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The Biggest Loser is One of the Biggest Problems

By Dave Gleason

First of all I want to congratulate all the individuals and families who have ever participated on the popular television show “The biggest Loser”. Their willingness to be sensationalized because of their weight issues is nothing short of courageous. The overall success in terms of weight loss, better health, and a new lease on life is inspiring to millions and borders on miraculous in many instances. The people who participate depict what weight loss and a better body actually do come from:

  1. Resistance Training
  2. Aerobic Training
  3. Proper Nutrition
  4. HARD WORK

Notice this short list does not include any excuses at all! Another positive influence this competition has on people is that anyone can lose weight with the right tools. ANYONE CAN LOSE WEIGHT WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS. This is unfortunately where this show loses me!

The viewing audience needs to be aware just how closely these people are monitored for the 3 months they are “on the ranch” and for the 3 months they are on their own. There has to be constant monitoring and adjustment of exercise, meals and rest to insure the success of the contestant and for their safety and well-being. Let me ask this simple question: What percentage of the population do you think has a Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, Medical Doctor and Physical Therapist with them every step of the way for 3 months straight? Would you agree it is not the nearly 70% of Americans that are overweight. But it would not make for “good television” to disclose too much of what really happens behind the scenes. So the people who suffer are the newly inspired millions that have no plan, no help and certainly no staff of professionals to lead them.

One of the pinnacles of this deception came when the producer of the show along with a husband and wife previously who recently competed were interviewed by Matt Lauer on the Today Show. Through a series of questions to both the producer and the couple, Matt Lauer extracted some interesting information and here is an overview of how they say the weight was lost:

This is not only extremely dangerous but a perversion on how to safely and effectively lose weight. Common sense does not rule when it comes to weight loss for most people, for if it did we would not be in so much trouble. Because of this misinformation countless thousands, and maybe millions, are thinking “hmmm, I just need to eat 500 Calories per day and I can lose all of my weight. NO! Again I cannot stress how dangerous this could be to someone. To reiterate...these people were in an exceptionally structured environment that is near impossible to replicate without huge amounts of cash!

Now for the exercise prescription from the touted “celebrity trainers” on the show. My colleagues and I are amazed that there have not been any serious injuries on the show because the trainers evidently do not pay attention to technique, progression or safety. They may be able to make the contestants burn more calories but what happens when the show is over and they are on their own? They are great however at pummeling these people into the ground followed by a great big hug and an “I’m so proud of you”.

I know plenty of “A list” trainers and they will all agree that they were in the right place at the right time and their success began with one big name client. From Michael Jordan’s trainer to Oprah’s trainer…its not that they are doing anything wildly out of the box. Their training protocols are sound and they get great long term results for their clients and that is what makes them great, not the A list. Here’s another question I have: Would a self promoting celebrity trainer take on one of the contestants from the show…if they were not on the show?

The entire premise of the show is to win money with the back drop being weight loss, better health and more self confidence. Who doesn’t want that? So all you need is a structured program, no outside responsibilities like family, career etc; have every meal planned and prepared for three months and receive constant evaluation and adjustment by your staff of professionals on a day to day basis. Piece of cake! (No pun intended).

About the Author:

Dave Gleason owns Movement 4 Life Personal Training serving clients in Massachusetts' South Shore and Metro West areas. His website is http://www.fitnessmistakes.com