm too big for the show or that I'm seeking greener pastures," she stressed. "I'm so grateful to the show and so sad to leave." 

The new season of The Biggest Loser will kick off on September 11 on NBC.

Readers, what do you think of Jillian Michaels leaving the shoiw?  Tell us in the comments below!

Click here to learn all about the two new coaches who will be replacing Jillian.