NationStates Jolt Archive

The 3rd Season of Australia's "Biggest Loser" started recently, and I absolutely can not stand the show. If you don't already know:

from wiki:
The Biggest Loser is an NBC reality television show that began broadcasting on October 19, 2004. The show features obese contestants in a weight loss competition, with an ultimate prize of $250,000...

The general episode structure is as follows:

Temptation. Contestants prepare for the first day of the week only to find a situation that involves temptation. The temptation usually requires contestants to gamble by eating or drinking delicious but high-calorie foods in exchange for what may seem to be a beneficial trade-off. The benefits may or may not be known to the contestants in advance. Examples include eating sweet foods for a chance to call their loved ones, eating a big slice of cake to win an unknown prize (which turns out to be an exercise bike) or giving up time with trainer for a chance to win thousands of dollars. Contestants are given a set amount of time before the offer passes.
Reward challenge. Contestants compete to win a prize, first as teams and then as individuals after the teams are dissolved. After the challenge, viewers are shown the winning team savoring their reward while the losing team bitterly accepts their loss. Prizes range from immunity to exercise equipment to phone calls home to "Pound Passes", that allow the holder to have a greater weight loss at the Weigh-In (eg. a 6lb weight loss would result in a 7lb weight loss if a contestant were to win a "1 Pound Pass").
Weigh-in. All contestants are weighed to determine the amount they have lost relative to their total body weight. During team-based competition, the team that loses the highest percentage wins and the losing team must send one person home. When the teams are dissolved and the show becomes an individual competition, the two contestants who lose the lowest percentage of weight are eligible for elimination. A similar setup to individual-based weigh-ins happens when the two initial teams are broken up into four teams of two, as happened in the second season.
The vote. The losing team meets in a dining room that has refrigerators labeled with each contestant's name, and filled with that contestant's favorite tempting foods. The name of each contestant is illuminated, and as people are voted out, the light for their name is extinguished. During the team-based competition, losing members each carry a covered plate containing the name of the person they wish to vote out. The team member who lost the highest percentage of weight that week is considered immune and may not be sent home. In the event of a tie, the winning team decides which member of the losing team shall be voted out. During the individual-based competition, the fate of the two contestants on the chopping block will be determined by the other players. In the event of a tie, the contestant who lost the least percentage of weight is eliminated...

There are several reasons I refuse to watch this show:
1. They treat fat people like animals.
2. They focus on the "run fatty run" aspect more than their diet. If tthey showed some of the nutrition aspect it would be much more educational rather than just another reality television show where people are exploited.
3. The exercise is not realistic. Hauling a giant tyre across the beach (or something equally ridiculous) is purely for entertainment value for viewers.

Your thoughts?

I'm reading a book about Amarillo Slim and he constantly makes the point that being known as a champion hustler meant more people tried to bet with him, to try and be the 'guy who beat Amarillo Slim' - this meant more suckers from which to make more money.

There's something about humans and ego and the ability to do things that end up making them look foolish - in the UK, we had an MP no less, scrabbling on the floor, pretending to be a dog for a reality show.

To my mind, people know what they're getting into, it's simply ego to think that they'll be admired for participating in these kinds of shows - in that sense, I also know what I'm getting into so I just don't watch these shows.

Anyway, as I've always said: when the aliens come, they'll eat the fat people first.

A 'reality' TV show with the goal of appealing to and entertaining the masses in order to stay on the air and make money.

Shocker.

when i heard there was another Biggest Loser i said to myself they going end up doing a big brother on it and have one every year :rolleyes:

an i all so absolutely can not stand the show

They do deal with the diet aspect, but they focus on the exercise...

Though I wonder where all their excess skin goes....

There are several reasons I refuse to watch this show:
1. They treat fat people like animals.
2. They focus on the "run fatty run" aspect more than their diet. If tthey showed some of the nutrition aspect it would be much more educational rather than just another reality television show where people are exploited.
3. The exercise is not realistic. Hauling a giant tyre across the beach (or something equally ridiculous) is purely for entertainment value for viewers.

Your thoughts?

Agreed! I find it appalling that people even watch The Biggest Loser...mainly because they may be helping their 'contestants', but as you said, they're just there for the money. If they really wanted to help those people, why make it into a type of game show, where the contestants are humiliated?

For example, you see each lucky contestant weighing in one by one, and showing their weight loss for the week (if they lose anything at all, and in some cases, gain weight). Also, if you've ever seen the first episode, they go into teams, and anyone who's deemed "too fat" or "too inactive" isn't worthy enough to "have their lives back". Utter stupidity, says I.

I watch the show once in a blue moon when there is nothing else on that I have not already seen.


1. They treat fat people like animals.
2. They focus on the "run fatty run" aspect more than their diet. If tthey showed some of the nutrition aspect it would be much more educational rather than just another reality television show where people are exploited.
3. The exercise is not realistic. Hauling a giant tyre across the beach (or something equally ridiculous) is purely for entertainment value for viewers.

1. How so? Having them exercise? Play in "competitions"? What? It is a REALITY SHOW. And those people signed up for it.
2. As said above REALITY SHOW. It is not there for educational purposes. If you want something for educational purposes, watch the Discovery Channel.
3. That example is not an exercise. It's a part of a challenge. They do the exercising and things BETWEEN the challenges. That is what their trainers are there for.

My thoughts?
It is a reality show. Just like every other reality show out there. The only difference is that these people lose weight (on purpose) along with money.

Reality shows are what they are. I don't think this one's any better or worse than most of them. They give me the shits, so I don't watch them.

There are several reasons I refuse to watch this show:
1. They treat fat people like animals.
2. They focus on the "run fatty run" aspect more than their diet. If tthey showed some of the nutrition aspect it would be much more educational rather than just another reality television show where people are exploited.
3. The exercise is not realistic. Hauling a giant tyre across the beach (or something equally ridiculous) is purely for entertainment value for viewers.

Your thoughts? (my bold)


It sounds like a sort of cross between "Pop Idol", "Ilsa, she-wolf of the SS" and "Deliverance"......I keep laughing at "run fatty run" for some reason.......

3. The exercise is not realistic. Hauling a giant tyre across the beach (or something equally ridiculous) is purely for entertainment value for viewers.

Your thoughts?

I don't mind treating fat people like animals if they volunteer for the show. However, you're right about the exercises.

I've seen the show only once, the U.S. version. They had a 400-lb man line up to sprint up a hill, paced by one of the trainers. The guy must've been 5'6, tops, with all that weight. I feared for his knees just thinking about it. After the commercial break, they showed him injuring a knee and dropping out of the program. :rolleyes: Anyone who knew anything about weight and the joints could've predicted it.

You're Australian? Awesome! Another one! *tents fingers*

Reality shows are what they are.

Circuses?

Although I think I enjoyed the circus more the one time I went.

Reality shows are what they are. I don't think this one's any better or worse than most of them. They give me the shits, so I don't watch them.

The shits, yes, and sadly miss out on the all important giggles which belong with said shits.

You're Australian? Awesome! Another one! *tents fingers*



Circuses?

Although I think I enjoyed the circus more the one time I went.

We have a large Australian population on here. We are (almost) all awesome. Just as we'd expect :)

And circuses do not belong in the same sentence as The Biggest Loser... hell, they don't even belong in the same paragraph. I have committed sacrilege in this post.

You're Australian? Awesome! Another one! *tents fingers*

Excellent.

http://www.forumspile.com/That-Is-Excellent-MrBurns.jpg

Amor is Rotovia's GF, I'm pretty sure.

Circuses?

Although I think I enjoyed the circus more the one time I went.

Crap, shit, rubbish. That's what I'd call them.

We have a large Australian population on here. We are (almost) all awesome. Just as we'd expect :)

Yeah but if someone's location isn't spelled out I won't notice, I mean I understand yours but only because I'm thinking very hard about it :p

Also looking at our respective join dates and post-counts you lurk more... stop it :p

Oh and who's the not awesome one(s)?

And circuses do not belong in the same sentence as The Biggest Loser... hell, they don't even belong in the same paragraph. I have committed sacrilege in this post.

True, maybe they'd almost be comparable to one of those shady TV circuses that are always trying to pull hoaxes to scare someone out of something.

http://www.forumspile.com/That-Is-Excellent-MrBurns.jpg

I've been known to do that :D

But personally I'm more likely to and much prefer
http://oo.othersonline.net/oo/images/7043_1196578150988.jpg

Yeah but if someone's location isn't spelled out I won't notice, I mean I understand yours but only because I'm thinking very hard about it :p

That's funny, because I recognise Svalbardania's location instantly! :)

I'm more likely to and much prefer
http://oo.othersonline.net/oo/images/7043_1196578150988.jpg

Ooh, that's a good one.

I've been known to do that :DI can imitate Burns' "Excellent" pretty damn well, if I may say so. I usually add a "Smithers" to boot.

Yeah but if someone's location isn't spelled out I won't notice, I mean I understand yours but only because I'm thinking very hard about it :p
crazy crow eater

crazy crow eater

The rest of the people here are innocent, don't drag them into this just because I'm crazy :rolleyes:

We should probably get this thread back on the rails before Amor Pulchritudo comes back 'ey?...

Am I the only one that thinks that scoring based on weight percentage lost is an inherently broken and stupid system? Although no other system would be any better, in conclusion the show is stupid not only because of the OP's aforementioned reasons, but also because there's no way to score weight loss effectively without some complicated formula that executives wouldn't allow because it would go over a large number of the audience's heads.

The rest of the people here are innocent, don't drag them into this just because I'm crazy :rolleyes:
hey hear the news we all are

Am I the only one that thinks that scoring based on weight percentage lost is an inherently broken and stupid system? Although no other system would be any better, in conclusion the show is stupid not only because of the OP's aforementioned reasons, but also because there's no way to score weight loss effectively without some complicated formula that executives wouldn't allow because it would go over a large number of the audience's heads.

i still don't get how they work that out

Yeah but if someone's location isn't spelled out I won't notice, I mean I understand yours but only because I'm thinking very hard about it :p

Also looking at our respective join dates and post-counts you lurk more... stop it :p

Oh and who's the not awesome one(s)?
I am a serious lurker... I've been trying to reform, honest! I think you'll find that I spent the better part of the first year lurking, and have been posting once or twice a day this year to make up for it. I can't remember much of the middle year ;)

As for the not awesome? HSC Prince Eric, and also The Potato Factory when he was around.

True, maybe they'd almost be comparable to one of those shady TV circuses that are always trying to pull hoaxes to scare someone out of something.



I've been known to do that :D

But personally I'm more likely to and much prefer
http://oo.othersonline.net/oo/images/7043_1196578150988.jpg

You have good taste, brother.

As for the weight loss measure... I dunno, I'm pretty sure that's what the show is all about (weight loss), so as long as they do it as a percentage of total weight that is lost rather than a raw number.

Of course, that doesn't take into account muscle mass, but you can't have everything, I spose.

I think the way they just kick the losers out without a kind word is something much worse. I mean, what sort of message is that sending them? That even if they work their asses off they STILL get no reward. Kinda depressing, no? I certainly wouldn't be motivated.

As for the not awesome? HSC Prince Eric, and also The Potato Factory when he was around.

HSC Prince Eric is from here? :(

Well I guess you can't win them all.

HSC Prince Eric is from here? :(

Well I guess you can't win them all.

I know. Its a damn shame.

Still, we have Ard, so that makes up for that.

*snip*

As for the not awesome? HSC Prince Eric, and also The Potato Factory when he was around.

I wondered if they were one & the same?

HSC Prince Eric is from here? :(

Well I guess you can't win them all.I thought he was American...

Surely contestants know what they're getting themselves into? If so, as vacuous and vapid as the program may be, I hardly think there is any need to feel overmuch for the contestants. It's their own fault for so shamelessly seeking celebrity.

I wondered if they were one & the same?

...

...

...

...

...

CONSPIRACY!!!!

(my bold)


It sounds like a sort of cross between "Pop Idol", "Ilsa, she-wolf of the SS" and "Deliverance"......I keep laughing at "run fatty run" for some reason.......

That's basically what the show should be called though. "Run fatty run" seems to be the entire premise, although sometimes it's "haul fatty haul".

Amor is Rotovia's GF, I'm pretty sure..

You are correct.

I thought he was American...

His post history certainly does make it look that way.

As for the weight loss measure... I dunno, I'm pretty sure that's what the show is all about (weight loss), so as long as they do it as a percentage of total weight that is lost rather than a raw number.

Of course, that doesn't take into account muscle mass, but you can't have everything, I spose.

I think the way they just kick the losers out without a kind word is something much worse. I mean, what sort of message is that sending them? That even if they work their asses off they STILL get no reward. Kinda depressing, no? I certainly wouldn't be motivated.

The percentage thing actually makes sense. Some people go on the show weighing 200kg, and some weigh 100kg, and someone who weighs 200kg might lose 10kg, but the 100kg person may only lose 5kg. This looks like the second person loss less weight. However, they actually lost the same PERCENTAGE of their weight.

Actually, I'm pretty sure Eric is an American racist.

HSC Prince Eric is from here? :(

Well I guess you can't win them all.

I know. Its a damn shame.

Still, we have Ard, so that makes up for that.

I wondered if they were one & the same?

indeed to what you three said

The percentage thing actually makes sense. Some people go on the show weighing 200kg, and some weigh 100kg, and someone who weighs 200kg might lose 10kg, but the 100kg person may only lose 5kg. This looks like the second person loss less weight. However, they actually lost the same PERCENTAGE of their weight.

It just seems drastically over-simplified, I mean the more you weigh the harder you have to work to achieve the same percentage, and if you hit the maximum sustainable amount of loss (however unlikely that is) at some point you're absolutely screwed. But then again I don't suppose the executives or producers (or anyone for that matter) cares about balancing the game.


VVV I don't bother with TV much anymore, I did however watch the first episode of the Sarah Connor Chronicles last night because I want to see one of my favourite xkcd comic (http://xkcd.com/311/)s come true, it still needs more.

Actually, I'm pretty sure Eric is an American racist.

oh lets hope your right

and back to the OP

dose the dam show have to be on monday to friday every week

It just seems drastically over-simplified, I mean the more you weigh the harder you have to work to achieve the same percentage, and if you hit the maximum sustainable amount of loss (however unlikely that is) at some point you're absolutely screwed. But then again I don't suppose the executives or producers (or anyone for that matter) cares about balancing the game..


The percentage system works much better than just judging it on how many kilograms you've lost.

We have a large Australian population on here. We are (almost) all awesome. Just as we'd expect :)

But to counter balance the 'good' Australians here, there is Andaras / Eureka Australis / Andaras Prime :p

As for the weight loss measure... I dunno, I'm pretty sure that's what the show is all about (weight loss), so as long as they do it as a percentage of total weight that is lost rather than a raw number.

Of course, that doesn't take into account muscle mass, but you can't have everything, I spose.

I think the way they just kick the losers out without a kind word is something much worse. I mean, what sort of message is that sending them? That even if they work their asses off they STILL get no reward. Kinda depressing, no? I certainly wouldn't be motivated.

Clearly, they treat them like animals. They kick them off the show with no reward. Well, there is the fact that they'll live longer and most of them have actually become reasonably fit. But, really, rewards are only cash and prizes. Poor, poor people who got their lives saved by a television show.

2. They focus on the "run fatty run" aspect more than their diet. If tthey showed some of the nutrition aspect it would be much more educational rather than just another reality television show where people are exploited.If you think that's bad, you should see a show called fat march. It's just fat people walking, crying, and occasionally falling down.

I hate the kind of people they choose to lose weight in these weight loss shows.

There are 3 kinds of fat people 1) Unhappy person who eats to make themselves feel better 2) Happy go lucky person who parties all the time and doesn't care about health 3) Moron who can't even tell they are fat until they see a photo of themselves one day and say "Oh no I'm fat!! Quick, call reality tv!" It's usually the third type that they put on tv. It's easy for the third type to lose weight because they only reason they became fat in the first place is because they where in denial the whole time and didn't know anything. A lot of people who are on the biggest loser never did any physical activity at all before they went on tv. It would be more interesting to see someone who has been making a serious effort to lose weight for years try to lose weight on tv.

It's actually pretty easy to lose weight, but almost nobody manages to keep the weight off for 5 years. Doing a reality show where they try to get the contestants actually keep the weight off would take too much effort for whoever makes the show.

Your thoughts?

Read a book, watch good shows or movie or do something else fun instead of watching things you do not like...

As for the weight loss measure... I dunno, I'm pretty sure that's what the show is all about (weight loss), so as long as they do it as a percentage of total weight that is lost rather than a raw number.

Of course, that doesn't take into account muscle mass, but you can't have everything, I spose.
I saw an episode where a dude had a dead heat, like he worked his ass off (literally! HA!...okay, sorry) but didn't have a net weight loss because he matched fat loss with muscle mass. For the purpose of the game that got him in danger of being voted off (which he was) but in reality, since muscles burn fat) he was in a much better position (which is part of why he was voted off, he was now in a position where he was going to burn fat a lot easier and that was a threat to the other contestants.)

I think the way they just kick the losers out without a kind word is something much worse. I mean, what sort of message is that sending them? That even if they work their asses off they STILL get no reward. Kinda depressing, no? I certainly wouldn't be motivated.

Actually that host chick gets kinda weepy, and they usually do a follow up with the contestant that shows that they continued to lose weight and at least as of the taping have kept it off after developing healthier habits from the show.

I saw an episode where a dude had a dead heat, like he worked his ass off (literally! HA!...okay, sorry) but didn't have a net weight loss because he matched fat loss with muscle mass. For the purpose of the game that got him in danger of being voted off (which he was) but in reality, since muscles burn fat) he was in a much better position (which is part of why he was voted off, he was now in a position where he was going to burn fat a lot easier and that was a threat to the other contestants.)


Actually that host chick gets kinda weepy, and they usually do a follow up with the contestant that shows that they continued to lose weight and at least as of the taping have kept it off after developing healthier habits from the show.

They are not putting on several pounds of muscle in a week. Sorry, but no. There may be weight increases due to rehydration combined with a slight increase in muscle mass, bone mass and various other non-fat weights, but to attribute it to muscle mass is just not rational.

They are not putting on several pounds of muscle in a week. Sorry, but no. There may be weight increases due to rehydration combined with a slight increase in muscle mass, bone mass and various other non-fat weights, but to attribute it to muscle mass is just not rational.

I won't defend it. I'm no physician, I was just going by what they said on the show (they said he over worked out). If they're wrong that wouldn't surprise me per se. I'm not immune to the 'minimum plausibility effect'* when casually viewing something.




*Something doesn't have to be true, but sound plausible by a minimum standard. You get enough people not necessarily engaged and they will take whatever explanation is proposed first that at least has a minimum plausibility to it. Then the sheer number of people who have accepted it makes it 'true' regardless of if it really is.

I won't defend it. I'm no physician, I was just going by what they said on the show (they said he over worked out). If they're wrong that wouldn't surprise me per se. I'm not immune to the 'minimum plausibility effect'* when casually viewing something.




*Something doesn't have to be true, but sound plausible by a minimum standard. You get enough people not necessarily engaged and they will take whatever explanation is proposed first that at least has a minimum plausibility to it. Then the sheer number of people who have accepted it makes it 'true' regardless of if it really is.

That doesn't sound like something one of the trainers said. You often hear the contestants spouting wive's tales. You can overwork your body, but it causes your body to conserve. You'll retain water and fat as much as possible. It's not a muscle issue though.

I do agree that, for the final weigh-in though, their methodology is ineffective. They should be doing a comparison of body fat lost to total body fat with an offset for the fact that women MUST have more fat than men to stay healthy.

Some insight into how reality shows recruit (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/tfr/572675279.html)

Auditioning Funny/ Wacky act and people for NBC!!!

We are auditioning people for Last Comic Standing and we need more visual comedy.

Auditioning Funny Wacky people. We want people who are going to make us laugh. Do you have a wacky thing you do? Are you funny? Are you wacky? We are casting Last Comic Standing and we need more visual comedy.

Do you have a costume? Do you juggle? Do you have props or a special act? How are you going to make us laugh?

Name:
Phone:
Job:
What is your act:
Photo:

Cool acts can skip the line!!!

These are the acts that make up the montage of people that the judges groan at. They make the auditions watchable-the American Idol effect (I call two things 'The American Idol Effect...cause I suck at names...), where you tune in to watch the loony chanceless freaks get eviscerated by the judges and then maybe in the process you get hooked on that one plucky contestant and, oh what the heck, I'll tune in next week to see if they make it further until you're hooked.

Not that this ad acknowledges that you're fodder, but whatever.

Some insight into how reality shows recruit (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/tfr/572675279.html)



These are the acts that make up the montage of people that the judges groan at. They make the auditions watchable-the American Idol effect (I call two things 'The American Idol Effect...cause I suck at names...), where you tune in to watch the loony chanceless freaks get eviscerated by the judges and then maybe in the process you get hooked on that one plucky contestant and, oh what the heck, I'll tune in next week to see if they make it further until you're hooked.

Not that this ad acknowledges that you're fodder, but whatever.

Sounds wacky.


How many times did they use that bloody word? Usually when I see the word wacky, I mentally translate it to mean studpidly unfunny.

You think you can generalise fat people into three groups? We should rewrite the medical books. :rolleyes:

Look, it's not as simple as you think. Many people are overweight for a variety of reasons, including eating disorders, unhealthy lifestyle, diseases and disorders (like thyroid problems), and more.

It's not 'easy' to lose weight, necissarily. Like I said, many people are overweight or obese for a variety of reasons, and if it were that 'easy' for them, they wouldn't be overweight. I agree, however, that it's hard for most people to keep weight off.It is easy. I have lost over 100 pounds before (and gained it back). All you have to do is eat so little that you are hungry all the time. Eventually it becomes impossible to keep this up, but it isn't that hard for the first few months. By the way I've stopped doing this because it doesn't work. Losing weight a lot more slowly is more likely to get long term results.

EVERYONE who is overweight has an eating disorder and unhealthy lifestyle. I don't know about thyroid problems. People need to stop taking my posts so literally. I don't literally think there are 3 kinds of fat people. I'm making generalizations to make a point about the kind of person they put on reality tv.

If you think that's bad, you should see a show called fat march. It's just fat people walking, crying, and occasionally falling down.

I hate the kind of people they choose to lose weight in these weight loss shows.

There are 3 kinds of fat people 1) Unhappy person who eats to make themselves feel better 2) Happy go lucky person who parties all the time and doesn't care about health 3) Moron who can't even tell they are fat until they see a photo of themselves one day and say "Oh no I'm fat!! Quick, call reality tv!" It's usually the third type that they put on tv. It's easy for the third type to lose weight because they only reason they became fat in the first place is because they where in denial the whole time and didn't know anything. A lot of people who are on the biggest loser never did any physical activity at all before they went on tv. It would be more interesting to see someone who has been making a serious effort to lose weight for years try to lose weight on tv.

It's actually pretty easy to lose weight, but almost nobody manages to keep the weight off for 5 years. Doing a reality show where they try to get the contestants actually keep the weight off would take too much effort for whoever makes the show.

You think you can generalise fat people into three groups? We should rewrite the medical books. :rolleyes:

Look, it's not as simple as you think. Many people are overweight for a variety of reasons, including eating disorders, unhealthy lifestyle, diseases and disorders (like thyroid problems), and more.

It's not 'easy' to lose weight, necissarily. Like I said, many people are overweight or obese for a variety of reasons, and if it were that 'easy' for them, they wouldn't be overweight. I agree, however, that it's hard for most people to keep weight off.

I've lost 5 kilos in the past four or five weeks. The secret is eating less and healthier and starting exercise (in my case, karate).

All the Biggest Loser was originally about was to speed the whole thing up by strictly controlling the diet according and doing a lot of exercise. The odd challenge as well as the price money was in there to make it viable as a TV show.

I admit I enjoyed the first season in Australia, and the second to an extent. But they got more and more about "twists" and playing emotional music whenever anyone opened their mouth, plus the eventual winner clearly went below a healthy weight by the end of it quite severely. The latest season has just been trying to be a tear jerker, so I stopped watching after about two episodes.

That doesn't sound like something one of the trainers said. You often hear the contestants spouting wive's tales. You can overwork your body, but it causes your body to conserve. You'll retain water and fat as much as possible. It's not a muscle issue though.

I do agree that, for the final weigh-in though, their methodology is ineffective. They should be doing a comparison of body fat lost to total body fat with an offset for the fact that women MUST have more fat than men to stay healthy.

Well, like I said, I was half assing. If I'm watching The Biggest Loser then I can't find the remote and I'm probably futzing around instead of paying strict attention to who said what.

Sounds wacky.


How many times did they use that bloody word? Usually when I see the word wacky, I mentally translate it to mean studpidly unfunny.

I kinda think that's what they're hoping for, too.

I work on a number of these things and it's pretty fucking seedy sometimes. Even the crews don't like these shows. No one says they like reality shows, but some group of fuckers is out there watching them...I mean, they're keeping me in vittles (except these last two months...bastards), but what the hell...

T
There are several reasons I refuse to watch this show:
1. They treat fat people like animals.
2. They focus on the "run fatty run" aspect more than their diet. If tthey showed some of the nutrition aspect it would be much more educational rather than just another reality television show where people are exploited.
3. The exercise is not realistic. Hauling a giant tyre across the beach (or something equally ridiculous) is purely for entertainment value for viewers.

Your thoughts?

The Biggest Loser? The people who watch the show.

It is easy. I have lost over 100 pounds before (and gained it back). All you have to do is eat so little that you are hungry all the time. Eventually it becomes impossible to keep this up, but it isn't that hard for the first few months. By the way I've stopped doing this because it doesn't work. Losing weight a lot more slowly is more likely to get long term results.

EVERYONE who is overweight has an eating disorder and unhealthy lifestyle. I don't know about thyroid problems. People need to stop taking my posts so literally. I don't literally think there are 3 kinds of fat people. I'm making generalizations to make a point about the kind of person they put on reality tv.

Of course you gained it back if that's the way you approached it.

And, no, not everyone who is overweight has an eating disorder and an unhealthy lifestyle. And if you don't know about thyroid problems, perhaps you should use a little thing called Google before saying "EVERYONE" who is overweight has an ED or unhealthy lifestyle.

There are a lot worser reality TV shows out there. At least this one helps people improve and even SAVE their lives. It also gives viewers hope that if the contestants can do it, so can everybody else. The one episode of the American version I watched only showed the contestants in a stair climbing challenge ( 25 minutes of stairs, could I do that???) and working hard at the gym . It did include nutrition and educated us about how much sugar was in soft drinks

The one thing I dislike most about that show is that it isn't the 'biggest loser' that wins. Rather it's the one who is the bitchiest.
I watched a couple of episodes of the British show. There was one guy who had lost an enormous amount - far more than anyone else. Result? The others all voted to kick him off the show. It was just a farce, with the producers fostering and creating artificial tension just for the sake of the cameras.
boring really.

VVV I don't bother with TV much anymore, I did however watch the first episode of the Sarah Connor Chronicles last night because I want to see one of my favourite xkcd comic (http://xkcd.com/311/)s come true, it still needs more.

I had not seen that particular xkcd before, and I am very, very glad I stopped drinking my glass of water before reading it. Brilliant. :D

I had not seen that particular xkcd before, and I am very, very glad I stopped drinking my glass of water before reading it. Brilliant. :D

I think "river tam beats up everybody" should be Obama's campaign slogan.

"vote for me and I will promise you, a hot girl will kick the crap out of everybody she runs into, from new york to california!"

I think "river tam beats up everybody" should be Obama's campaign slogan.

"vote for me and I will promise you, a hot girl will kick the crap out of everybody she runs into, from new york to california!"

River Tam ballet-fighting. We can believe in it!