The Biggest Loser and You

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 by Erin Light
Do you love watching The Biggest Loser?  Whether you love the show or not, most people can agree that the participants are inspiring in their quests to get healthy and lose weight.  This past year, I’ve gotten quite a few comments and questions about the show and the exercises that are performed by the participants.  I haven’t faithfully watched the past few seasons, so I can’t comment directly on the training programs in the show.  However, I was sent an article recently that reviewed the exercise programs and included an interview with Bob Harper (show trainer) about how realistic the show really is when it comes to what you see on the screen.

If you want to read Bob Harper’s comments and other personal trainers thoughts on the show, check out this article.

A couple things I took away from this article:
  • Remember that these participants are living outside of the “real world” during this show. Think about the changes you could make if you didn’t have to work, clean the house, or take care of your family. Their jobs during this special time in their lives are to exercise, learn how to eat right, and compete in weight loss. We ask you to do all these things, but we can’t keep you here overnight.  Think about how successful you are for doing all of these things while living your real life!
  • The exercise programs are typically extreme for the overweight population.  These participants are thoroughly checked for medical issues before and during the show.  They are not allowed to be a participant if they suffer from certain medical conditions.  If you are ever questioning whether you should be exercising like them---think about whether or not The Biggest Loser doctors would clear you to participate.
  • Although the whole concept of the show is very inspiring, you have to remember that the main goal of The Biggest Loser is TV ratings and entertainment.  I am the first one to admit I come to tears every time I watch the show, but I always try to remember the “TV element” of the production.  We don’t see everything!
  • And most of all…if the show gives you positive and uplifting feelings and helps you start exercising, then keep watching!  If it makes you feel inadequate or unmotivated like you could never exercise, then change the channel!

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