The GOOD, THE BAD, and THE UGLY of The Biggest Loser
Ever since The Biggest Loser aired on national television, I’ve always been asked by my clients or some curious person, “How do they lose that much weight?’ I’ll be totally honest with you; I’ve only watched The Biggest Loser one time. Other than that, I’ve read news articles, viewed clips and other associated media. Because it was so popular and created a buzz I decided to set aside some time one Tuesday night to see what all the chatter was about. Before I tell you what my initial thoughts were on the program we’ll discuss a couple of things first.
There’s no question that The Biggest Loser is very popular and at the same time, very controversial. They have a huge following of loyal fans and on the other side of coin resides people who are disgusted with the show. Personal trainers and other fitness professionals dislike the show, mainly because of the inappropriate exercise prescription, and overtraining. The show has very poor exercise program design.
Just like any popular thing, there’s going to be the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Having sat down on that Tuesday night with my fat-free popcorn has reinforced my previous belief that there’s more bad and ugly than there is good. I love doing this post because it’s going to stir up a lot of things. Get your fat-free popcorn in hand and enjoy…..
The GOOD
First come Effort, Then comes Results
We all see them every time we turn on the T.V., some weight loss program that promises results without effort. –That’s an entire blog post by itself. The Biggest Loser shows the contestants working hard for the results. It proves to the viewer that it takes effort and not just some fat loss gimmick. When you put the effort in motion, a transformation is on the horizon.
Emotional Rollercoaster
The show does a fantastic job picking the contestants with touching life stories. The storylines are what makes the connection from the contestant to the viewer. I’m sure most of you have donated a few tears to the program. If the program stirs up enough emotions in viewers that stimulate them to get up off the couch and get moving, then I’m all for it! People are inspired by feeling understood and emotionally driven. -Seeing a contestant who maybe heavier in bodyweight jogging up a hill will force the statement, “If they can do it, so can I!”
Accountability is King
Accountability is one the most powerful motivational forces known to man. Accountability is the thread that holds my training philosophy together. Just to give you a hint: The Food Journal. Don’t bring it to training session guess what…..Bonus Round Baby!! So think about this, the producers set up the environment with so much accountability, it’s impossible for contestants not to lose weight. Here’s what the programs uses for accountability: 1- Accountability to the public, 2 – Accountability to a group, 3- Accountability to a partner, and most importantly, 4 – Accountability to self.
THE BAD
All Weight Loss Isn’t Good
No one can deny that the contestants are losing large amounts of fat – way beyond the average, which is usually 1-2 pounds per week. Even obese individuals rarely lose more than 3 pounds of fat per week in a real world situation. On the program – It’s not uncommon to see 20-25 pounds of weight loss for the first week. With the drastic caloric deficit it shouldn’t be surprising that weight literary falls off. Also, don’t forget to calculate 5-7 hours of daily training and physical activity. The Biggest Loser is judged on weight loss and not body composition.
I Would Like To See Different Methods Of Measurement
The contestants are encouraged to lose weight not body fat. Your body weight consists of water, bones, muscle and organs. So when a contestant mounts the scale for the calculation – I wish it would read body fat % and also hydration level of the contestant. Or let’s go a little further and have the contestants evaluated by hydrostatic weighing (the most accurate way to determine BF%, hydration levels, and other factors) Surely, NBC has enough money for that right?! Weight loss is not the same as fat loss. The weight loss on the program can be very deceiving. Because the hydration levels aren’t monitored, many contestants have been reported dehydrating double-digit pounds off.
The True Meaning Of “No Pain, No Gain”
Contestants have had stress fractures and all sorts of injuries, not to mention being medivac to a hospital. Here’s something for program design: Never put a morbidly obese person on a treadmill and force them to run very fast. Think about this for a second – When you run, one knee at a time supports your body weight. Now, multiply that repetitive motion by hundreds or even thousands. Do you think that’s healthy for your knees and other structures of the body such as ankles and lower back? Why not perform other low-impact exercises but at a faster pace. -Just a suggestion.
THE UGLY
Here’s where I really start blowing steam….
I haven’t confirmed this yet but I believed my client when she told me that Jillian Michaels was dropping the F-Bombs throughout an entire episode. Now, come one, are you serious NBC?! You’re suppose to be a family-friendly network. But wait; are we the ones to blame, because we’re the ones who continue to sit through this sort of verbal abuse and foul language? Trust me; I’ve played many sports under numerous coaches with 
different personalities. The good coaches have not once got in my face or any of my teammates face, yelling and screaming ugly words. While serving in the US Air Force I’ve been in some hostile environments and have yet to motivate my troops by foul language. Lastly, I consider myself a successful fitness professional and have NEVER used a bad word to motivate my clients. So, why does Jillian Michaels do it? Ding, Ding, Ding……and the winner is “It’s for Ratings!” Okay, okay, enough about Jillian.
Losing one pound should be rewarding and treated as a success. During a weigh-in, one of the contestants lost 18 pounds and the other person only lost 6 pounds and was frowned upon. –Really!? The program encourages unrealistic weight loss expectations. So, the person who is sitting at home and only losing 1-3 pounds a week doesn’t think they’re successful. I haven’t watched enough of the show to know if they keep up with contestants when they go back home to reality. But I would be interested to see if they maintain, gain, or even lose more weight.
Let’s Bring It Together
I’m sure the program inspires many people to start an exercise routine or to simply do something that requires movement. Health and Fitness is the pulse of my life and I enjoy seeing people taking control over their health. I don’t want to take anything away from the contestants because they’re putting the effort forth to change their lives. There’s no secret that as a nation we’re more obese than ever. I’m no producer but I think the program could’ve been run a little differently. Those of you who are losing weight while maintaining a family and career are my heroes and ro
le models. You are preparing all of your food and making time in your demanding schedules to exercise consistently. You’re not the biggest loser…….You’re A WINNER!!
I would like to hear what you have to say about this post. There are more than 400+ subscribers to this site so I would like for the comments to flood in. Surely, everyone isn’t going to comment but break the silence and let me know what you think…..good, bad, or indifferent. All comments are welcome!
Have an Awesome Day!!
CC Matthews
Posted by admin | in Fitness Advice, Mind/Motivation, Uncategorized | 14 Comments
I totally agree its very discouraging to watch a show that someone is losing 20 pounds at the time and im killing myself to lose 2 in a week. I cant come to trinity for a while but in the 2 months i was there i really learned alot and im trying to keep up cardio and weights at the house
CC, you’re right about the abuse! Your motivation has helped me not only in the workouts but has helped me in other areas of my life. I’m very grateful! I’ve lost many inches and 20 lbs. in 2.5 months and you didn’t use any bad words but only encouraging ones. Thanks!!
CC, you don’t have to use nasty words or even have to be rude to get me motivated to come and join your workouts every week. Thanks so much for your strong voice and jolly attitude at at 6:00 in the morning. Yes I like watching the show but don’t like the ugly talk. I would rather workout with you anytime over Jillian or Bob.
I’ve heard about your encouragement and motivation CC. Many people have told me how you are tough, but in a good way. By judging from the results I’ve seen, you’ve been a tremendous help for so many individuals. I’m coming to see you on Monday when I get back in town. Thanks for speaking out about this. I stopped watching the show for that very same reason (language). Thank You for what you do!
CC! Man, you always tell it like it is. You’ve taught me how to motivate my clients in alot of ways and it has made me an all-around better trainer. I can’t thank you enough for teaching me the ropes and being a great mentor. I agree with you 100%. I need your opinion on something, I’ll be calling soon.
Thanks Again,
Rod
About time someone speaks out about this! My daughter use to watch it with me and now I don’t bother tuning into the program because of the profanity. CC, I just sent you an email. Please let me know your thoughts and Thank You for stepping up and using your voice.
The Biggest Loser has been a good program but I agree with you that it could be alot better. Just like Beth, I can’t let my children watch it anymore and I plan to stop watching it. Like I’ve told you already, I’ve had several trainers in the past and I couldn’t get motivated until sitting down and talking to you. You haven’t used any bad language of any kind and I feel better than I have ever felt while dropping down 6 pant sizes. I’m glad God has put you in my life to enhance it!
C.C. I, like Gail, am motivated and touched by your positive encouragement. I know I would not respond well to that sort of negativity. For me, success is measured like you said, even one pound at a time. I love how we all encourage and hold each other accountable. You push and are tough but always mindful of each of our limits and needs. I love how you challenge me each and every workout to always bring my best. It feels like all of us against what holds us back from reaching our potential and not at all like the trainer against the trainee.
I’ve seen so many people compliment you and praise all that you do. I hope you will see how sincere and founded the comments are. You were put on this earth not to just be a trainer but to build people up and help them achieve the best there is to offer.
I compare it to teaching my students. You have no idea what people live with or go home to. I believe it is most important to give each person a positive environment when they are in your presence. It may be the only peace they have in their lives. Sorry to get on my soap box. I just wanted to applaud you for taking the time to help keep some positive in this world when there is already enough negative.
I decided to finally comment because I think everyone should know how you’ve changed my life. You’ve been more than a trainer to me CC. Beyond seeing the physical changes take place. There have been times where I didn’t know how I was going to pull myself up but with your positive attitude (jumping around, smiling) it made me realize how much you cared about me and my well being. Any time I needed advice or guidance you were unbaised and truthful. I feel like I owe you money for being my psychiatrist. lol You’ve been a hope and a friend CC. I’m indebted to you.
I have watched the show on several occasions and found it to be depressing. I have often wondered how in the world anyone could lose that much weight in one week with someone shouting in my face! We have become a society that accepts foul language and looking down on people who have not achieved as much as someone else. I think it is a shame and I am very disappointed that we as a society have become so complacent.
However, on a more positive note. Thanks for all your encouragement and tremendous positive attitude. It has been a great motivator for me. Eventhough I am tried at the end of the workout, I feel so great knowing I am improving my health. Thanks C.C. for all you do!
Like you said, it is all about ratings!! I don’t agree with the over-extreme length of time they workout. I think the show has its motivating points as well as the downside, it wasn’t like that when the show first started. It is sad they have to resort to extreme language to get more people to watch. That being said, if the show motivates anyone who watches it to workout and change his/her lifestyle I am all for it!!
I totally agree with you. I thank you for your uplifting encouragement that keeps me motivated. I have learned so much from you and Vicki the last 2 months. I do watch the biggest loser and something one contestant said clicked with me. She started gaining weight after having kids. She gained 10 lbs year after year and soon she had reached 200 lbs. After having 3 kids I weighed approx. 155 lbs and realized I was just 45 lbs away from 200 and I said no more. Since being with you for 2 months I’ve lost 15 lbs and dropped 2 sizes, but more importantly I’ve learned how to eat healthy (which I think is lacking from the show). Thanks again for all your hard work and positive attitude. God bless you.
I watch the show religiously…i have never heard Julian use a bad word ever……we must be watching 2 different shows…..I agree with you CC that the contestants go through rigorous trainings that sometimes lead them to collapse…but you know if you don’t push poeple to believe they can do it then they will never try….I hate when poeple tell me i can’t…i am just too fat to do a push up or too old to jogg….Oh get over it….nothing is impossible but what you make your self believe is impossible….I have done things when i was working out with you i never thought i can do….
Agreed re hydration levels. It’s tough to fit that into a popular TV series, such as The Biggest Loser is, but I do feel it would benefit all parties to at least make some point of it. Surely they could monitor it and make a point to at least have the doctors and trainers focus on camera on the importance of remaining hydrated, etc. It seems rather dishonest for the show itself (let alone the trainers and doctors) to give the contestants the benefit of the doubt regarding some of these issues.
I must, however, disagree regarding some other so-called “bad” and “ugly” aspects of the show. (Quickly, I suppose I just have a different aesthetic than you, but I find offense at the “f-bomb” a little needless. But that’s less important so I won’t go into that.)
Sure, many regular viewers will have a misguided response to the show — granted. But the show itself is nearly as up-front as I would wish regarding the specific atmosphere of the “Ranch,” where weight-loss is a full-time occupation, versus being home, where one has a hell of a lot else to do, quite likely no trainers, less healthful food, etc, etc. I have only watched the latest season, but often I head contestants say something like, “Three pounds at home would be amazing — but three pounds on the Ranch is frustrating.” They talk about having a “great” week and following it with a perhaps less-great week — and the trainers are often rather clear and supportive in this regard. Once a person sighed because he “only” lost five pounds that week, and the trainers grimaced and told him that was terrific progress (In a cut-scene, Jillian expressed annoyance that the contestants often express frustration in the face of such ostensibly impressive results). Additionally, the two trainers often expressed (though the cynical viewer could certainly argue that this is for appearance’s sake) some annoyance with having to deal with some of the more outlandish game-aspects of the show.
Surely they are participating in that game — but, of course, one must ask what the net result is. I don’t have the answer to this, but I would venture to say that neither do you. What I mean is: surely some of the contestants will struggle, “cheat,” and ultimately suffer and relapse as a response. This must be recognized, reigned in, and hopefully stopped if the show is to continue (which, clearly it is). But one question would be: are many of the contestants helped to begin a healthier lifestyle even after the show ends?
(One thing I appreciated about the show, watching this latest season, was that the trainers — and Jillian particularly, despite her “foul language” — made a point to say that this is only the first of steps. These individuals were lucky enough (perhaps some would argue) to get a chance at a jump-start on one of the most difficult stages of creating healthy patterns in an otherwise unhealthy life — but the trainers are clear that, firstly, this is not merely a physical process and, in fact, the physical is in some ways secondary and, secondly, that if healthful practices and habits aren’t formed and implemented at home, the entire process will have been for naught and, even, hazardous. People at home should not falsely believe that they ought to follow these sorts of regiments, nor that they should be expected to have as expedited a process — this, as I said, is to be expected, unfortunately, but the show itself is relatively clear in this regard. It could be clearer, certainly, and I hope it gets so, but the trainers, for example, seem rather well-guided to me.)
Furthermore, beyond the contestants, the question is: what is the net effect on the viewing public? This I do not know, and I have ceded that often enough there will be trouble (I don’t necessarily blame the show for this nor think that we should immediately castigate, say, the trainers. E.g. how can we create an atmosphere in which people have more realistic perspectives on, say, reality television generally? Now THAT would be a healthy transformation.) But does the show serve as inspiration? motivation? education? Again, though I believe it surely does, I do not know the extent. I would just hope that when viewing, praising, or criticizing the show, we all take the care to consider what the show is intending, what it is accomplishing, and what it is failing at. Thus I am glad to read articles like yours and, despite having my disagreements, think that voices like yours should be heard and responded to with significantly greater clarity, transparency, and care from the producers, doctors, trainers, et al.