I had to google these, we don't watch reality television or television much at all actually lol. They look interesting anyways.

I don't like 'reality tv' for the most part but for some reason I am hooked to these shows like a maniac. Must be my obsession...lol.

I really like Jillian Michaels and have purchased some of her DVD's to do at home when I cannot hit the gym. I actually have her 3 month program I did last summer and did really well on ... until I fell off the wagon face first and gained it all back. I think I get inspiration from these shows since I do not have but (1 friend) here who I can really talk to about my struggles.

I'm with you. I have a few friends that know what it's like, but one of them has converted to weight lifting, and while we can commiserate, we don't always push each other to be better. I liked the Biggest Loser videos, as before when I was working out (before I fell off my wagon), that was the other form of cardio besides walking. The 30-day Jump Start one I didn't like so much (esp if you're expecting Bob or Jillian), but the Cardio Max, and Power Sculpt one I liked, I had a third but I can't find it anymore. I've been thinking of doing 30Day Shred, since I won't have a trainer anymore.

Definitely for me the show is more about the story, and the journey. While it's a competition, they are not as near cut throat as Big Brother, or Survivor, and I think that's what makes the show more appealing. You pull for all the competitors, because they can all benefit from the help, and it's not just about them winning money. That's awesome too, but it's almost like a side benefit.

I use to watch the biggest loser and have watched a few extreme makeover weight loss shows. I know the biggest loser plan works because I got the books and have lost 130 lbs in a year and a half just by mostly following their guidelines. Really it's true that nobody can work out as much as these people do on tv and expect their lives to be that way when they get home. I don't work out half as much as them but still manage to lose a lot of weight. I tweeked the plan a little to fit into my lifestyle and it really works for me. Plus it doesn't really feel like a diet. More like a way of life for me. Something doable for the rest of my life. I agree promoting a "quick loss" approach hardly ever works for the long haul. I started off at 5 minutes of exercise 2x a week and then worked my way into a realistic routine that doesn't seem like a chore so where as I'm tempted to give up because it's just too much exercise plus I eat really well, not diet food. Whole and healthy and no processed food but also giving myself allowances for dessert and cheeseburger and fries once in a while. I think if you deprive yourself all the time you'll gorge later when you have a weak moment.
I have the same question as the rest of everybody on here. Can these people realistically do this the rest of their lives once the cameras stop rolling. I really don't know.