The Biggest Loser

Since it's Tuesday, I thought I'd share a few of my thoughts on NBC's Biggest Loser.  I rarely miss an episode.  Like most of you reading this, I get caught up in the drama too.

So here's a few reasons I really like the Biggest Loser:
1) It shows ordinary people breaking their old barriers down.  Not only do the contestants face extreme physical challenge, they also must overcome their mental barriers. 
Both of these elements are important.  With the help of Bob and Jillian, the contestants learn how to exercise.  They have dietitians and many other systems of support in place as well to ensure their success.  But ultimately, it's up to each person to work hard, eat right, and do their best. 

The mental aspect is even more difficult, I imagine.  The weekly challenges often force people to face their fears, and usually push them beyond what they thought they were capable of doing.  Reaching the end of what you thought you could do, then doing a little more is empowering, and these people do it every day.

2) The method of weightloss is healthy.  While on the ranch, it's much more focused and intense than it could ever be at home, it's a healthy and sustainable way to lose weight.  They aren't pushing drugs or hormones, but healthy food in moderation, and exercise.  They track their numbers, etc.  See my Ten Points of Moderate Weightloss, and you'll find that most of them coincide.

3) It's entertaining.  There's serious drama, and it's inspirational.  What more could we ask for?

Here's a few reasons I don't like the Biggest Loser:
1) It doesn't help people set realistic expectations of themselves.  The contestants are losing 100lbs-200lbs in mere weeks.  It paints an unrealistic picture of losing weight. 

Aside from the amount of weightloss in such a short time, it's also a once-a-week program.  We watch it one time each week, which may give us a sense that effort only needs to be exerted once per week.  We only see snippets of the show, and never know what happens each day of the week.  We never really see how much work it is.

2) We don't get much in the way of useful information.  We know that they eat whole, organic food, and avoid sugar, fats, etc.  But we never get to see a run-down or their diet - just exactly what one of them eats in a day.  We also don't get much in the way of workouts.  They don't don't run through a typical exercise regimen. 

3) There's too many commercials.  It's way too commercialized for me.  They pull these "incognito" commercials amidst the show too, which I hate.  Cut the crap, get on with the show!

Over all, I love the show.  The Biggest Loser has come out with a series of resources you can use to start and maintain your weightloss in a healthy, sustainable way.

Resources:
The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start: Lose Weight, Get in Shape, and Start Living the Biggest Loser Lifestyle Today!
The Biggest Loser: 6 Weeks to a Healthier You: Lose Weight and Get Healthy For Life!
Biggest Loser Family Cookbook: Budget-Friendly Meals Your Whole Family Will LoveThe Biggest Loser Calorie Counter: The Quick and Easy Guide to Thousands of Foods from Grocery Stores and Popular Restaurants--As Seen on NBC's Hit Show!The Biggest Loser Simple Swaps: 100 Easy Changes to Start Living a Healthier Lifestyle