With the Olympics showcasing the best of the world’s athletes for the past two weeks, it’s easy to see where hard work and dedication pay off. It’s also easy to see how great people look when they’re in tip-top shape.

It’s probably no accident that Season 9 of “The Biggest Loser” returns on Tuesday, March 2 at 8 p.m. on NBC after the Olympics.

If that doesn’t inspire you enough, maybe our list of celebrities that’ve successfully lost weight will be the push you need to finally succeed in your weight loss goals. Spring is just around the corner, and then comes summer - and you’ll want not just to look beach ready, but to be healthy and happy to enjoy all the best that life has to offer. Take a look at these celebs who’ve improved their lives by reducing the number on the scale.

PHOTO GALLERY: Some Big Losers (Weight Loss)

STAR JONES. Probably the most famous biggest loser is this former television personality/lawyer, who was once a co-host of “The View.” She lost over 160 pounds in three years after gastric bypass surgery in 2003. Jones was criticized for not being honest about the surgical intervention, once claiming that Pilates had helped her lose weight. Actress Rosie O’Donnell, another former “View” co-host, was particularly critical of Jones’ reluctance to share the method behind her weight loss After her controversial departure from “The View.” Jones eventually said that she was “embarrassed” about being so heavy and felt uncomfortable publicly sharing the surgical intervention, as it might not be the best choice for others struggling with weight. At age 47, Jones has maintained the weight loss.

VICKIE WINANS. The acclaimed gospel music star struggled after her 16-year marriage to Marvin Winans. “I gained the bulk of the weight right after I divorced Marvin," she told Ebony magazine in 2003. "I really went through a lot. I got ulcers and I was on medication. I was sick from the stress of the divorce." The statuesque singer lost over 75 pounds early almost 10 years ago on the Atkins diet, which meant no starch, no sugar and no dairy. Winans says she mostly followed the diet, with some occasional cheating, but has mostly kept the weight off since. Since remarried, Winans says she sings a lot better now that she’s lost weight and is eating healthy. “I sing better," she told Ebony. "When you don't have a lot of garbage in your system, you sing better." You can find out more about Winans at VickieWinans.com.

PATTI AUSTIN. This 59-year-old diva looks better than ever these days. The once-overweight singer who dueted with James Ingram on the classic, “Baby, Come to Me,” lost 140 pounds via gastric bypass surgery in 2005. The Grammy winner told Portfolio Weekly that the surgery saved her life. “I went to a doctor for a complete physical because I had a torn meniscus in my knee. He said, ‘You’ve got to lose this weight. You’ve got Type II diabetes, you have asthma, and you’re menopausal. You’ve got to get rid of this weight, and you’ve got to get rid of it fast. This is the best way for you to do it.’” Austin just appeared on the 25th anniversary version of “We Are the World” to benefit Haiti, and she looks fantastic. Check out her official site at PattiAustin.com.

SHERRI SHEPHERD. The current co-host of “The View” lost weight in a much less controversial way than her former TV compatriot Star Jones did. Shepherd, 42, just got on her diet and exercise grind, then posed for the cover .....

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