Biggest Loser contestants

CallmeSbo

I have noticed there are a few people that are against the show and the methods used there to lose weight. I was looking a picture of the contestants vs people who have had surgery. And the Biggest loser contestants' bodies look firmer and healthier. Now i dont know, i could be missing something. What is so unhealthy with the methods used in the show?

MatrixDyke

I havent watched the show in a while but my thoughts would be that it is just an extreme way to lose weight and "extreme" sometimes makes people disagree.

I think the results on that show are amazing, I just hate the way it's edited together (they could totally make it an hour long show, not a 2 hour show) so I stopped watching.

Runningirl7284

They loose the weight too quickly that the majority of them are unsuccessful in keeping it off and gain it back after the show.

CallmeSbo

I havent watched the show in a while but my thoughts would be that it is just an extreme way to lose weight and "extreme" sometimes makes people disagree.

I think the results on that show are amazing, I just hate the way it's edited together (they could totally make it an hour long show, not a 2 hour show) so I stopped watching.

oh yes, the editing is annoying.

onmyway31

I enjoy the show, but to me it is not realistic. They are pushed so hard to have a weekly big number weight loss. Normal working people can't be in the gym for 8 hours a day. I think it gives viewers at home a false sense of what they should be doing. I've been losing weight and I haven't been killing myself like the people on the show. I can imagine it is a very hard show to be on. I enjoy watching as they lose weight, but at the same time they are all stressed out because they do not want to get voted off, I don't think that stress is healthy.

CallmeSbo

They loose the weight too quickly that the majority of them are unsuccessful in keeping it off and gain it back after the show.

Is it quicker than people who have done surgery? I cant comment on the keeping off part, yes i know a few. Maybe 3who gained back some. But is that how it is with most diets. People who have done surgery do gain back some too.

bekkaL85

I tried watching the show, but I just couldn't do it. It makes it look like it's easy. Too easy. I realize that the state I'm in is my own fault, don't get me wrong. But they make it seem like if you would just eat right and exercise for about 15 min a day then you will lose all of your weight. I just hate the way they portray the people and how diets work. That and for some reason I can't define I really CAN'T STAND Jillian Michaels. She annoys me to say the least.

amdahwd

I do not think they make anything look easy. They definitely do not make me feel like working out 15 minutes will get results. They work out for hours and hours a day and they say that. I dont think they are any more likely to gain back their weight than people who have weight loss surgery. In fact, almost all of their contestants have kept their weight off successfully since they have been on the show.

CallmeSbo

I enjoy the show, but to me it is not realistic. They are pushed so hard to have a weekly big number weight loss. Normal working people can't be in the gym for 8 hours a day. I think it gives viewers at home a false sense of what they should be doing. I've been losing weight and I haven't been killing myself like the people on the show. I can imagine it is a very hard show to be on. I enjoy watching as they lose weight, but at the same time they are all stressed out because they do not want to get voted off, I don't think that stress is healthy.

Sure a person working a 8 to 5 cant compare themselves with people on the ranch, who s only job is to loose weight. I understand what you saying. But i still dont see why the way they do it has to be called unhealthy, NOT realistic. Yes its not realistic. Most people have jobs, husbands, wives, kids to take care of. And definately dont have 8hours to exercise.

madameduffay

I think it's unrealistic in the sense that most people cannot quit their jobs in order to loss weight, but as far as what they are doing? Hey, I'm all for it. I think the transformations are amazing. Not just physically, but mentally for most.

I hope for all of them that they can keep the weight off, but if they can't, I don't believe that's because they lost it too fast in the first place. They put it on for the same reason(s) that so many of us have or will after losing any amount of weight (whatever those are).

BAMFMeredith

I love the show, and it gives me a lot of inspiration. That being said, I understand that these people are doing absolutely nothing but exercising and learning about nutrition. They have world class doctors and fitness coaches at their beck and call 24 hours a day while on the show. Of course, nobody else (besides the super rich) have access to that.

This is my same thought when people compare themselves to supermodels. Their JOB is to have a great body, so of course they're going to spend all their time working out and watching what they eat. It's how they make their money.

I don't think what they are doing is unhealthy, though. Like I said before, they are under doctor supervision at all times. They also have meticulously planned out eating programs. I mean, look at the two sisters who were the finalists the season before last, Hannah and Olivia. They are in amazing shape, and they are living healthy lifestyles. Unrealistic for the average person, yes, unhealthy, I don't think so.

runnercheryl

To me, there's nothing innately wrong with what they do. They're taught about healthy eating and the effort of exercise, and they lose weight safely (albeit quickly) under the watchful eyes of medical professionals.

However, the environment isn't realistic. They just sort of...disappear from their lives. No work, no money worries, no general stresses, no need to balance time with family, friends or loved ones. Things are great for them knowing that it's temporary and they'll get to return to the people they care about, and it's wonderful that they lose some much weight and put themselves in a healthier position, but when they're back at work and having to balance their time many come crashing back down to Earth very quickly. I love watching the show, seeing the emotion and effort and how people deal with things, but I feel sorry for the contestants.

kspoon5

I actually met a previous contestant from last season a few weeks ago - they work out hard for approx 3 hrs and then are just active the rest of the time (walks and other cardio). The have a certain burn to achieve everyday. They also have a rest day and a spike day. They actually told me it was out of the ordinary for Bob to walk in with 7 boxes of Pizza and say eat ..... I love the show I did wish they showed more working out than some of the drama but that is what a DVR is for you can fast forward thru the crap LOL
I think it is presented as a healthy lifestyle and not something extreme - of course we can't do everything they do but we can take some of the advice and exercises and through little things change our lives.

I think most people's problem is they have a lose it now attitude - but we didn't gain it that quick so losing it is going to take a while too !

grinch031

Because what they do is extreme. Their workouts are extreme. Their dieting is extreme.

And extreme is not sustainable.

CallmeSbo

I tried watching the show, but I just couldn't do it. It makes it look like it's easy. Too easy. I realize that the state I'm in is my own fault, don't get me wrong. But they make it seem like if you would just eat right and exercise for about 15 min a day then you will lose all of your weight. I just hate the way they portray the people and how diets work. That and for some reason I can't define I really CAN'T STAND Jillian Michaels. She annoys me to say the least.

lol. Ha ha

CallmeSbo

I do not think they make anything look easy. They definitely do not make me feel like working out 15 minutes will get results. They work out for hours and hours a day and they say that. I dont think they are any more likely to gain back their weight than people who have weight loss surgery. In fact, almost all of their contestants have kept their weight off successfully since they have been on the show.

True, i agree 100%

CallmeSbo

Because what they do is extreme. Their workouts are extreme. Their dieting is extreme.

And extreme is not sustainable.

does that mean maintaining has to be extreme? Just because its extreme dieting, does it have to be unhealthy?

grinch031

Because what they do is extreme. Their workouts are extreme. Their dieting is extreme.

And extreme is not sustainable.

does that mean maintaining has to be extreme? Just because its extreme dieting, does it have to be unhealthy?

I don't think the dieting is unhealthy, I just don't think its maintainable. Just watching them at a restaurant and Bob/Jillian guiding them on what to eat. Its pretty ridiculous.

The exercise they do would be unhealthy if attempted by an unfit person without the supervision of a doctor and/or trainer.

swellen

Well, if comments by one of the former contestants are anything to go by it's not just extreme but dangerously unhealthy:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/biggest-loser-contestant-kai-hibbard-eating-disorder/story?id=11012666#.TzQsBSNQBZI

formersec

When I belonged to Weight Watchers, members would complain they lost one pound or a half pound. Why couldn't they be like Joe Shmo on Biggest Loser who is losing 8-10 pounds a week? The show may be inspirational to some, but it causes unrealistic expectations for those doing other weight loss program. Losing a pound or two a week is the normal, healthy way. Any rapid, extreme weight loss could kill you.

CallmeSbo

Because what they do is extreme. Their workouts are extreme. Their dieting is extreme.

And extreme is not sustainable.

does that mean maintaining has to be extreme? Just because its extreme dieting, does it have to be unhealthy?

I don't think the dieting is unhealthy, I just don't think its maintainable. Just watching them at a restaurant and Bob/Jillian guiding them on what to eat. Its pretty ridiculous.

The exercise they do would be unhealthy if attempted by an unfit person without the supervision of a doctor and/or trainer.

mmmhh i hear you :-)

CallmeSbo

Well, if comments by one of the former contestants are anything to go by it's not just extreme but dangerously unhealthy:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/biggest-loser-contestant-kai-hibbard-eating-disorder/story?id=11012666#.TzQsBSNQBZI

thank you so much.

mrsdizzyd84

Well, if comments by one of the former contestants are anything to go by it's not just extreme but dangerously unhealthy:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/biggest-loser-contestant-kai-hibbard-eating-disorder/story?id=11012666#.TzQsBSNQBZI

Thank you for posting this! People need to understand that it is not healthy to drop 10 pounds a week. It requires extreme exercise and extreme dieting even to the point of an eating disorder. You can do irreversible damage to your body by even trying this stuff. Why do you think all the doctors are there? Their job is to make sure the contestants don't drop dead in the middle of filming.

marinewife0710

I actually work for a bariatric surgeon and it is indeed a way to lose weight but it is a complete lifestyle change....the people that are successful with the weight loss follow our protocol very strictly and i have seen quite a few patients who have had the surgery lose up to 60 lbs in a month (of course this depends on how much they have to lose). The main benefit to the gastric bypass is that for people who are diabetic, it usually greatly decreases or completely takes away the disease all together. Many patients are off of their diabetes medication before they are discharged from the hospital. It is a complete blessing to work for this surgeon and to be able to go through this experience with so many of the patients. It is amazing to watch them go from preop consultation all the way through their one year of followup care. I have seen so many patients come out of the exam room crying because they are so happy with the results that they are seeing. Sorry to butt in but i had to share my views on "The Surgery."

mhoelzer2988

I love that show and have actually learned a lot from watching it. They give out a lot of tips. I could do without the added drama but then it wouldn't be getting good ratings because unfortunately that's what people like to see. I actually liked jillian michaels and I wish she was still on the show. Not sure about the new trainer yet though. I love Bob. Most the contestants do also. He's became harder I noticed since Jillian left. I think it's awesome that they have a chance to get away from their real lives and just focus solely on losing weight. A lot of people would love to have that chance. I would love for my mom to have that opportunity because someone like her needs that. A lot of people can't do this on their own and they need something like that show to help them. Yes they may work out unrealistic hours but that's why they went there so they could. I'm sure they realize that's not always how it's going to be and that when they go back home they will not have all that time to workout and there will be all the temptations again. They go on that show to learn things too though so they can bring that back home. Some people do great and some people fail but that's not just Biggest Loser contestants. That's anyone who has lost weight. They're are doing it the healthy way. They eat healthy and exercise. There's nothing wrong with that. I've learned a lot about eating watching that show. It's not like they starve them or put them on some crash diet. I completely agree with everything they do (except all the drama) and look forward to watching it every week!

blueham5

I used to be amazed at what these contestants had achieved but apparently a 'week' on the show is 9 days in real time. So now I'm cynical about Biggest Loser and other techniques that they potentially use to inflate weight loss figures.

Also, losing weight is easy if you've got an entire team of professional trainers and nutritionists doing all the planning for you, money/work/family not being an issue, the pressure of looking good on national primetime TV and the big financial prize at the end. On top of the normal motivation that people have to be healthy and look good.

Tara4boys

I enjoy the show. I think they lose weight in a healthy way. Is it realistic for most of us - no because most of us have to work and raise kids and clean house and mow the lawn. But just because we don't have the means to devote all of our time to our health doesn't mean that those who do are unhealthy. I think having diabetes or high blood pressure is far more damaging that fast weight loss under constant supervision of a team of the most knowledgeable doctors.

Ironically, one of the best things about the show I think is the weeks that they *don't* lose weight or lose just a pound. It reminds me that the body is a very complex thing. You can be doing EVERYTHING right and sometimes your body just says "wait a minute".

Sure there are contestants that gain the weight back but you know what... 95% of the people who lose weight on a diet gain it back. That's the nature of the beast with ANY weight loss. There are a LOT of success stories with BL.

Also, you've got to understand the difference between achieving a weight and maintaining a weight. They try to achieve a weight for the finale to win the money (who wouldn't?) but then typically gain a few once they return to a more reasonable workout/diet regimen. Think of body builders - they do not stay at 100% peak, cut performance 365 days a year. They have different seasons where they bulk and cut. I can (and have) achieve 120-something pounds but I can't maintain it based on the effort I can realistically do longterm 130's is maintainable for me.

CallmeSbo

I actually work for a bariatric surgeon and it is indeed a way to lose weight but it is a complete lifestyle change....the people that are successful with the weight loss follow our protocol very strictly and i have seen quite a few patients who have had the surgery lose up to 60 lbs in a month (of course this depends on how much they have to lose). The main benefit to the gastric bypass is that for people who are diabetic, it usually greatly decreases or completely takes away the disease all together. Many patients are off of their diabetes medication before they are discharged from the hospital. It is a complete blessing to work for this surgeon and to be able to go through this experience with so many of the patients. It is amazing to watch them go from preop consultation all the way through their one year of followup care. I have seen so many patients come out of the exam room crying because they are so happy with the results that they are seeing. Sorry to butt in but i had to share my views on "The Surgery."

thanks alot for sharing.

CallmeSbo

I enjoy the show. I think they lose weight in a healthy way. Is it realistic for most of us - no because most of us have to work and raise kids and clean house and mow the lawn. But just because we don't have the means to devote all of our time to our health doesn't mean that those who do are unhealthy. I think having diabetes or high blood pressure is far more damaging that fast weight loss under constant supervision of a team of the most knowledgeable doctors.

Ironically, one of the best things about the show I think is the weeks that they *don't* lose weight or lose just a pound. It reminds me that the body is a very complex thing. You can be doing EVERYTHING right and sometimes your body just says "wait a minute".

Sure there are contestants that gain the weight back but you know what... 95% of the people who lose weight on a diet gain it back. That's the nature of the beast with ANY weight loss. There are a LOT of success stories with BL.

Also, you've got to understand the difference between achieving a weight and maintaining a weight. They try to achieve a weight for the finale to win the money (who wouldn't?) but then typically gain a few once they return to a more reasonable workout/diet regimen. Think of body builders - they do not stay at 100% peak, cut performance 365 days a year. They have different seasons where they bulk and cut. I can (and have) achieve 120-something pounds but I can't maintain it based on the effort I can realistically do longterm 130's is maintainable for me.

couldnt have said that better.

MrsLong1980

Because what they do is extreme. Their workouts are extreme. Their dieting is extreme.

And extreme is not sustainable.

Their work out appear extreme only because that's what they're there to do. They take a break from regular life and regular jobs to take on this new job. I'm currently watching the UK Biggest Loser and one of the trainers said it last week, these people's job at the moment is to lose weight - this is the point of it. After they finish the show they then need to learn to fit in exercise in their daily life.

They're not on diets - at least in the UK one they're not - apart from calorie counting they are taught how to eat healthy and balanced meals, and are taught about the calorific value of foods outside of the BL house.

Remember that these people are not just a little overweight, they're carrying extreme amounts of weight and at the end of the day it's a game show to lose as much weight as possible so we see the focus being on the numbers but back stage they are learning a lot!

escloflowneCHANGED

The people on Biggest loser are also very overweight and even though they look like they are being killed in the gym, I feel it would be a hard workout but not as intense as they make it look.

I started going to the gym on January 2nd 2012 and I have lost 25.5lbs since then by changing my habits (don't like calling it a diet because a diet is not long term). I changed the way I think and act about food and excercise. I have lost 3-4 lbs a week and I have a job from 7am-5:30pm. It is possible when you research and plan things out!

I feel if you do the surgery, you kind of bypass all the hard work, I don't think I could keep the weight off if I did the surgery, I have gained so much knowledge from working out and weighing all my food!