I assumed it's because, although Ryan won *technically*, Gary was FAR more popular with the public.
Also, I don't recall Ryan's wife all that well, but GARY'S wife and his kids...he's probably got SO much support from them! Remember the episode where they saw him for the first time in ages and how he was telling her his blood pressure was normal...all the meds gone...and the tears in her eyes...now THAT's saying that it's not just about pants size
Last year, I preferred the Blue team over the Red team (remember LISA from the Red Team...arrgh).
IMO Gary is a lot cuter than Ryan as well.
24 Hour Fitness is also using Aaron (who was eliminated in week 3 of season 1 if memory serves) in their ads. He was on the cute side too.