Jillian Michaels leaving ‘The Biggest Loser.’ Again

Jillian Michaels is leaving “The Biggest Loser.” Again.

The departure marks the third time that Michaels has left her role as the tougher-than-nails trainer on NBC’s weight-loss reality show. There were no immediate details on who might replace her as the show continues to struggle in the ratings.

The network released the following statement Wednesday: “After helping hundreds of contestants transform their lives and inspiring millions of viewers at home, ‘The Biggest Loser’ and Jillian Michaels have decided to part ways, and she will not be returning for Season 16 when it airs in the fall.”

Efforts to reach Michaels for comment Thursday were not successful.

But she has been increasingly at odds with the show that helped make her one one of the biggest -- and richest -- names in fitness.

Michaels has made no secret over the years that she has felt the show put too much of an emphasis constructed story lines that made for good TV. Michaels said she felt these TV plot points came at the expense of delivering a much-needed message about health and fitness.

And then earlier this year, Michaels was also called out on the show in a big and embarassing way.

She was accused of giving her competitors caffeine supplements in violation of show rules. Michaels balked at that assertion, insisting that the supplements were safe and given openly. Critics took to social media to say that Michaels was being “thrown under the bus” by show producers who used that alleged violation as a way for the show to bring back an eliminated contestant -- “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard.

And Michaels was especially upset earlier this year when Season 15 finalist Rachel Frederickson showed up at the finale in a shockingly thin condition. Frederickson would go on to win that season of the show, and her rail-thin arms and gaunt face led some fans to swear off the show.

In fact, Michaels’ reaction to Frederickson’s appearance was captured on camera and helped fuel controversy even as the network sought to sidestep tough questions about how closely the show had monitored Frederickson’s weight loss.

At that time, Michaels and co-trainer Bob Harper took the unusual step of distancing themselves from Frederickson’s weight loss by issuing a joint statement on Twitter saying they were not Frederickson’s trainers, and encouraged the public to take their questions to the show’s producers.

What do you think about Michaels’ departure? And will you watch Season 16 of “The Biggest Loser”?

Twitter: @renelynch