Biggest Loser....

Me and my bf have not watched this show either. I have followed some of the things, like Ali cause she's in the prevenion magazine that I bought - but bf was arguing with me the whole time watching (I don't know the rules and/or how the outcome is.....only what I've read) so I was at a loss on what to say cause I haven't researched it. I asked this on another post but wanted to let you know that you're not alone as we were a little werided out the same way. Hopefully this or my other post will explain this...

Wow is all I can say about the silver team! This is the first season I've watched this show...is drama like that common?? Which I don't get, they are all there for the same reasons, they CHOSE to be there! And then big suprise, she doens't put any effort at the camp, and then looses a hole bunch at home!? :noway: Crazy. I love this show, it is so modivational....but I often wonder what a nutritionist or doctor (one who isn't paid by the show) would say about those numbers! I thought to keep weight off you need to lose it slower. And come on....6-8 hours of working out a day?! I was reading the TV guide and they showed that the season one winner only kept 30 pounds off! And most of the other winners or runners up (except for last seasons) gained an average of 30 pounds (which considering there overall loss, isn't bad, but still!) So I really wonder if them losing weight this fast is good. Also, one mentioned having to have surgery to remove all the loose skin....another result of quick weight loss? :huh:

Sadly the guy that had won on a Season from early on (not sure which season) gained back 130 out of 170 lbs. back :ohwell: he was the one who mentioned he'd had surgery to remove the abdominal skin (it's quite common for heavier folks that have lost a larger amount of weight, slow or not to have excess skin and need to have some removed for mobility, health reasons). He mentioned in an article once the limelight was off him is when he just started eating in his old patterns. He's now back in the gym and working hard to regain his healthy eating skills once again.

I read today how 95% of folks that lose gain it back.. OUCH, that's a high percentage, they weren't specifically talking about larger bodies but anyone that loses. I do think that % may not be taking into account folks that lose in a healthy manner as a lifestyle change but group it all together and consider anyone having lost to have been on a diet...so I don't feel the 95% would really accurately account for many of us that have relearned how to eat.

That's why I find it more difficult to watch BL anymore...I don't see the relearning to eat segments but only the 'diet' mentality of losing losing losing as the only goal. I only hope they are being select in simply not sharing the other parts that are hopefully taught. Losing that much weight would be very difficult to keep off unless one learns to make complete lifestyle changes. Slow or fast weight loss, the shock for ones mind and body is great! What I mean by great is it's a huge change mentally as well, to adjust our brains to being smaller but not able to see it fully. Least that's been my experience on my journey:ohwell: :flowerforyou:

Late night thoughts

FC

I have watched every season of Biggest Loser and I love the show. Yes they may lose it to fast and not real healthy, but they have Dr.s there all the time monitoring them. I find it inspiring in away to be able to see that you can lose all that weight it's awesome. It may take me longer but I know I can do it. Alot of those people are only there for the game to. They win I think a quarter of a million. Something like that. Anyway, just in my opinion, I love the show.

My wife & I watch the show regularly. For us, the biggest payback is the "tools" they receive while there. It is a wonderful gift to be healthy. I cherish my health greatly. Even though we do not have much weight to lose, we are inspired by the contestants who work very hard to save their own lives. The thing that bothers us the most is the non-stop commercials every 5 minutes and the plugs for Cheerios (Jillian).

I asked one of my trainers once about the show. He didn't think it was particularly unhealthy. As he pointed out all they do every day is eat, sleep and workout. When you have all day to devote to that it makes sense that you could lose weight quickly. I do wonder how many calories they eat in a day. I mean if they are doing this even somewhat healthy they should be eating a bunch of their exercise calories.

Overall, I think slow and steady wins the race. The show is definitely inspiring though. It's easy to relate to them.

You have to put the show in perspective. It is not a service to overweight people, it is all about ratings.
The thing is yes they are on display but they are competing for money. It is no different than game shows displaying crazy people so they can win a buck. The biggest loser contestants work out for 6-8 hours and I am sure that includes lots of stretching, cool downs, massages and icing of sore joints.
I feel the 6-8 hours in training is one reason why they gain the weight back. You cant train for more than 2 hours and have a regular life. Not to mention you are burning lots of calories at the ranch and when you leave you wont even burn half of them.

Just my stupid opinion.

PS cant help it I still watch.
:ohwell:

greeneyes, do you happen to know the name of the show you refered to on the discovery channel?...thanks, joan

I'm not a regular watcher of the show. If I catch a few minutes, then I do, but I don't seek out the program. But...

What I have learned from the show is it's easy to lose weight when you have a trainer and people picking out foods and a meal plan for you and have NO distractions from life (work, kids, family, ect.). When you get home and all those factors come into play...it's tougher then the contestants think!

It's not easy to shop for food, cook, get your kids to eat it for that matter, work out regularly and oh yea work 40-40+ hours a week. They are taking people who have no clue how to cook or workout and making them go home with only a few weeks or months of learning how to. It's not enough time to "learn" how to live healthy. I'm sure it's a shocker and easy to fall right back into eating well.

That's my take.