Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, May 5, 2010

A former contestant on “The Biggest Loser” stopped by Meadowthorpe Elementary to encourage the kids to eat healthy, exercise every day and do their best in school.

“It’s always about completing your goal,” said Mozziz “Coach Mo” DeWalt, a 57-year-old youth mentor from Louisville. “You can do anything you choose to do once your mind’s made up.”

His visit Wednesday happened to coincide with the end of state testing for Meadowthorpe students, who welcomed him heartily. DeWalt, once a multi-sport athlete, talked about his personal story – including two knee replacements, a torn bicep and ruptured discs in his back.

“No matter what the odds are, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to,” he told them.

For Coach Mo, that meant living a healthier lifestyle.

Before his stint in Season 8 of “The Biggest Loser,” he wasn’t particularly a fan of the NBC reality program. But he went to the Indiana tryouts on a dare and wound up being one of 16 contestants chosen from a half-million hopefuls nationwide.

“I went on the show to get knowledge on how to be healthy, eat healthy and be strong,” he explained. “You learn how to eat properly, and you work out every day.”

DeWalt bowed out in December after having lost 94 pounds. He’s now dropped a total of 115 and weighs in at 245.

“Was it fun? It was a journey – I’ll put it that way,” he said with a laugh.

He said a light bulb went off in his head when pre-competition tests showed he had the body of a 70-year-old. Since then, he’s not only lost weight but also gotten his diabetes and blood pressure under control.

DeWalt stressed the importance of staying away from fried foods and soft drinks loaded with sugar and shared several easy exercises with the Meadowthorpe students, including stretches, push-ups, squats and dance moves.

“You work up a little sweat and burn more calories than you think,” he told the students and teachers gathered in the gym. “It’s all about getting your heart rate up.”

For Coach Mo, who runs The Village of Louisville, discipline and academics are just as crucial as physical exercise and proper nutrition.

“Do your best in class, and set high goals,” he urged the Meadowthorpe kids. “It’s never too early to start.”