Eating Habits of "The Biggest Loser": Inspirational or a Bad Example?

By: Jen Mueller : 2/13/2009 7:10:03 AM : 927 comments

"The Biggest Loser" is a television show that's gained increasing popularity over the last few years. Contestants lose astounding amounts of weight in a relatively short period of time, inspiring others who watch the show to try and follow in their footsteps. The contestants are forced to dramatically overhaul their eating habits. But are the methods they use healthy? Do they help them establish habits they can maintain long term?

I have to say up front that I've watched the show, but I'm not a regular viewer. It's too frustrating for me to see what these people go through, giving the impression that exercise has to be painful, you can never eat the foods you enjoy, and you're a failure if you lose less than 10 pounds a week. But I did assume that contestants get a lot of help with their diet, learning how to make proper food choices and also learning that healthy food can taste good. I was disappointed to learn a little more about how this process actually works.

Contestants do all of their own cooking. In the four months of taping, contestants are given a calorie budget, recipes and a list of forbidden foods: no white flour, white sugar, butter, or anything that contains them. From there, they have to learn to create their own meals. The kitchen contains a wide variety of healthy but uncommon ingredients, such as quinoa and kale. The contestants are on their own to learn about and create their own meals. Is that a good thing, or do you think they'd benefit more from having a chef teach them how to prepare these kinds of foods in healthy yet appetizing ways?

Each person is required to eat a minimum number of calories per day and is supposed to keep a daily food journal to prove it. But many actually eat less. During scheduled “temptations,” contestants are bribed to eat junk food with prizes like cash and calls home, sometimes while locked in a dark room with mountains of candy. Is this for real? Are these "temptations" just cruel, or do you think they actually mimic the temptations of real life and are a valid part of the show?

If you watch the show, you know about the "last chance" workout where contestants have a final opportunity to shed pounds before the weigh-in. But many also resort to fasting, asparagus binges (asparagus, a mild diuretic, temporarily reduces weight) and all-coffee strategies to help them achieve a lower number on the scale. Is this just a normal part of competition, or a dangerous and unhealthy way to establish weight loss habits?

Many of the contestants have said they didn't expect to maintain their entire weight loss once at home and some have gained back significant amounts of weight. I guess I'm not surprised, given everything they went through to lose it.

What do you think? Is it more important that people are inspired by the contestants' dramatic results, or should the show be setting a better example of how to lose weight in a healthy way?


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Comments (Scroll to end to leave a comment)

SAREGANMCG
7/3/2010
1:35:58 PM

 The workouts on the Biggest Loser are obviously unrealistic for anyone with a job or real life responsibilities, but the show is inspiring. When I see a 500 lb. man running on a treadmill I have to question why I think I am unable to get out there and do the same thing. Also, the Biggest Loser has a 50% success rate, 50% keep off the weight they've lost, or maintain a healthy body weight after the show. Those statistics are much better than other diets which have an 80-90% failure rate. And there are contestants that do follow the program at home and do lose massive amounts of weight.
927
DKWEASELWOMAN
7/2/2010
12:16:30 PM

 I watch the show and I do get inspired from it. Yes, I am fully aware that it is totally unrealistic that a "normal" person can work out so much or lose so much weight per week. But to see someone that looks like me, works really hard and transforms into something that I want to become, is very inspiring. It makes me believe that I can do that also; it will just take longer because I'm doing it in the real world. The contestants have struggles just like me, but in the end they are happy they went through the process.

Since this is TV, the producers have to make people want to watch the show. If they dragged it out over a year, many viewers would be lost because who wants to turn in the see people who lost 2-3 pounds. Seriously. It would be very boring. Viewers want to see results. Plus, they can't take people away from their real lives for so long. The people who sign up the the show know what they are in for, but they are desperate to get help. At least they get medical help during their journey as well as guidance from the trainers. Sometimes that's worth all the effort.
926
VEGASBIATCH66
7/2/2010
9:06:28 AM

 it is a misconception that they "leave them on their own". My husband works with O'neal (Unc) from last season... while most contestants will gain some back they are given the help and guidance to make those healthy food choices. He is an inspiration to everyone who knows him, he was given the education and tools to remain successful once home from the ranch. Yes we all know that losing that amount of weight every week is not realistic or sustainable, they are under constant supervision and medical care... ANYONE will gain back weight if they don't change their entire lifestyle... how much you gain back is up to you. The majority of the contestants have NOT gained back to record proportions that they started at... and they have a better success rate than most "diet" plans. After seeing FIRST HAND I am a believer that this show is for real and I applaud anyone who bares themselves the way they do. I am inspired by them but I am realistic when setting my goals.
925
COWGRRRL
7/1/2010
7:40:20 PM

 I agree, TBL doesn't simulate real life in any way shape or form. How many of us have 6-8 hours a day to devote soley to exercise with no interruptions? But it's still inspirational to see them working so hard.
924
TYLER444
7/1/2010
11:59:00 AM

 The issue with The Biggest Loser is that it doesn't represent reality in any way. These people are exiled on this Ranch and exercise 8 or more hours per day and given cutting nutrition and medical assistance around the clock. They eat the bare minimums for there particular body weights/types and try to hit their "burn" which is rumored to be about 6500 calories per day. You don't have to be a fitness expert to see that these folks will lose huge amounts of weight, its simple math. However, if you watch closely most contestants are experiencing all kinds of injuries related to deprivation and severe over training. I have been a fitness professional for 15 years and these are the kinds of shows that give people this distorted idea of weight loss and the time it actually takes and hard work they need to put in to achieve their goals. I realize it is meant for entertainment but would it not be just as entertaining to see a Dateline "undercover" story of what these contestants really go through and how successful they are 1, 2 or 3 years later. Weight loss and exercise is a lifestyle you live everyday, its not a 3 or 4 month show....
923
MARCIAFIT
6/30/2010
10:24:22 AM

 Kale and quinoa aren't unusual foods around here (Oregon), I can buy them both in any supermarket.
922
WHEREDIDIGO3
6/30/2010
6:46:44 AM

 I'm really disappointed to learn this about the Biggest Loser. At times I've been tempted to try and get on the show, but the humiliation would just be too much for me. I'm glad I found Spark instead.
921
TEENYTINYPIP
6/30/2010
1:47:56 AM

 I read that interview too. It became very obvious that the well being of those people on the show was not the producers main priority, that losing weight and making good tv was. I suggest you read the interview and then see if you still think that this show gives 'hope'. Personally I think it just shows how we perceive overweight people.

www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09
/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist
-part-1-of-3 /
920
WOOBIE0902
6/29/2010
7:54:33 PM

 This show is the biggest loser of any show I have ever seen. On the Recovering Eating Disorders Team, a member posted several interviews with Kai (The Winner!!!) and just what her experience was and the aftermath. TBL didnt exactly come out smelling like roses.

I agree with the former poster who said it was like watching Roman Gladiators. If that is viewed as entertainments, small wonder our entire culture is in decline.

919
SILLY_ILLY
6/29/2010
2:56:54 PM

 It would be helpful to provide the contestants on the show with more guidance in the kitchen, but at least they're responsible for preparing their own food. I have a problem with any weight loss program that doesn't teach people how to maintain, such as extreme weight loss programs or meal replacement programs. I've been doing weight watchers but I won't touch their prepared foods. I have to make the food myself if I want to learn how to keep it off when I make my goal weight. (By the way, it's going great, I've lost 20 lbs in 4 months and only have 10 more to go.)
918
WRIGHTK621
6/29/2010
11:00:18 AM

 Not trying to be mean but.....It's not unhealthy based on their percentage of body weight they are losing. Don't hate on them because they are doing what they need to do to be healthy and get in shape. Most of you can say that you hate it and its unhealthy, but is it healthy to weigh 300-400lbs when you step on the scale. No, your at risk for many more problems being obese(like Americans so comfortablely are). Take their drive and use it for yourself. you try losing 2% of your body weight it would probably do you some good!
917
KATHRYNLP
6/29/2010
9:19:01 AM

 I stopped watching this Show. The weight loss was so unreal that it became obvious to me that we were being manipulated by the Producers, into thinking these poor, desperate people actually loss that much in one week. It's so unhealthy, dangerous and a recipe for eventual failure.
916
JUSTTOBEHAPPY23
6/29/2010
1:23:39 AM

 I don't like the show. I've only watched once and I knew it wasn't for me. I think it's an unrealistic & unhealthy lifestyle for anyone to lead (10lbs a week..no way!).
915
AEL_RHIANA
6/28/2010
4:52:16 PM

 I used to love that show, but now...I think its a cruel joke. It gives so much false hope. Anyone can eat 900 - 1200 cals a day combined with 6 - 12 hours of exercise a day, and lose weight. That is extremely unsafe and its downright dangerous.

Do a little research on the past contestants. 90% of the people who lost all their weight, gained it right back and then some. I actually watched a thing with Erik (the winner of one of the seasons) and he, in only a couple eyars time, went from the one hundreds almost straight back to the 400's. The show doesn't teach them anything. It teaches deprivation and starvation. And to 'tempt' them to gorge on junkfood so they maybe will be able to call home to family? Uh, yes, that's prettu cruel.

No, I don't watch the show anymore. Nothing on this Earth could make me watch it again. Its very misleading for many people.

Oh, and the show is taped over a 4 month period. I will eat my glasses if someone can find me any dietician or doctor that says dropping 100 - 200 pounds in 4 months is safe. Not to mention using diuretics and fasting.
914
LORIANNHOFFMAN
6/27/2010
7:53:14 AM

 I LOVE the show. While I do think that it is unrealistic to think that you can put 6 hours of exercise in a day - in the REAL world - I DO believe that a large percentage of the people that leave the show - leave the show with a greater knowledge of what they CAN do to keep the weight off. Whether they "choose" to or not - highly depends on why they were on the show in the first place. Were they there to "win the season and get the money" or were they there to lose weight and get HELP???

I also love Jillians approach. I believe that the majority of morbidly obese people do have underlying emotional issues that caused them to get to where they are - and far too often the issues are buried so deep inside them - a lot of the time they don't even remember what got them to the way they are today - and Jillian's tough love approach "digs deep" and gets all that to the surface - and she helps them deal with it in a different way.

Are there people from the show that gained the weight back? Sure there are! The show is not a "miracle weight loss" wand...it's educational & motivational - whether or not the contestants decided to take what they learn and apply it to their lives - is on them. There are many contestants that go on to inspire others. They have become personal fitness trainers, healthy living coaches...and some are even working with children.

I think it's a great show. There are days when I watch those 300 + pound people running on a treadmill - and I pack up my gym bag and off to the gym I go!!! It's like a wake up call to me - if they can do it - I can do it!!!
913
BLUEKATKIM
6/27/2010
2:21:04 AM

 I have seen the show in the past, but I could only stand a few episodes. I already know that when you lose weight in an unrealistic way you cannot keep it off. The show made me feel sad when I watched it.
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BESTBIGBROTHER
6/26/2010
2:13:56 PM

 I don't know. I kind of like it. I don't see it regularly, but I love watching the end of the season show to see what they have been able to accomplish. I know I would never have the guts to do anything about my weight on TV for all the world to see. SparkPeople.com has the right idea.....a ton of information, aides (nutritioin & Fitness trackers, goal setting, etc.) recipies, videos to help learn safe exercise techniques, and support from people who have been there, as well as from experts.......it's got everything anyone could need without the humiliation nor the cost.

Like another commenter said, the show does make it encouraging to see that just because you are a large person you don't have to be timid about pushing yourself into a heart attack, as long as you've checked with your doctor before going to extremes. While not agreeing with all of the shows means to the ends, I do accept that this IS, afterall, for TV and ratings. The best thing I think I get when I walk away from it is......stop with the excuses! Why postpone the inevitable or come up with a thousand reasons for not sticking to a healthy life style! I make the choices!!! I am realistic knowing that I don't have 5 hours a day to dedicate to exercise like they do, as I DO live in the real world with a ten hour work day and then have the responsibiity to come home to cook dinner and keep house. So I'm ok with the fact that I'm not going to lose 10 + pounds a week with the one to two hours a day I can squeeze out of my day for exercise. But it's not an excuse not to stick with it!!!

It only took me 25 years to figure out that doing it fast doesn't stick, so no TV show is going to undo what I know - but I could see how someone with less experience in weight loss could get caught up with the lose it fast, gain-it-back- plus-more cycle from watching these Bigest Losers. I've done that cycle over and over and over again.
911
MARYELLEN301
6/26/2010
12:06:47 PM

 Yet another reason to be thankful I no longer own a TV!!
910
DIANAPHOENIX
6/26/2010
10:34:37 AM

 I like to occasionally watch pieces of the show, but find a whole show just too much. It inspires me to know that the contestants don't have heart attacks, a personal fear, when they push themselves to extremes. And I like seeing what they accomplish. But I know that many of them don't keep their loss after the show ends, even some of the winners, and that is a shame.

That said, some time at the start teaching healthy cooking concepts and techniques would be a great benefit to contestants and viewers. This may not drive ratings, so could they make it a small part of the segment? I for one had never heard of the no white flour or sugar rule, and that may be because I don't watch whole segments. Having contestants come back with sustained weight loss, or even more lost, would be very motivating.
909
TEBOTX
6/26/2010
7:52:43 AM

 Oh - I think this is a bad, bad thing. Most people don't realize that exercising to promote weight loss IS their job. They are quarantined in an area that does not reflect reality. No stressors such as work, family, food temptations, etc. This "reality" show is NOT realistic. So many people I have talked to want to lose weight as fast as the contestants and don't seem to understand how unrealistic that goal is.
908
NORASPAT
6/26/2010
7:01:34 AM

 I saw it only once quite by accident it was on in someone elses home otherwise it would have been OFF. Actually it was OFF if I had seen animals treated to badly I would have reported the cruelty, mental cruelty.
Just glamorizing how thin people want power over fat people. No respect and disturbing to me to show this and have it called entertainment. Somewhat like watching gladiators in Roman times. UGH!
907
TERIANA
6/25/2010
1:15:46 PM

 Who has enough time in their day to watch this on TV? Wow. I have never seen this show but from this article it sounds terrible. Seriously? They put fat people in a room full of candy and encourage them to eat asparagus for a day? This may be proof of the decline of western civilization.
906
EARTHBLING
6/25/2010
11:47:47 AM

 I've enjoyed reading the comments on this blog. While I rarely watch the show, I have enjoyed watching the transformation the contestants have made. I agree it's show biz. It's not a realistic weight loss plan; but secretly....wouldn't losing 10 pounds a week be grand?
905
DACSAC
6/25/2010
9:23:01 AM

 We have to remember this is show bussiness. It's not about helping people, it's about making money from the advertisers, websites, DVD's, etc. I've seen the show once or twice. I normally avoid reality shows like the plague, because there's nothing real about them.
904
CHAPPELEAR21
6/24/2010
9:50:33 PM

 I don't think we see the whole picture on the show. They are going to go to extremes because it is television, and they need ratings, but there is a lot going on that we don't get to see. They do a lot of psychological "exercises" as well that help them learn why they are overweight, and how to deal with food in a healthy way. I'm also wondering about what goes on after an extra long, hard workout. There must be trainers with them giving massages and ice baths, etc. I know that my body wouldn't be able to handle working out for hours a day and then doing it all over the next day without some serious therapy. Good show, but I'm wondering what they will have to do to keep it interesting?
903
OPAQUESONRIE46
6/24/2010
8:55:41 PM

 I will have to tell you that I watch this show regularly and I do love it, though I agree that it sets unrealistic expectations. For mere ratings, of course the show is going to be over the top and dramatic and the people are going to do crazy things, but a lot of those people put the weight back on and it's important that we all realize that there is a healthy way to get it done and keep it off.

What I will say for the show, though, is that I love the overall message of not giving up, and that you are never hopeless. Years of watching huge people become more fit than me is what got me off my butt.
902
MISTONTHEMOOR
6/24/2010
5:00:49 PM

 I like the show. Almost never miss it. I'm not crazy about Jillian's style, but it does seem to work. I watched 3 seasons before I finally decided to do something about my own health. So, yes it inspired me, but Spark People has made more of a difference because they provide the tools and advice and support that I need for free.
901
WLSGINI
6/24/2010
3:35:45 PM

 I only watched the initial season of the show and was pleased to see that it was focused on weight loss the old fashioned way (diet and exercise) not via surgical methods. However, I do feel the process is VERY unrealistic and promotes the extremely UNHEALTHY idea that a 10 pounds weight loss each week is attainable if you just try hard enough. People tend to forget they did not gain the weight over night and it will not go away over night. This is just another telling of the Tortise and the Hare. We all know the truth...slow and steady wins the race.
900
THERESACHANGED
6/24/2010
12:00:50 PM

 Well, I like the show. It's the only series I actually record so I don't miss it. Sure it has it's drawbacks (it is entertainment, after all), but I think it has a lot of good points too. More than 90% of dieters gain their weight back - the rate is much better for contestants on this show. Many have made emotional breakthrus and to me this is essential for permanent weight loss. They go from obese and sedentary to athletes in just a few months. The fact that the human body can even accomplish that is amazing to me. Yes, it has flaws, but overall I find it inspiring.
899
LADYTABB
6/24/2010
11:29:27 AM

 Whose reality is this show? Even the past contestants cannot maintain the regimen once they are released. They need to get mental health care as well to find out what the root is. It should be a unreality show.
898
NENATO2
6/24/2010
10:32:00 AM

 I love watching the "losers" work through difficult situations. I especially like seeing the changes from the inside out. It is amazing how they look at eating food that makes the body healthy instead of the junk they were eating before. I also enjoy watching them learn to love themselves. When they first come on they are full of self-loathing and that changes very fast!
897
AMONROE17
6/24/2010
10:22:46 AM

 Most of the practices you described in this article are tactics used by people with eating disorders like anorexia and bulemia to keep losing weight. Torturing and shaming contestants with junk food, forcing them to sweat out pounds, putting them on emergency diets and fasts...if these people started at a lower weight, these tactics would seem ridiculous and cruel. Anyone who has an unhealthy weight (too high or too low) probably would benefit from adjusting it. But, healthy habits and healthy weight adjustment take time and attention. There is no quick fix. I have lost and gained weight too quickly many times, putting my health at risk, and I know too many people who have done the same. This show does nothing but reinforce the reasons that many people struggle to maintain a healthy weight permanently. It also plays into the fat stigma we have in this country, that is, the idea that only overweight people are unhealthy, and they should do anything they can to lose weight.

Not all weight loss is healthy, even among the overweight and obese population. Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand, and nothing pays off more than moderation and nurturing good habits at your own pace.
896
CHOCMOM
6/24/2010
9:48:32 AM

 Can't stand the show, won't watch it. The first time I saw one of those challenges where they are set-up to eat cup-cakes, etc. in order to win a golden ticket - I knew then that I couldn't stomach this show. There are people out there struggling with losing weight who actually believe they should be able to do what they do on the show and lose 10-12 lbs in a week. I once saw a blog post on Spark where a woman was looking for a partner to try out for the show with - she was also trying to gain enough weight to meet the minimum requirements. She believed it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
895
EBETHSMAMA
6/24/2010
9:47:08 AM

 I love the show, not so much to see the pain of the work out but to learn new things I can do. Also, it's about the growth these people go through. Jillian is a big advocate for finding the reason you gained in the first place. As i see contestants break through, I have seen myself in so many of them. This has really been what inspires my about the show. Also, I love the idea of Jillian in my face making me break through when I think I should quit, I have her DVDs and love it! She is in your face with the truth. Just wish she was cleaner with the language.
Have a blessed day and keep movin'
894
RACHELLTAYLOR81
6/23/2010
12:51:24 PM

 I love Biggest Loser, but I also realize that it's a t.v. show. I have honestly used it as my source of motivation to quit making excuses! It's what brought me to sparkpeople and I'm definitely thankful for the show. At the same time though I do possess common sense and know that I'm not going to lose 10 lbs a week. Unfortunately though many don't have that quality...common sense can be rare and I can see where the show would encourage some bad habits.
893
ELLAPOR
6/23/2010
12:15:17 PM

 I think the show is irresponsible. It holds out hope to vulnerable people, bullies them into losing weight, and then abandons them at show's end. It feeds viewer's fantasies about a quick and permanent weight loss, and teaches nothing about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, relying on personal goals and strengths, and how to seek on-going support (like Sparks).
892
ACARROLL07
6/23/2010
10:16:00 AM

 I cannot stand Jillian Michaels and her tough love approach, it is so unrealistic for most people who don't have some one like her constantly yelling at them, seriously I would not tolerate someone treating me the way she treats the contestants in her show. It's degrading unrealistic and purely for ratings. People can and should get inspired by people they have already in their lives, everybody knows that person in the office that is in shape and eating right or maybe it's a family member or a good friend but it's a lot easier and healthier to go to some one you actually know when you are struggling to make a life change for the better instead of being given a false inspiration that isn't going to be there for you when you really need it.
891
BROADBRUSH
6/23/2010
6:13:28 AM

 the biggest loser , while it does help with learning calorie counting and better food choices, is a humiliating, degrading format. Have you noticed all the men remove their T shirts in the beginning episodes. does that save them a few OUNCES ON THE SCALE? no it displays bodily rolls of hanging fat flesh. the women, course, can't go bare breasted as per the censorship laws. it not realistic - and sets many gullible viewers up for disappointment and ultimately failure. no one can sustain 10-20 lbs losses per week - unless you make your life's work WORKING OUT, NEVER EATING UNLESS IT IS ANALIZED AND WEIGHED EVERY DAY , FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE . every second of every waking day - think about it- is that not COMPULSIVE OBSESSIVE? a few of the contestants (Helen winner) have expressed how they have become obsessed - she with exercise. this leads to bizarre unhealthy behaviours. Then there was (eric - winner another season) who gained it all back - an all too familiar story with many of us. dealing with everyday problems and not depending on food - that is the dilemma most of them verbalize on the show. i already had 'SO CALLED REALITY TV' as discussion on the message boards. my opinion has not changed - it has been reinforced with the newest 'LOSING IT ' with jillian michaels. if someone who wants to help me - came to my house to shout militarily in my face and my space - act like she is a psycho analyst getting into my head and in ONE WEEK pin point my entire personality flaws - THAT would not be the way to do it. treating people like they are still in grade two behaving badly - shouting insults and telling them how WEAK they are - not MY CUP OF TEA. I am all for educating, aiding, and allowing people to use their brains, inside strength and motivation. the plethora of pure degradation on the boob tube, - i e - Dance your A-- off, would be fat brides trying to squeeze down to a size 1 for their wedding gown etc . even celebrities who are on 'dancing with the stars' readily admit to 10 hours of practice daily, serious injuries, and self conciousness in those skimpy next to nothing costumes. BB
890
TAMMYP67
6/22/2010
10:14:24 PM

 Yes it is entertainment, but it is inspiring to watch people turn their lives around. This was definitely the best season, a very touching and inspiring bunch of people. I wish them well on this new adventure for the rest of their lives. Me it has inspired me to be here and do what I can in my world to better myself. I have started working with a personal trainer twice a week, got up the courage to try a Zumba class, and trying to throw a little jogging into my walks (jogging and I are still not great friends, but I keep trying). So if it sparks a little something in people that is a good thing
889
VANILLABEAR
6/22/2010
8:50:06 PM

 Not a fan of the show or the approach.
888
NOMETHA
6/22/2010
7:17:55 PM

 There is no shortcut to maintaining a healthy weight. It takes work. You should never deprive yourself. Instead, you must learn how to use portion control to enjoy the things that you like to eat. The "Biggest Loser" is entertainment. It is not meant to teach you how to obtain and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am so grateful for "SparkPeople" because it has resources to help you reach a healthy weight and maintain it.
887
SPLODIE
6/22/2010
4:29:44 PM

 I find it interesting how many people find it inspiring to watch a bunch of people potentially hurt themselves. I guess all the people finding motivation from this show will also find the inevitable heart attack from losing too much weight too fast just as motivating.
886
SOXLEY1
6/22/2010
2:30:24 PM

 I like the show. I signed up for Jillian Michael's online program for a time and it's similar to the biggest loser meal plan. Fundamentally, it's a great plan--no processed foods, everything always fresh, etc. Unfortunately, it just doesn't fit in with most households.
Regarding the "uncommon" ingredients, Quinoa and kale have been staples in my macaroni and cheese kitchen for years! Anyone that has ever been on WW has learned about quinoa. Perhaps it's not so uncommon.
Lastly, in defense of the show, even though these people lose vast amounts of weight in short periods of time, the trainers are always saying how these are results you wouldn't see in the "real world". They are special only because of the unique environment of the biggest loser campus. So I don't find much difference in showing someone working the weight off by getting stronger and healthier than showing a weight loss surgery and a follow up 3 months later. In a perfect world, I prefer to see the physical work.
885
CORABELL84
6/22/2010
12:02:26 PM

 In the end it's a reality show, and shouldn't be anyone's source of inspiration. They're trying to get ratings, not help the people on the show or those at home watching.

I am much more interested in the new(ish) Jamie Oliver campaign, and it seems like a better alternative to Biggest Loser. Or the show on BBC America, You Are What You Eat is also a great show.
884
SHEMAMABEAR
6/22/2010
10:30:20 AM

 I actually love the show! I find it very motivating and inspirational. I really like when the trainers break through to a persons core and they discover their emotional reasons for their weight gain.
883
LISAUNFILTERED
6/22/2010
10:13:15 AM

 I prefer to watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. A reality show that shows people how to eat in controlled portions and in balanced ways. Anything can be enjoyed in moderation. Forbidding food only causes binging. And working out to extreme only damages your muscles and joints. How are you supposed to keep weight off if you can no longer exercise because you have damaged yourself by working out for 4-5 hours a day?
882
ROWERDC
6/22/2010
9:40:27 AM

 Reality TV is evil
881
CALLISTE
6/21/2010
1:38:23 PM

 I don't like the way the excercise and diet plays out. Someone with obesity usually have health factors like bad knees or heart issues. So is it really a good idea to show people straining their bodies or is it just done for the drama factor? I say the drama factor. But many people imitate what they see on TV or think the fact that a camera man and money are behind it makes it legitimately a good idea. So how many will add insult to injury while copying work outs that may not make sense for them. How about showing someone on a treadmill for thrity minutes a day in an airconditioned environment. Clearly it would not make good drama but if you do a mile once a day on the treadmill it would be a realistic way to lose weight. The peer pressure and the teasing that goes behind this in the food scenarios seem like a set up for poor mental health and failure but again good drama and good TV. I don't like it. It's premise is dishonest. It's not working for hte contestants own good. Its working for ratings.
880
EMILYD1952
6/20/2010
9:59:14 PM

 The show is everything you said and more.

Unhealthy weight loss .. in excess of 2 pounds a week (some as high as 10-15 pounds at a time)

Exercise techniques that are prone to injury and then they are made to feel bad when they can't keep up.

Cursing and talking badly to the people on a regular basis.

Weightloss and exercise habits that can't and don't last.

879
DYA177
6/20/2010
8:38:59 PM

 i don't watch the show. I think it's unhealthy to think to lose 10 pounds in one week. I think it exploits people and every year the contestants get fatter and fatter. It's unrealistic.
878

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