Mark Cornelison wanted to go on The Biggest Loser because he's ready to make the life changes necessary to get healthy and hopes to give his "smokin' hot wife a smokin' hot husband!" He was born in San Angelo, Texas and raised in Abilene with his older sister, who has Down syndrome. He received a marketing degree from the University of North Texas, and he says a poor diet and lack of exercise led him to start gaining weight in high school. Now 43 years old and 291 pounds, Mark suffers from high blood pressure, high cholesterol and acid reflux. As a youth pastor, Mark enjoys doing volunteer work and going on missionary trips, both of which have been more challenging due to his weight. He knew it was time to make a life change when he increased dosage on one medication and started another this year. Now a married father of three teenagers - two sons and one daughter - Mark hopes to go rock climbing and possibly run a marathon after he loses the weight. He also looks forward to being a healthy role model for his family and the kids he works with.