I'm not so sure that The Biggest Loser is quite as wonderful as people make it out to be. Let me play the Devil's advocate for a moment and tell you why I can't quite get on board with this show.
1. Product Placement
While I will admit that I haven't watched the current season of The Biggest Loser, I have tuned in for past seasons and was turned off by the obvious product placements. It was one thing to advertise the use of Jennie-O ground turkey as a replacement for ground beef, but when I saw the show pushing 100 Calorie packs as a good choice for a snack, I was a little put off. Is a tiny package of crackers or cookies really a good snack option for someone on a journey to lead a healthy lifestyle? You be the judge. According to dietfacts.com the Wheat Thins Minis 100 Calorie pack contains about 20 mini crackers coming in at 25% fat, 64% carbs and just 8% protein. Does this seem like a snack that will sustain any human being for a number of hours, especially someone who will be working out vigorously like these contestants?
2. Unrealistic Amount of Activity
According to this article from MSNBC, contestants are charged with working out 4-6 hours per day. I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to squeeze in 45-60 minutes of exercise every day-and I don't have a full time job! It is completely unrealistic to assume that the contestants will be able to keep up this pace once they leave The Biggest Loser Ranch. In their recent reunion show, former contestants Matt Hoover and his wife Suzi, lamented the difficulty of trying to maintain their weight loss in "the real world". Both Matt and Suzi have regained a considerable amount of weight. (Suzi has given birth twice since appearing on the show. Let's cut her a whole lot of slack, shall we?) It also saddened me to see former Biggest Loser winner, Erik Chopin, had regained most of the weight he lost while participating in the show. Read more about Erik's struggles here.
Erik's Biggest Loser Before and After pictures 3. Treatment of Contestants
"Unless you faint, puke or die, Keep Walking!" Those are actual words spoken by Biggest Loser trainer, Jillian Michaels. Am I the only one appalled by the way she treats human beings trying to get healthy? Can you imagine how it would feel to have someone speak to you in such a degrading manner? I can't for the life of me see how this strategy is effective. Many of the show's contestant's admit that they overeat because of low self-esteem. Comments like the one above can only make matters worse. What these contestants need is a nurturing, supportive environment, not criticism and harassment.
Jillian Michael's, aka Satan in a Sports Bra!
4. The "Game" Aspect
During the seasons that I watched this show, I truly felt that the majority of the contestants were far more interested in losing weight and becoming healthy than in winning $250,000.00. But in recent seasons, the show has increasingly used drama to increase ratings. Contestants are pitted against one another. The prize for winning a challenge is to sabotage another "player's" chance to win by adding a pound to their weekly weigh-in. Not all contestants gave in to this sort of behavior, but the producers of The Biggest Loser didn't make it easy.
Player extraordinaire, Vicky Vilcan, my least favorite contestant. Does anyone else see the irony in how close her last name is to the word "villain"?
I'll get off my soapbox now and give you a chance. Do you love TBL? Has it inspired you? Would you respond to Jillian's methods? I'm dying to know!
*Matt, Suzi and Erik-I'm rooting for you!
"Unless you faint, puke or die, Keep Walking!" Those are actual words spoken by Biggest Loser trainer, Jillian Michaels. Am I the only one appalled by the way she treats human beings trying to get healthy? Can you imagine how it would feel to have someone speak to you in such a degrading manner? I can't for the life of me see how this strategy is effective. Many of the show's contestant's admit that they overeat because of low self-esteem. Comments like the one above can only make matters worse. What these contestants need is a nurturing, supportive environment, not criticism and harassment.
Jillian Michael's, aka Satan in a Sports Bra!4. The "Game" Aspect
During the seasons that I watched this show, I truly felt that the majority of the contestants were far more interested in losing weight and becoming healthy than in winning $250,000.00. But in recent seasons, the show has increasingly used drama to increase ratings. Contestants are pitted against one another. The prize for winning a challenge is to sabotage another "player's" chance to win by adding a pound to their weekly weigh-in. Not all contestants gave in to this sort of behavior, but the producers of The Biggest Loser didn't make it easy.
Player extraordinaire, Vicky Vilcan, my least favorite contestant. Does anyone else see the irony in how close her last name is to the word "villain"? I'll get off my soapbox now and give you a chance. Do you love TBL? Has it inspired you? Would you respond to Jillian's methods? I'm dying to know!
*Matt, Suzi and Erik-I'm rooting for you!
i watch the show, but always with a book or magazine in my hand. i never give it my full attention. sometimes i just makes me feel good to know that i'm not the only person who thinks getting fit is important (as my family and inlaws might lead me to believe)
ReplyDeleteI DVR the show then fast forward to the last half hour to watch the weigh in. I love the dramatic weight loss. Whether that kind of weight loss is healthy or not, well, probably not. I don't particularly care about the emotional drama - just the before and after drama.
ReplyDeleteI'm not watching this season. I watched the last season and part of the one before, and I watched the first season in reruns. But I decided to cut back on my TV time and this was one of the first shows to go.
ReplyDeleteI liked seeing the befores and afters. I think that a lot of what gets on camera isn't really indicative of what goes on behind the scenes. I have my issues with Jillian, but I don't think she's as mean as portrayed.
The product placement stuff is annoying at its best and detrimental at its worst. And when they started pushing the whey protein, I lost all respect for the trainers.
Just go to the Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic websites and see what they say about protein. Anyone who reads that and still uses those powders is in denial or an idiot.
The woking out and calorie restriction stuff I know is not realistic, nor is losing 20 pounds in a week. So, that doesn't affect me at all, since I know it's specialized circumstances. I recently lost 25 pounds in 12 weeks and was very happy with that (and I didn't go crazy -- just exercise and Weight Watchers).
And I LOVED Tara. So many people hated her for being a great athlete. I didn't get that attitude. I rooted for her from the beginning. What a beautiful woman she is on the outside and seems to be on the inside, as well. I don't know her, so she may be a wench, but she SEEMS sweet.
I understand, and agree, with most of your points, but I can't help it - I still love Biggest Loser! :-) Would I respond to Jillian's methods? I would probably get so mad I would end up smacking her or something, so probably not :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely on all of your reasons. The product placement is soo obvious. It gets a little annoying to watch. I also agree with the contestants playing it too much as a game. The people who deserve to be at the ranch are usually the ones that get kicked off. And you are right.. it is also SO much activity and not very realistic... unless you are unemployed and have no kids and have all day to devote to exercising and planning out healthy meals. So, yes.. in those aspects.. the show is not up to par.
ReplyDeleteBut here is why I watch it. First, I am part of a challenge called, the biggest loser challenge. It is a blog thing.. a bunch of bloggers got together to see who could lose the most weight during this season of the biggest loser.
But most importantly.. I watch it because it helps motivate me to continue with my own weight loss journey. It helps me to see these people who struggle everyday to lose weight.. so that I don't make excuses for myself. If they can do it.. so can I. You really notice the determination in their eyes and their desire to lose weight... and for me... that is enough to out shine all the product placements and "game playing" that happens on the show.
=)
I agree with everything you have said but I for one love the show, I don't however read to much into it. I watch it while running on the treadmill.
ReplyDeleteI think Jillian's yelling although kind of degrating is needed for people who are at the end of their rope to get moving, she can be harsh but I think she has a huge heart and just wants to help people.
I love the transformations and the way people start transforming their minds into believing they are worth it, even if it does take a breakdown.
If this is the kind of show that will get people off the couch and moving then I'm all for it, realistic or not.
The one thing that kind of angered me was the contestants who ran a marathon half way through last years season (I think it was last year!) I have been training for a half marathon and I couldn't even imagine being able to do it after just a few months.
Either way if I don't read to much into it, I find it motivating :-)
I remember the episodes with Eric--I'm so sorry to see/hear that he's gained all of the weight back. I can't imagine how hard it must be for him, knowing he was once there. I don't watch the show religiously (like grey's anatomy), but I do catch it from time to time. I REALLY don't like the way Jillian talks to people, and sometimes I think it borders on abuse. I'm not sure how it could be that helpful for someone who already has low self-esteem. I also agree with you about the working out--it's not adaptable for the real world, and I wonder if any contestants felt like they were set up to fail??
ReplyDeleteI used to watch the show, but haven't the last two seasons. However, last year I did purchase Jillian's workout videos after reading several reviews online and comparing and contrasting with other workout videos. She is a lot nicer in the video's than she is on TV. I guess a lot of it is just "made for tv", much like most "reality" shows out there now days.
ReplyDeletei love the biggest loser
ReplyDeleteand i have to defend jillian because
she works
it works
its true if you dont feel liek your going to puke you are not working hard enough trust me
i do the dvd and jillians dvds
and it gives you fast result and changes your life
im goin from having no core muscles it felt like to be able to do soooooo much
im goin to have to say bob and jillian work if you listen to what they say and some people need jillians bluntness to get through the pain of workouts lol
I have to say, I love this show. I just began watching it at the end of season 6, due to my younger sister raving about the show.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of time spent exercising is really unrealistic. The female contestants eat like 1200 calories a day and are supposed to burn 6000. In a "normal" world that would be impossible unless you could spend all day working out. No wonder so many former contestants gain the weight back!
Also, I do hate the product placement. It's certainly annoying....I DVR the show and skip through those parts as much as possible.
As for Jillian, she herself has said, the 15 minutes we see of Jillian on "The Biggest Loser" is just a caricature. She said the camera plays up the 15 minutes where she loses it and begins screaming and cursing at the contestants. "There were 23 other hours and 45 minutes where I was lovely."
Also, I hate to admit it, but I think if I were a contestant on the show, I would pick Jillian as my trainer in a heartbeat. While I love Bob's personality, I need a hard core, tough as nails person to push me to my limits. In the newer shows although Jillian is tough, we have seen a more caring side of her. She definitely has a heart and compassion for these people.
I think in the recent seasons some of the contestants are more motivated by the money and game play than in getting healthy. That's too bad. As Bob said earlier this year, "the people who come to play the game end up gaining all their weight back."
I loved Tara, too! She is definitely a beautiful woman. She was my favorite player until this season when Abby Rike participated.
In spite of it's flaws, this show HAS motivated me to live a healthier life. It was one thing that made me realize it's not too late for me to lose weight and get healthy. I love the moments in the show when the contestants suddenly realize they are worth it! I have struggled with those same feelings of self doubt and unworthiness! It has helped me realize I'm worth it, and I can and will be successful!
LOL.. I think when this show first started off, it was much better. Now it's filled with drama and pushing products for show ratings and money. Personally, I've always found it unrealistic because you can't just go away for months at a time, leave your family, job, etc.. and just focus on losing weight. If it was reasonable, then wouldn't more people do it? LOL.. Weight loss is definitely a life style change and unless you live a healthier lifestyle, then there is always a chance to gain the weight back. WEight loss should never be temporary. Just my opinion, LOL.
ReplyDeleteThe nice part is that once the weight is gone, there isn't a need to work out 4-6 hours a day. Once they are at a weight where they want to maintain, it is just a mathematical formula. You need a certain number of calories to maintain whatever weight you are at. Any calories consumed beyond that number results in weight gain, and any calories burned (exercise) taking you below that number results in weight loss. It isn't shocking that people leave and gain weight back - the article about the guy you mentioned said that his wife watched him slip back to his old habits. (I assume that would be consuming more calories than he was burning...so he gained the weight back.)
ReplyDeleteI don't fault anyone for it, though. It is a lot of work planning meals, planning workout times, balancing work, family, etc. etc. etc. But it is doable. I am sure it is just horrid to gain weight back after so publicly losing so much.
And with regard to Jillian, we see her "awful" moments, but if they are working out 4-6 hours a day and the show airs weekly then really, we can assume she's not THAT awful or everyone would have said peace out. :) She obviously cares, which makes her a-ok in my book. As a personal trainer myself, I bet I've been "mean". Actually, I've been called a "bitch" many times. They say it lovingly, I just know it! (They keep coming back anyway...) I would love a personal trainer for myself - a mean one, a nice one, whatever - I need to get my butt kicked!
I do watch the show. Though the product placement cracks me up. My husband and I had a good laugh tonight about how awkward the placement can be.
I think your blog is looking great!
Love Love Love your post! I agree with you 100%. I stop watching a few seasons ago because it was not realist. It's only their reality not mine. The show is on for ratings and they do inspire many people. I guess if one person that watch get inspired to exercise and eat healthy I guess it is worth it. For me I had to come up with my own workout plan and it is working for me. Thank you for the post!
ReplyDeleteI TOTALLY AGREE! Well said! I must admit my sister and I actually auditioned for Sesaon 9 of the Biggest Loser for the family edition. We actually made it pretty far in the process, but then we realized that since it was a game, hence competition it would rip our relationship as sisters apart. This is when we realized we didn't need to be on TV to lose weight, we can achieve it ourselves while still living our normal lives. Giving up your job and leaving your family for up to 6 months is NOT reality REALITY is living a healthier lifestyle in the real world environment. Besides I did a search on some of those previous BL contestants AND MOST of them gained their weight back! Weight loss is amazing but it's a life journey, not a stint on TV for money and prizes. Winning a healthier lifestyle and body is the best prize of all.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and I believe that weight loss is not just about losing pounds, but saving your life.
I don't harbor any ill feelings towards BL, but I was just telling my Mom the other day I feel the premise of the show is unrealistic. These contestants are whisked away to a ranch where they work out all day and have all these resources at their disposal: nutritionist, trainer, equipment, etc.
ReplyDeleteMan take me somewhere with an abundance of weight loss resources and see how I lose.
One good thing about BL is that the show inspires people to lose weight. I must admit every now and then I catch the show and the dtermination and perserverance of some of the contestants is admirable.
I started watching TBL in earnest this season for the first time. I have last season (Tara's season) DVR'd in our family room and started watching those episodes as well.
ReplyDeleteIt's an inspiring show, and I really like watching the contestants lose. But I have to agree with everyone else the product placement is obnoxious. My husband and I just look at each other and roll our eyes when they plug the gum every week. LOL
The thing that I don't care for is when someone will lose 3, 4, or even 8 lbs in a week and they are disappointed. They throw a little fit and say how they were hoping for a bigger number. That' frustrates me. I know they are on the ranch and big numbers are expected, but you should be happy with the small numbers too. I think it conveys the wrong message to some of the viewers when they wine about not losing "enough" in a week. I'd be thrilled to throw down a three pound loss whether at the ranch or at home.
I must say I also like Jillian's in the face attitude. I think she's a big softie inside and that her outbursts are for ratings. She's helped A LOT of people and her style would definitely kick my butt!
I LOVE this show. It’s truly inspiring. I think Jillian needs to be "in your face." She is there to tell them the truth and help them work through their problems. If she wasn't there they would give up like they have so many other times before.
ReplyDeleteAs for product placement it can't be cheap to run the show. My sister and I always chuckle when they advertise for gum, oatmeal, pudding, etc. Every show has advertisements, these just aren't as conspicuous.
I think the show has come a long way and they are trying to do more to control and help the contestants when they get back into the real world. It seems they help them be active in the community so they are still a public role model and have responsibility.
Vicki was a snake!! We loathed her!!
Ali and Betty Sue were my favorite but then again they are personal friends of my family. I am SO proud of them!! They can't talk about anything on the ranch but they did say that you wouldn't believe how much editing is done before the show!
After watching The Biggest Loser I have been inspired to work out and it has helped! I am always impressed when I watch the show and each week it is a boost to work out for another week. It has helped me to shed 25 lbs so in my opinion no matter how many adds they do for gum I could care less because it has made a difference in my life.
Wow, you got some wonderful responses from this post!! I have mixed feelings about this show, like you. Sometimes I wish I could actually be like Jillian and YELL at my clients who give up way to fast, and who say they "can't do it", but I agree that Jillian takes it to a whole new level. All in all, it's just not realistic, it's not reality.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I watch TBL every once in awhile, but the unrealistic lifestyle changes (essentially crash exercising) have turned me off of it from the very beginning. I started watching Lifetime's Diettribe this past season and it seems much more supportive and realistic because they remain in their home environment and learn to cope with the stresses and challenges of dieting and exercising at home and they eventually work through it to lose thier goal weight. And thier trainer Jesse isn't to bad to look at either ;)
ReplyDeleteI do think that jillian michaels does get a bit harsh some times. but! number one it's just her style of fitness and it has been getting results (her contestants have won almost every season) and often it is warranted. a lot of the time people do need to be pushed to get to their potential. they were left to their own devices in the first place and look where it has gotten them! I've personally seen people who take the easy way out all of the time and don't want to push through the toughness to get to their goal. Jillian strives to do that. anyway, that's my 2 cents
ReplyDeleteI Like THE BIGGEST LOSER show but . . . I don't like how they sometimes pit contestants against each other to get to add on pounds to their weight loss or get a pound advantage.
ReplyDeleteI think this show is definitely helpful to many, many people and most of the contestants have not gained their weight back. Once you lose that kind of weight, it doesn't take 4-6 hour workouts every day to keep it off.
My husband got me a biggest loser calendar for Christmas which has motivating tips on it from many of the contestants as well as suggested recipes and exercising suggestions.
Visiting from SITS.
My mom is doing Jillian's new diet thing where she only eats things that speeds up her metabolism or something like that. She says it is really working. Visting from SITS and love your blog. Very inspiring. Hope you can come visit if you get the chance- I am doing a great giveaway this week! http://kitchenbelleicious.blogspot.com
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