When "The Biggest Loser" returns in January, it will feature the heaviest cast ever checking into the ranch!

Not only does the new season of the hit weight-loss series introduce the heaviest-ever cast, but Michael Ventrella, who weighs 526 pounds at his first weigh-in, is the weightiest player in "The Biggest Loser" history. Last season that dubious honor went to Shay Sorrells, who began the competition at 476 pounds and lost 172 pounds by the season finale. Check out her before and after photos here!

The new season of "The Biggest Loser" also features identical twin brothers, whose combined weight is close to 1,000 pounds; Tongan cousins Sam Poueu and Koli Palu, who hope to inspire others in their culture like Sione and Filipe Fa did in season seven; and Cherita Andrews, a competitive mother who has already beat cancer and is ready to take on obesity along with her determined daughter, Vicky.

Here is the rundown of contestants vying for the $250,000 grand prize:

BROTHERS: James Crutchfield (human resources director), 30, and his twin brother, John Crutchfield (senior marketing manager), 30, Orlando, Fla.

COUSINS: Sam Poueu (youth football coach and security guard), 24, and his cousin Koli Palu (football coach and head of security), 29, Rohnert Park, Calif.

SPOUSES: Melissa Morgan (attorney), 39, and her husband Lance Morgan (rancher), 38, Aspermont, TX.

PARENT AND ADULT CHILD TEAMS: Patti Anderson (business owner), 55, Lafayette, Calif., and her daughter Stephanie Anderson (radio sales executive), 29, West Hollywood, Calif.

Cherita Andrews (homemaker), 50, and her daughter Vicky Andrews (student), 22, Houston, TX.

Miggy Cancel (chef), 48, Pemberton, NJ, and her daughter Migdalia Sebren (homemaker), 28, Sanford, NC.

Cheryl George (store owner), 50, and her son, Daris George (salesman/deliveryman), 25, Ardmore, Okla.

O'Neal Hampton Jr.. (U.S. Postal Service station manager), 51, and his daughter, SunShine Hampton (restaurant server), 24, Minneapolis, Minn.

Darrell Hough (press operator/mechanic), 46, and his daughter Andrea Hough (executive assistant), 24, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Sherry Johnston (non-profit administrator), 51, and her daughter Ashley Johnston (manager/esthetician), 27, Knoxville, Tenn.

Maria Ventrella (corporate travel agent), 51, and her son Michael Ventrella (deejay), 30, Chicago, Ill.

The new season of "The Biggest Loser" kicks off January 5 at 8 p.m. on NBC.