On the the Biggest Loser, numbers definitely count -- but not when it comes to age! Just ask Helen Phillips, the 48-year-old mom who on May 12 took the crown (and the $250,000 grand prize) as the season-seven champ of the NBC competition. "The show saved my life," Helen, who shed a whopping 140 pounds during the season, tells Life & Style. "I feel like I have a second chance. I have a new lease and a new outlook on life."

And the unexpected winner says the show transformed everything from her daily activities to her attitude. "The minute I got on the ranch, I quit smoking," says 5-foot-6 Helen -- who dropped to 117 pounds by adopting a healthy diet and rigorous workout routine. "I'm running now," she adds. "I'm an athlete!"

For more on Helen and her amazing weight loss, check out this week's issue of Life & Style on newsstands now!

Photo Credit: NBC