Re-watching Biggest Loser after losing 20 lbs; It's so toxic.
Replies
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There are way too many shows that exploit people's suffering for the sake of entertainment.
The one that always bothered me the most was the show about hoarders. Hey, let's gawk at people with a serious mental illness to make us feel better about our own messy living room!
I saw a promo for another one that focused on people with seriously disordered eating habits. HAHA! Can you believe this woman eats nothing but popcicles every day? So FUNNY her OCD/eating disorder!
These shows always like to make it seem like they are "helping" these people and raising awareness about their plight.
No, they're just making money off of vulnerable people.11 -
I hate that this show sets unrealistic expectations. You would think it would be obvious that this show is not going to be an example for the average person but I can’t even count the number of times I have talked to people who watch this show, are intelligent people otherwise, but feel that they should realistically be able to lose 10-20 lbs a week because they see that on tv. Then, when they don’t see a huge jump in the scale, they get discouraged and give up.
I've watched this happen so much. A friend of mine lost about 70 lb in a few months and regained over 100, she is convinced not only that the BL methods are great but that she is worthless and a failure. It makes me sick and sad.6 -
I have never actually watched the show, but can tell you I have read the research behind successful excontestants.... they maintained a PAL of 1.7-1.8.... aka highly active. Maintained some form of dietary control.... I looks like a sickening show, I dont watch much t.v.... so....🤨1
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psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.10 -
I hate that this show sets unrealistic expectations. You would think it would be obvious that this show is not going to be an example for the average person but I can’t even count the number of times I have talked to people who watch this show, are intelligent people otherwise, but feel that they should realistically be able to lose 10-20 lbs a week because they see that on tv. Then, when they don’t see a huge jump in the scale, they get discouraged and give up.
Yes, when I first started on MFP I chose the 2 pounds per week goal with the exact rationale that if people on BL could lose in double digits, I could do 2 # per week.
I changed it before the first day was over, lol.
I feel bad for people who come here with unrealistic expectations and end up with hair loss etc from undereating, which is why I often share this graphic that I know some regulars are sick of seeing:
I'd prefer everyone who undereats to read this story https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10761904/under-1200-for-weight-loss/p1 but often a graphic is a more effective way to communicate.6 -
kshama2001 wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.
This is soo TRUE! I have been places where KFC was considered "special" day out. If people ate "out", it was usually from venders at the market selling homemade meals.2 -
Even the show's name is toxic. These "tough love" type reality shows should be banned. What these people need is a positive and supportive environment. If anything they need to be taught that they are awesome just the way they are and the number on the scale is just that. It becomes much better once you shed the emotional baggage.
But of course drama sells.3 -
There's one show like this that is funded by Walmart. Every single one of their participants winds up needing a tummy-tuck at the end. It's like a make-work project for plastic surgeons.
These shows set not-only unrealistic expectations for weight loss rate, but also for the level of effort required to lose weight. I wonder how many people have been discouraged from even trying because they thought they needed to spend 5 hours a day at the gym?0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.
Privilege isn't just money, but it must be nice to live in a world where that's true.
First: the privilege of a kitchen. My first apartment didn't even have one. I had my parents old microwave and a hot plate. I had one pan.
Second: the privilege of knowledge. I didn't know how to cook. I still barely know how to cook.
Third: the privilege of health. When I had a kitchen, I still had to bus to the grocery store, haul everything back, up to the third floor, put it all away, cook it, then clean up. Let me tell you which of those things happened when I was struggling with depression: none. Zero.
All of these things had work arounds which I learned over time. But to call it easy is beyond insulting to the hard work I put in.4 -
kshama2001 wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.
Privilege isn't just money, but it must be nice to live in a world where that's true.
First: the privilege of a kitchen. My first apartment didn't even have one. I had my parents old microwave and a hot plate. I had one pan.
Second: the privilege of knowledge. I didn't know how to cook. I still barely know how to cook.
Third: the privilege of health. When I had a kitchen, I still had to bus to the grocery store, haul everything back, up to the third floor, put it all away, cook it, then clean up. Let me tell you which of those things happened when I was struggling with depression: none. Zero.
All of these things had work arounds which I learned over time. But to call it easy is beyond insulting to the hard work I put in.
Oh don't forget TIME... So my hats off to the single working parent who is WORKING and taking care of 3 kids and still managed to put meals on the table for their family. No...I said it was as easy as EATING home made food. It is simple. Never said it was EASY... You want a reason to be "triggered" I can truly give you some. Oh... i like the words "hard work". Knowledge? Well that's ones own fault. Oh.. let's talk the privilege you had. You could take a bus. Ever met someone who does not even have that "privilege"? I have. The privilege of having a place to sleep? I have.. The ability to have access to food at a store... I have... check your privilege at the door.11 -
kshama2001 wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.
Privilege isn't just money, but it must be nice to live in a world where that's true.
First: the privilege of a kitchen. My first apartment didn't even have one. I had my parents old microwave and a hot plate. I had one pan.
Second: the privilege of knowledge. I didn't know how to cook. I still barely know how to cook.
Third: the privilege of health. When I had a kitchen, I still had to bus to the grocery store, haul everything back, up to the third floor, put it all away, cook it, then clean up. Let me tell you which of those things happened when I was struggling with depression: none. Zero.
All of these things had work arounds which I learned over time. But to call it easy is beyond insulting to the hard work I put in.
As far as your depression... my heart truly does go out to you. In my home country, we are very wealthy. Yet, mental health goes woefully untreated. It is just easier to lock those with mental health issues up when they commit crimes than to treat them. Many I have met have only recieved any real treatment once they are locked up with animals. Its sad..1 -
kshama2001 wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.
Privilege isn't just money, but it must be nice to live in a world where that's true.
First: the privilege of a kitchen. My first apartment didn't even have one. I had my parents old microwave and a hot plate. I had one pan.
Second: the privilege of knowledge. I didn't know how to cook. I still barely know how to cook.
Third: the privilege of health. When I had a kitchen, I still had to bus to the grocery store, haul everything back, up to the third floor, put it all away, cook it, then clean up. Let me tell you which of those things happened when I was struggling with depression: none. Zero.
All of these things had work arounds which I learned over time. But to call it easy is beyond insulting to the hard work I put in.
Many of us have been through hard times and bouts of health issues. A few years ago when living in DC my apartment consisted of a kitchen with only a sink and a refrigerator. It was all that I could afford. So I used an electric skillet and a rice cooker. The bus didn't run close enough to take me to the store so I walked and would carry back several bags of groceries. I had just turned sixty and hauling those groceries back up the hill was hard work. Sometimes I had to sit down and take a rest.
As far as knowing how to cook...I have always cooked but nothing fancy. I have only in the last couple of years learned to cook Asian (I love that stuff). I learned by searching the internet for instruction. If you have access to the internet you can learn to cook anything if you are willing to take the time to do your research.
Am I privileged...I think so...maybe not as much as some but far more than so many people. I can afford the internet and I can afford to buy groceries. I have had times in my life when I only had about $10 for the week. I survived it and maybe became a better person for it in the end.
BTW I can cook a full meal in nothing but an electric skillet and a toaster oven. Even now with a full kitchen available I still pull out that electric skillet and use. I love cooking in it. I use my toaster oven quite often.11 -
kshama2001 wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.
Privilege isn't just money, but it must be nice to live in a world where that's true.
@Terytha I didn't know what you meant, so I asked. Please do the same and don't attack me when you don't know what I mean. I offered food deserts and not being able to afford to eat out as examples. I don't know why you would think it was meant to be comprehensive.
As someone who is neurologically atypical, I am exceedingly aware that privilege isn't just money.11 -
This argument has devolved into a "It could be worse" situation which is a saying I personally hate. The struggle that one person faces is not in anyway diminished because it could be worse. A person that loses a foot may not be as bad as a person who lost an entire leg but that does not mean the person who lost a foot will regrow it.
I have read enough of MFP to know that I have been fortunate in a few areas of my weight loss. Those few items where I had it easier helped. I have also had areas where I have been quite unfortunate. Some of those required I really dig deep to stay on course.
When dealing with people trying to live life there is no universal easy or simple.15 -
kshama2001 wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.
Privilege isn't just money, but it must be nice to live in a world where that's true.
First: the privilege of a kitchen. My first apartment didn't even have one. I had my parents old microwave and a hot plate. I had one pan.
Second: the privilege of knowledge. I didn't know how to cook. I still barely know how to cook.
Third: the privilege of health. When I had a kitchen, I still had to bus to the grocery store, haul everything back, up to the third floor, put it all away, cook it, then clean up. Let me tell you which of those things happened when I was struggling with depression: none. Zero.
All of these things had work arounds which I learned over time. But to call it easy is beyond insulting to the hard work I put in.
Many of us have been through hard times and bouts of health issues.
That was my point. All of the things I mentioned had work arounds and solutions.
None of them were "easy."
I simply take offense to anyone who says "cook, its just that easy." No, it friggin isn't. If it were we wouldn't all be here, on this app, struggling and fighting and failing sometimes.
To say ANY of this is easy to to diminish the efforts of nearly every single person here.6 -
seltzermint555 wrote: »I hate that this show sets unrealistic expectations. You would think it would be obvious that this show is not going to be an example for the average person but I can’t even count the number of times I have talked to people who watch this show, are intelligent people otherwise, but feel that they should realistically be able to lose 10-20 lbs a week because they see that on tv. Then, when they don’t see a huge jump in the scale, they get discouraged and give up.
I've watched this happen so much. A friend of mine lost about 70 lb in a few months and regained over 100, she is convinced not only that the BL methods are great but that she is worthless and a failure. It makes me sick and sad.kshama2001 wrote: »I hate that this show sets unrealistic expectations. You would think it would be obvious that this show is not going to be an example for the average person but I can’t even count the number of times I have talked to people who watch this show, are intelligent people otherwise, but feel that they should realistically be able to lose 10-20 lbs a week because they see that on tv. Then, when they don’t see a huge jump in the scale, they get discouraged and give up.
Yes, when I first started on MFP I chose the 2 pounds per week goal with the exact rationale that if people on BL could lose in double digits, I could do 2 # per week.
I changed it before the first day was over, lol.
I feel bad for people who come here with unrealistic expectations and end up with hair loss etc from undereating, which is why I often share this graphic that I know some regulars are sick of seeing:
I'd prefer everyone who undereats to read this story https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10761904/under-1200-for-weight-loss/p1 but often a graphic is a more effective way to communicate.
Insightful. My mom is one of these people. She watches this show and expects those results she is also a very experienced RN. SMH.
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kshama2001 wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »kenyonhaff wrote: »psychod787 wrote: »missysippy930 wrote: »The sad truth is that over 80% of people who lose weight gain the weight back within 5 years, no matter how they lost the weight. Some gain even more than they lost. None of us are immune. Learning new eating habits and following them for your lifetime isn’t easy for anyone. It takes diligence and perseverance.
Getting back to OP. I agree. It’s a demeaning and bullying show, but most reality shows are.
Yes ma'am... most people are unwilling to give up the pleasures of the palate..
I would argue it's not that simple (I mean, we have to eat).
Plus, one of the horrible messages about eating healthy is that it has to be boring, bland, and lackluster. '
Also not saying there shouldn't be accountability and people need to make good choices. But it's easy to be fooled into thinking something is healthy (or not).
Agreed, though simple, homemade food can be both healthier and satisfying. It's all a matter of prospective. Yes ,it is that easy.
There's nothing easy about it. Calling it easy usually comes from a place of privilege and is diminishing of all those who struggle immensely.
@Terytha what exactly are you arguing against here? The act of cooking simple homemade food or something else?
And what's your point about privilege? Are you referring to people with cars and access to supermarkets vs those who live in food deserts?
To give another perspective, in many parts of the world, NOT having to eat simple homemade meals would be the privilege.
Privilege isn't just money, but it must be nice to live in a world where that's true.
First: the privilege of a kitchen. My first apartment didn't even have one. I had my parents old microwave and a hot plate. I had one pan.
Second: the privilege of knowledge. I didn't know how to cook. I still barely know how to cook.
Third: the privilege of health. When I had a kitchen, I still had to bus to the grocery store, haul everything back, up to the third floor, put it all away, cook it, then clean up. Let me tell you which of those things happened when I was struggling with depression: none. Zero.
All of these things had work arounds which I learned over time. But to call it easy is beyond insulting to the hard work I put in.
Many of us have been through hard times and bouts of health issues.
That was my point. All of the things I mentioned had work arounds and solutions.
None of them were "easy."
I simply take offense to anyone who says "cook, its just that easy." No, it friggin isn't. If it were we wouldn't all be here, on this app, struggling and fighting and failing sometimes.
To say ANY of this is easy to to diminish the efforts of nearly every single person here.
It doesn't diminish me or the efforts I have put in to getting healthier. Being diminished, especially from people on the internet, is a choice just like being insulted or offended is a choice. I choose not to allow it to happen. That choice is much harder if the offense comes from someone in my life that I care about but that is another story.
I have had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get to where I am. The obstacles you have faced and the ones I have faced haven't all been the same. I am sure we have some in common though. I am not a prideful person but I feel good about what I have accomplished so far. I hope you do too. I am definitely not going to allow anyone on the internet to rob me of any aspect of how I feel about it. I also still have too much work to do to waste my mental energy on it either.
I would also point out that from my perspective home cooking is pretty easy. From your perspective that has not been the case. As a rule I try never to assume that what is true from my perspective is universally true but it is an easy mistake to make.10
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