Revealed: The Dark Truth Behind ‘The Biggest Loser’ and Its Impact on Contestants and Viewers
For 18 seasons, “The Biggest Loser” captivated millions of Americans as contestants pushed their bodies to physical extremes, drastically cut calories, and faced grueling challenges in the quest for the title. However, a new Netflix docuseries, “Fit for TV: The Truth Behind ‘The Biggest Loser’,” suggests that the popular show may have had detrimental effects on both contestants and societal attitudes towards health and wellness.
Director Skye Borgman explains that the series investigates how the show impacted participants and fueled harmful conversations around weight loss. The docuseries delves into the intense dieting and exercise regimens followed by contestants, which often involved severe calorie restriction and excessive exercise.
Dr. Robert Huizenga, a physician on “The Biggest Loser,” reveals that male contestants were advised to consume 1,500 to 2,000 calories per day, while women were recommended 1,200 calories daily. In some cases, trainers suggested as few as 800 calories daily. The series shows clips of contestants vomiting in the gym and utilizing caffeine pills to suppress appetite, raising concerns about health risks associated with such extreme measures.
The punishing approach to food and exercise displayed on “The Biggest Loser” may have also worked against long-term healthy habits, according to Dr. Rebecca Pearl, associate professor of clinical and health psychology at the University of Florida. She emphasizes that finding enjoyment in physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with exercise and one’s body.
Moreover, research indicates that metabolic changes caused by dramatic weight loss depicted on the show can make it difficult to keep the weight off over time. A 2017 study found that many contestants regained much or all of the weight they had lost in the years following the show.
Furthermore, “The Biggest Loser” often perpetuated a culture of shame around weight, reinforcing the myth that having a larger body is solely a result of lack of willpower or moral failing. This stigmatization can have far-reaching effects, impacting not just contestants but also viewers at home.
Oona Hanson, a parent coach specializing in diet culture and eating disorders, notes that the show’s format contributed to degrading and dehumanizing portrayals of larger bodies, potentially reinforcing negative stereotypes among viewers.
While some contestants found empowerment through representation on the show, it is important to acknowledge that “The Biggest Loser” also presented disparaging situations and may have reinforced harmful attitudes towards weight and health. The docuseries sheds light on these issues, inviting viewers to reflect on their own attitudes and behaviors.