God, I hate The Biggest Loser. All that sweat! All those tears! And we’re supposed to be inspired? I don’t get it.
And Jillian Michaels. I hate her, too. First of all, she endorses just about anything. And all she does is holler. Again, we’re supposed to be inspired?
On the season premiere of The Biggest Loser last week, Michaels said something to the effect of, we’re in our tenth season, we’re making a difference, but two-thirds of Americans are still overweight, so we have a long way to go.
I should say. Since The Biggest Loser first aired way back in 2004, the obesity epidemic has gotten worse, not better. What kind of difference she’s talking about, I don’t know, unless she means her bank account.
And I know the show has fans, but can we please stop pretending it’s a show about health? The Biggest Loser is as much about health as Playboy magazine is about the articles. The Biggest Loser, like every other show on television, is about ratings and money. No ratings? No money? No television show.
And not just the money that comes in from advertising. I’m talking product, baby! According to some estimates, The Biggest Loser merchandise business rakes in about $100 million a year. Want to lose weight at home just like the contestants on TV? Why not buy The Biggest Loser Bob and Jillian mug ($12.00)?
With Bob and Jillian!
Or how about The Biggest Loser Workout Challenge Kit (on sale for $59.98)?
With Bob and Jillian!
Wait. This is new – The Biggest Loser Meal Plan by eDiets ($153.65 per week plus shipping for the 7 day plan).
With Bob and Jillian?
Among the first to try the new meal plan is Season 3 winner Erik Chopin. Erik lost over 200 pounds on the show, but has since — get this — gained much of it back. Of course, the show isn’t called The Biggest Permanent Loser, so why should we be surprised?
A few former contestants have spoken out against the practices of the show. Just remember, if you speak out against the show, you probably won’t be invited to the next reunion TV special. That’s according to Season One’s winner Ryan C. Benson, who publicly admitted he fasted and dehydrated himself to hit his winning numbers. Where’s he getting his medical advice? From jockeys? Or worse, Jillian?
This season is off to an encouraging start. During the season premiere, paramedics were called in twice. In both cases, the contestants were taken to the hospital. That’s as many as last year’s season premiere, which also sent two according to the article On `The Biggest Loser,’ Health Can Take Back Seatby Edward Wyatt. In that article, internal medicine professor, Dr. Charles Burant said he’s waiting for the first person to have a heart attack.
Yeah, well, so…say the producers of the show, who hate when anybody brings up questions of safe practices. And they have the release forms to prevent it, at least as far as the contestants are concerned.
That didn’t stop Season 3 finalist Kai Hibbard who talked to Jezebel. Read about her experience and subsequent eating disorder here.
Another episode airs tonight. I have hard time viewing the show, but I’m taping this season in an effort to understand its appeal. Still, I have this sneaking suspicion that the biggest losers are those of us who sit at home and watch this stuff.
