Does anyone get frustrated watching The Biggest Loser?

I don't get frustrated. Up until this year, I hadn't been able to watch a single show because I couldn't bear to see them struggle so much that it got to me. This year I've been able to celebrate their victories achieved via all that effort they put in.

You have to keep in mind that these people are under medical supervision with excellent personal trainers and it's basically their job to lose weight. These people aren't your normal run of the mill slightly obese Americans...as for sustainable weight loss, I do wonder how suceptible they are.

I've wondered about the healthy weight loss amount per week too but you have to remember, there are trainers and doctors there watching their moves and bodies to ensure it's safe. If it wasn't safe, they wouldn't do it.

They workout all day, with trainers, nutritionist, medical staff... of course they lose quickly.

I think viewers need to be aware of that, therefore will not have the same expectations for themselves doing it 'alone'.

It's the same when seeing celebrities after they have had a baby or suddently lost a lot of weight... I used to get frustrated, BUT if I could hire multiple trainers, a cook, a nutritionist, AND not have to work a 'normal' day job... then sure, I could do it too.

Yes, I do get frustrated. I understand these people are very overweight and maybe at their breaking point, but being at the Biggest Loser Ranch doesn't set you up for "real" life when they are back at home. That's why a lot of them unfortunately gain their weight back.

They are losing so much so quickly because they are working out 6-7 hours A DAY! That's insane. They stop every 2 hours to eat and then start working out again. Their groceries are purchased for them and they are fully stocked with healthy foods. Of course they are going to be successful when they have everything at their fingertips at no cost to them.

I much rather watch Chris Powell on Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. Atleast he is helping each person with day to day struggles that come with weight loss.

I like the show mostly for the contestants' stories, seeing their struggle and how they get through it is inspiring to me - honestly, I DVR and start watching at least an hour after it actually starts, and sometimes fast forward through the weigh-in to get to the 'at home update' from the person that went home. The 'pounds lost' part isn't what interests me...

I almost said f*** it after Cate was sent home, and quit watching.... I really liked her

When I was an athlete (oh the good old days) competing to Play division 1 tennis, we had our butts kicked EVERY DAY. And we threw up and worked out a ton.

Jillian gets them out of her own head, it's great. Someone has to yell at them, because they didn't yell at themselves.

They also don't work out 8 hours a day. It's a show remember that.

I will agree that yes it's on TV and they need ratings so it's dramatic. But this weight loss IS dramatic. Good for them for putting up with it.

We could all look amazing - like celebs - if our job was to work out!

I say enjoy the show, take it with a grain of salt, and smile

I actually get MOTIVATED watching The Biggest Loser. No, I have NEVER, in one week, got the results that alot of them get (high numbers), but then again i have to take into consideration that I don't work out like they do...still it motivates me bc if someone who weighs either the same or more than I currently weigh, and can work out the way they do, I know I can too...if I want to :):)

it tends to inspire me when i watch. i see these people who are so overweight and they're running on treadmills and doing these crazy workouts. it's motivating to me knowing that if they can do it so can i!

I do like how they are focusing on the childhood obesity as well. Kids nowadays only have 1 day a week of gym class and all these gadgets at home and they're never out playing. whether it be because of ipods, video games, tv etc. or the crime is too much in this country that it's just not safe to ride your bike all over town like kids used to do. it's sad really.

I agree that it sets unrealistic expectations for what people can achieve under normal circumstances. When you have to go to work, look after kids, prepare all your own meals, shop on a budget etc, then you aren't going to lose large amounts in a short time, and there's nothing wrong with that at all. Losing fat in a healthy and sustainable way, so that when it's gone it doesn't come back again, is what people should be aiming for. Without doing hours of exercise daily, you're not going to burn more than about 2lb fat in a week (maybe 3lb a week if you are very obese).

I think people do need to redefine what is success in terms of fat loss, and instead of thinking that bigger loss= more success, think in terms of long term maintenance = success. IMO losing any amount of pure fat is success, even if it's just 0.5lb. Losing 3lb when half of it is is lean body mass is not success, it's a sign you're not eating enough and storing up problems for later on.

apparently no one read the article about what they actually do on the show