'Biggest Loser' winner: 'I don't want to be a slave to the scale anymore'

By Ree Hines

"Biggest Loser" winner John Rhode lost 220 pounds in the competition and gained $250,000 dollars on Tuesday night's finale. But even though he bested 14 other competitors to reach his goals, looking back, he now considers that the easy part. The real challenge still lies ahead.
During a Wednesday morning visit to TODAY, the special education teacher and football coach admitted that keeping the weight off is the real battle.

"I had a sincere desire to make this change," Rhode told host Ann Curry. "I want to see true change. I want to keep the weight off. Losing the weight wasn't so difficult. Keeping the weight off, that will be the true test."
In order to meet the challenge, Rhode plans to make other big goals beyond "The Biggest Loser."
"It is very much a psychological, emotional battle," he explained. "My plan right now? I'm focused on running the L.A. marathon. That's my focus right now. After that? Then I'm going to have to find a new focus."
And for Rhode, there's something even better than a race or another competition to focus on — for instance, his waistline.
"I'm wearing pants that are 34/32, and I'm comfortable in them. I like them," Rhode said. "If the pants start to become snug, then maybe I've got to rework some things. But right now, I don't want to be a slave to the scale anymore. I have comfortable clothes. I enjoy the clothes. If that becomes an issue, then I know that I'm doing something I need to fix."
What do you think, "Loser" fans? After watching Rhode throughout the season, do you think he's got what it takes to keep off the pounds?