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Biggest Loser – A hit show or offensive?
by Ryan Hogan | Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Based on the popularity of our previous Blog Post called "The Biggest Loser, friend or foe of fitness", when we came across Justin Tamsett's recent post we thought it pertinent to re-post here. You can visit Justin's very informative blog at www.justintamsett.com
As filming has begun on the next series of Biggest Loser in Australia, I was thinking does this reality show help or hinder the over weight problem in Australia.
The journal Obesity Management explored the attitudes of people toward the Biggest Loser here in Australia. The group they surveyed were overweight: 42% classified as obese and 58% as morbidly obese. Here are the results:
* 48% watched the show because they identified with the participants personal struggles;
* 17% watched for education and information;
* 71% thought the basic concept was negative and even offensive;
* 41% felt the show promoted “weight loss techniques that the majority of obese people couldn’t access or afford”;
* 25% felt the rapid weight loss emphasis was a dangerous message for the community to hear.
I guess whether you love or hate the methods that Michelle Bridges and Shannon Ponton use to motivate the participants or convey the message, the message cannot be missed – move more and eat better.
Being totally honest, I hate the name ‘Biggest Loser.’ I find it very degrading based on the Aussie vernacular of a loser but it does sum up what the show is all about . . . losing weight!
Some times, I think the show does go too far with challenges. But I appreciate that these are ‘challenges’ physically and emotionally.
Some times Michelle & Shannon are “too in your face.” But I know they do it to help the person and mean no malice.
I agree with the study . . . rapid weight loss is not the most optimal nor a good example for people. But it shows what is possible when someone is focused and committed!
I disagree with the respondents as I do feel many of the options that are shown in the TV show are accessible and very affordable – provided you make weight loss a priority.
Obesity costs Australia billions of dollars a year. Money that could be spent on roads, education and infrastructure. I believe anything that can help reduce the number of people who are overweight or obese is a good thing. This show definitely will not drive people to getting fat!
So I reckon the reality show has raised the profile of weight loss, the challenges of weight loss and how to achieve weight loss and no one can bemoan those facts.
