Zahal

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Why I am fed up with The Biggest Loser

Lets start off on a good note and say that I LOVE that there is a show that proves that the only answer to obesity, and poor health is proper eating and activity.  I think it is great that people across the world watch this show and decide to get active and try and eat better.
Most people who decide to eat better, make a few good steps, but truly don't end up eating all that much healthier, although they may cut calories which is a valiant start.  As for activity, nobody has the time to spend 6 to 10 hours a day in a gym unless you are an athlete.
It bothers me that they have made a game about people's issues.  These people need to lose weight to basically save their lives.  The show gets the audience on an emotional roller coaster, you feel SO bad for these people, yet they are basically pawns in a chess game.
You can read millions of blogs about the pros and cons of this show.  Many of these blogs hate on the trainers, saying they are mean, uncaring and rough.  Other blogs will praise these trainers as if they are creating world peace.  Personally, I prefer Bob as a trainer over Jillian, but in all due respect, her methods work and she has proved that.
There is a new show on A&E Television called 'Heavy' which is a simialr type show.  2 people are taken to a private resort to work with 2 trainers and learn how to eat properly.  They are then sent home for another 4 or 5 months where they are assigned trainers and I believe even get to be followed by a nutritionist.  There is no game here, just us following the real struggles of people trying to change their lives.  You get the same emotional drama, the same success and failures, but in a more realistic setting.
When people watch The Biggest Loser and see people lose 10 pounds in a week, they get inspired.  They go to the gym and work their asses off, eat as best they know how and then they weigh themselves... 3 pounds lost.  To most people, that is a regular weight loss in a week, and something to be VERY proud of.  However, many people see this as failure since they couldn't do what they did on TV.  What happens next?  They get discouraged, they say "I tried my best and failed" and back to square one.
I find that Biggest Loser (along with other weight loss shows) put too much emphasis on body type, and body image, when in reality the main goal is gaining back your life and your health.
I am still watching this newest season of Biggest Loser (season 11) and I like that there is new blood in terms of adding 2 new trainers.  I find this season very boring to be honest, and I wish we could see more of the new trainers and their "squad".
This show was great while it lasted, but I cannot see it lasting more than another season.

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