I saw an article about The Biggest Loser in the same Time magazine that had the pictures of people-around-the-world’s groceries. I have only seen the show a couple of times so I don’t know much about it, but this was surprising to me.
Things like dehydrating themselves so they weighed less, and other manipulations of the scale. I guess the pressure to win that cash and stay on the show can encourage people to do really stupid things. Not something you see in the show’s advertising. 
To “weigh” in on this…
1. The article states that “contestants often drop more than 20 lbs. in a week.” Now, I only have watched 1.5 seasons of this show, but to drop 20 pounds in a week was rare. Maybe in the first week, or maybe if you were Erik (last season’s winner who started > 400 pounds), but definitely not often.
2. If I was going up to try to win $250k a week from now, would I eat sugar-free Jello and asparagus for a week? Heck, yeah… for longer than that, no way. Wouldn’t you?
3. I don’t think they can manipulate the scale with dehydration every single time… the last time, maybe. But again, see point #2.
4. The season 2 winner and runner-up (the couple that got married) did a cameo on season 3 to talk about maintaining and what it’s like. Granted, all we got to see was what the producers deemed important, but still… they both were 10-15 pounds over their final weight but still looked great.
5. I think the shock value of this show is that you can take a person like Erik, who was over 400 pounds, and he can actually learn to work out, eat healthy and lose weight — I think the inspiration of that for most Americans is so worthwhile.
All that being said, the Time magazine article seemed very bent on showing that it didn’t work or something like that… It’s an amazing show, and I’m excited to watch it again in the fall!
And thanks, Laura, for posting this… it was interesting to read and fun to respond about
Comment by Anne — June 19, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
I love this show and find it much more inspiring than stuff like Extreme Makeover. I know that the losses while on the ranch are completely unrealistic for me (and should be for anyone in the real world!) - but the 6 months at home for the finalists always amaze me. They take what they learn, start living their normal lives and keep it up - usually averaging about a 2 pound/week loss. The eliminated folks usually do just as well. This encourages me that it can be done if I can learn what to do and do it.
The part that helps me the most is that the girls don’t come away with all the lose skin I expect and have seen with women I know who have had gastric-bypass. I’ve always been afraid that effective weight-loss would end that way for me, too. They’ve shown me that exercise can really make the difference (as well as Blest’s admonishments!).
I have kept up with Matt & Suzy from season 2 (they got married last September) and they still look great and continue to inspire people.
Comment by missy — June 19, 2007 @ 1:07 pm
I’m glad ya’ll commented! As I haven’t followed the show, I didn’t know if the Time piece was accurate or not. As both of you said, the show is probably inspiring to a lot of people or it wouldn’t be so popular.
Comment by lady laura — June 19, 2007 @ 3:09 pm