Discussing 'The Biggest Loser' Controversy

As a personal trainer, I’ve been a fan of ‘The Biggest Loser’ TV show for some time now.  I like how it gets average North American people - and their whole families - excited about weight loss and really motivated to make healthy lifestyle changes.  Even someone like myself, can find inspiration in the form of new workout ideas and fitness drills designed by the elite team of fitness professionals the franchise employs.  

While the promotion of physical activity and healthy dietary choices to curb the obesity epidemic and its associated health risks, is at the centre of the show, and is promoted as the objective of the franchise, it can not be denied that there are also some controversial and potentially dangerous values that can also be taken away from this show. Just look at the title of the show - The Biggest Loser - it promotes extremity which in itself is not always a healthy concept. 

I like the idea of group training, individual counseling, intense workouts, increased confidence, and sensible rewards for achievements, but its unfortunate that this TV series loses track of the moderation outlook with its use of extreme competition, advertisers influence, media scrutiny and huge financial incentives - all factors that may push these contestants to unhealthy actions towards the end of the show.  Its very comparable to the use of steroids in major league sports or the olympics, in my opinion.  When the reward to win is so big sensible choices often go out the window.  

This unhealthy weight loss debate re-surfaced after the final episode of the season aired and the winner, 24 yr old Rachel, lost 60% of her body weight, starting at 260 lbs ending at 105 lbs, with a BMI of 18 which is considered underweight for her 5’4” frame.

Personally, I enjoyed watching Rachel’s journey. I saw a vibrant young woman regain her life and health again.  She won the shows triathlon, I found her very relatable, and I congratulate her on her life transition.  I wish her well and hope she choses to maintain a healthy lifestyle now that she’s no longer morbidly obese. 

Others have not been so kind.  Words like anorexic have been tossed around, and I believe these words can also be just as hurtful as obese and fat. The problem is that this show promotes extremes and the average person can be very easily swayed when the whole world is watching to see if they will fail, or if they will win $250,000 and a car (which she did). We need to remember this show has also become a huge corporate franchise and is big business.   

Now, I have no idea if in the last week she engaged in unhealthy weight loss practices, (e.g. food restriction, stimulant use), only she does. But the fact that her BMI is so low coupled with the surprised look on her trainers faces (who worked with her for so long), hints that she may have.  But I am not one to judge.  Even with my professional fitness background, I can’t say for sure that I might not restrict my eating and overexercise for a couple weeks if I knew I could earn a huge financial reward.  It really makes you think. 

We are all human and vulnerable to all sorts of dangerous influences.  And this should be the real take home message from this TV franchise. Even those with the best of intentions can lose their way in the process, their judgement clouds and true healthy values can be compromised. 

Always remember whats important to you and stay true to yourself, and in this way, coupled with sensible diet and an active lifestyle, you will find that road to health and happiness.