Can anybody really be surprised that there is a “cheating scandal” on the popular, “The Biggest Loser” reality show. It fits right in with the reality of healthy weight loss versus a reality show that touts extreme measures that can not possibly be maintained in the real world as well as glorifying fat shaming as a weight loss motivational tool. A show that now has contestants, at the urging of someone who is supposed to be an “expert” in the field and looking out for their best interests, providing caffeine supplements reportedly without even consulting a doctor with regards to the safety of EACH contestant taking them. Everyone takes caffeine supplements as party of a healthy eating/weight loss plan right? Extreme measures for extreme results. Jillian Michaels response:
“A caffeine supplement is significantly healthier than unlimited amounts of coffee. My only regret is that my team are the ones suffering the consequences of my professional opinion,”
So when are “unlimited amounts of coffee” part of a healthy eating and weight loss routine? Too much caffeine is too much caffeine and there are health risks, Will a few people lose massive amounts of weight by going on The Biggest Loser? Sure they will. Almost anything is possible if you’re willing to go to extreme lengths, even unhealthy ones to achieve it. Can the majority of the population maintain this kind of extreme regime caffeine pills and all? Probably not. Should they? No. Let’s call The Biggest Loser what it really is. A non-reality way of losing massive amounts of weight for a few. A fraud for masses in terms of healthy weight loss and healthy life style. A fraud that preys on the weakness and shame of people searching for answers. That’s reality.
Brian Cuban is a an author whose Amazon best-selling book “Shattered Image: My Triumph Over Body Dysmorphic Disorder” chronicles his first-hand experiences living with, and recovering from eating disorders and Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD). Brian speaks regularly about his recovery and breaking the male eating disorder stigma. Has has spoken at prestigious locations such as the University of North Carolina Center For Eating Disorder Excellence.
One Response
This doesn't suprise me. I have a love/hate relationship with the Biggest Loser – my eating disorder brain LOVES to use it as a "motivational tool" to berate me for not excersing as hard as the contestants on the show: "look, if those out of shape fatties can do it, YOU CAN DO IT." it brings out the "fat shamer" in me. And then the healthy part of me knows that that kind of diet and excersie regime is not maintanable in the real world, and I have always hated the way they tempt the contestants with "eat as much of this food that we have told you is off limits and that your body is craving because you have been starving yourselves for the show, and win immunity/2 pound whatever for your team…but then we will shame and humiliate you if you decide to give in"
It's sick.