Bob Harper came out during Tuesday's episode of The Biggest Loser.

Harper, one of four trainers on the weight loss reality show, opened up about his sexuality to contestant Bobby Saleem, who expressed his difficulty in coming out to his father.

Harper told the cameras in his confessional that he has never discussed his sexuality since the show first aired in 2004.

"I never talked about my sexuality on the show...ever. I really do believe this is the right time," he said. "I want to show Bobby that he doesn't have to live in shame."

During the episode, Harper came out to Saleem at a private meeting.

"I'm gay. I knew a very long time ago that I am gay," he shared. " I came out when I was 17 years old. It was one of those things that I realized that there is going to be so many obstacles."

"But being gay doesn't mean being weak," added Harper. "Being gay doesn't mean that you are less than anybody else. It's just who you are."

Saleem said he was more confident in coming out to his father after his chat with Harper.

Harper tweeted after the episode aired, "THANK YOU to everyone that supported my decision to talk about being gay w/Bobby. I felt like it was appropriate & necessary. LOVE Y'ALL!!"

Jillian Michaels, one of the show's other trainers also came out last year. She told South Florida Gay News in April 2012, "I did say several years ago I've been with women and I've loved women."

"I was always out. I was never really in," she told the newspaper at the time. "I have dated men, but I chose Heidi as my life partner, or however the heck we want to call it."

The Biggest Loser premieres a new episode at 8 p.m. EST on NBC. Watch Bob Harper come out in the episode below.

Tags: Biggest Loser Bob Harper