Comments on: Is The Biggest Loser Realistic? http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html Real People Real Results Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:17:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.3 By: IronOrchid http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-728 IronOrchid Mon, 22 Oct 2007 23:25:27 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-728 There was an article in a newspaper the other day about it. As they described the participants train several times a day (1 -1,5 hours resistance and weight training, 3 hours of aerobics) and consume 1300-1500/1500-2000 calories (depends on gender), there are also MDs monitoring them, the very professional coaches and they have all the time in the world only for themselves. So, they train as professional athletes but eat less. So I see no reason why anybody would not loose weight under these circumstances. :) And how fast it happens depends on genetics and their own metabolism. There was an article in a newspaper the other day about it. As they described the participants train several times a day (1 -1,5 hours resistance and weight training, 3 hours of aerobics) and consume 1300-1500/1500-2000 calories (depends on gender), there are also MDs monitoring them, the very professional coaches and they have all the time in the world only for themselves.

So, they train as professional athletes but eat less. So I see no reason why anybody would not loose weight under these circumstances. :) And how fast it happens depends on genetics and their own metabolism.

]]> By: Rob http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-729 Rob Mon, 22 Oct 2007 23:29:23 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-729 Yes, but for someone not on the show, is it realistic. Yes, but for someone not on the show, is it realistic.

]]> By: Marla http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-740 Marla Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:17:12 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-740 I think it shows that losing weight is <strong>possible</strong>, which is a big first step for a lot of people. And often people need a significant loss at first to persuade them it's worth it. If you've got 200 pounds to lose, seeing a half a pound a week is not motivating. But the hothouse environment is not attainable for anyone else. In my opinion they are eating unrealistically low calories for the amount of activity -- that's OK for a few weeks at a time (to cut for a specific event for instance) but not the kind of diet any should keep up for months or years, let alone be <em>able</em> to keep up, mentally. I don't know much about their experiences after the show is over, though. I haven't followed it much. I think it shows that losing weight is possible, which is a big first step for a lot of people. And often people need a significant loss at first to persuade them it’s worth it. If you’ve got 200 pounds to lose, seeing a half a pound a week is not motivating.

But the hothouse environment is not attainable for anyone else. In my opinion they are eating unrealistically low calories for the amount of activity — that’s OK for a few weeks at a time (to cut for a specific event for instance) but not the kind of diet any should keep up for months or years, let alone be able to keep up, mentally.

I don’t know much about their experiences after the show is over, though. I haven’t followed it much.

]]> By: Skinny Guy http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-750 Skinny Guy Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:52:46 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-750 Biggest Loser is and will always be <em>entertainment</em> first. As a weight loss program, it works for those on the show because they are sequestered away from their families, friends, jobs and other stressful distractions while using drastic measures to achieve drastic results. The way it is packaged on TV makes it look like another magic solution to people's weight problems. But like many other reality shows (which are hardly ever based on reality) it can be as entertaining as heck, which is why it is so popular especially since more people can relate to being overweight than can relate to being stranded on a tropical island. Realistic? No Setting people up for failure? Only those without realistic expectations for weight loss Biggest Loser is and will always be entertainment first. As a weight loss program, it works for those on the show because they are sequestered away from their families, friends, jobs and other stressful distractions while using drastic measures to achieve drastic results. The way it is packaged on TV makes it look like another magic solution to people’s weight problems. But like many other reality shows (which are hardly ever based on reality) it can be as entertaining as heck, which is why it is so popular especially since more people can relate to being overweight than can relate to being stranded on a tropical island.

Realistic? No
Setting people up for failure? Only those without realistic expectations for weight loss

]]> By: Don Gwinn http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-766 Don Gwinn Fri, 26 Oct 2007 17:03:47 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-766 I voted yes. It's realistic for the people involved. The rest of us just watch it on TV anyway (well, I've seen it a few times, anyway.) They just eat little and exercise a lot. Of course that's a realistic way to lose weight. I voted yes. It’s realistic for the people involved. The rest of us just watch it on TV anyway (well, I’ve seen it a few times, anyway.)
They just eat little and exercise a lot. Of course that’s a realistic way to lose weight.

]]> By: Kristin http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-798 Kristin Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:19:37 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-798 I voted no. The reason is because it's not the norm to lose that much weight in the time frame of which they do. Those results are not typical. I voted no. The reason is because it’s not the norm to lose that much weight in the time frame of which they do. Those results are not typical.

]]> By: Laura http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-809 Laura Sun, 04 Nov 2007 04:04:12 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-809 I think the show is somewhat realistic in the fact that it can help everyday people on their weightloss journey. The one thing that bugs me about the show is how little they discuss food. What you put in your mouth is so important but it is not touched on very often in the show. I can truly empatize with those on the show and I find it motivating to watch. The real proof is in can they keep the weight off. I think the show is somewhat realistic in the fact that it can help everyday people on their weightloss journey. The one thing that bugs me about the show is how little they discuss food. What you put in your mouth is so important but it is not touched on very often in the show. I can truly empatize with those on the show and I find it motivating to watch. The real proof is in can they keep the weight off.

]]> By: Doc http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-820 Doc Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:23:03 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-820 with 4 hours of exercise a day and limited diet to 1500 calories, those people should be losing 5 lbs a week (estimate 1200 calories exercise, 1500 calorie deficit) or more. can't see why they are not losing more weight. with 4 hours of exercise a day and limited diet to 1500 calories, those people should be losing 5 lbs a week (estimate 1200 calories exercise, 1500 calorie deficit) or more. can’t see why they are not losing more weight.

]]> By: FitPro http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-837 FitPro Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:04:01 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-837 I am watching the Biggest Loser tonight for the third time since the show began airing. (I don't watch much television)However, EVERY time I see this show I am so angry that I could scream. As a fitness professional, I am so frustrated that this garbage continues to mislead people about what is possible. The morbidly obese individuals on the show are doing incredible amounts of unsafe and ineffective exercise that should not be mimicked by the general population. Not only is it unrealistic, but terribly irresponsible. The contestants are allowed to have terrible form while exercising (spinning out of control on Indoor Cycling bikes with no apparent resistance or coaching) and put through humiliating "challenges" (I witnessed a donut eating contest while looking for $5000-Yeah America!...donuts for dollars...) Anyway I am clearly ranting, but here's the deal...Wake up people. You didn't gain three hundred pounds in a year and your not gonna lose it like that either. Lifelong committment to change and change in your priorities is about the only thing that will make it happen. Start by turning off the TV and going for a walk. I am watching the Biggest Loser tonight for the third time since the show began airing. (I don’t watch much television)However, EVERY time I see this show I am so angry that I could scream. As a fitness professional, I am so frustrated that this garbage continues to mislead people about what is possible. The morbidly obese individuals on the show are doing incredible amounts of unsafe and ineffective exercise that should not be mimicked by the general population. Not only is it unrealistic, but terribly irresponsible. The contestants are allowed to have terrible form while exercising (spinning out of control on Indoor Cycling bikes with no apparent resistance or coaching) and put through humiliating “challenges” (I witnessed a donut eating contest while looking for $5000-Yeah America!…donuts for dollars…) Anyway I am clearly ranting, but here’s the deal…Wake up people. You didn’t gain three hundred pounds in a year and your not gonna lose it like that either. Lifelong committment to change and change in your priorities is about the only thing that will make it happen. Start by turning off the TV and going for a walk.

]]> By: Rob http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-838 Rob Wed, 14 Nov 2007 03:27:19 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-838 FitPro, I love the passion in your message. I teach a change in lifestyle, an approach to health by incorporating whole food meals and strength training. Thanks for your comments FitPro, I love the passion in your message.

I teach a change in lifestyle, an approach to health by incorporating whole food meals and strength training.

Thanks for your comments

]]> By: Janet http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-1364 Janet Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:03:01 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-1364 Weight loss that is that rapid seems dangerous to me. Having a doctor right there isn't magic, it's simply a layer of protection. I will be interested to see the long term effects of this rapid weight loss. Last night the final 4 contestants, especially the men, were beginning to look gaunt, almost sickly. To lose over 2 pounds a day for a week, after all those weeks of weight loss made my husband and I wonder if they'd starved themselves that week and had gone into dehydration for that final weigh in. I'm working on my health first. If my weight follows, that'll be great. A year ago I was walking badly, in a lot of pain, with a cane. 8 months ago I was down to using a walker, feeling depressed. I got surgical help for a damaged knee finally. I'm 62. Then I started working on my fitness. I may always walk funny, I don't know. But I'm no longer using a cane or walker. These days I'm enjoying my life. I bought a recumbent tricycle and ride around town on that. It's so much fun I can't wipe the grin off my silly face when I'm out on it. I've known people who have damaged their health with rapid weight loss and excessive dieting. I just don't want to do that. And my opinion for my OWN fitness quest is that I have to make it fun. Health and fitness are my emphasis. Maybe weight loss will be a side-effect. Janet Weight loss that is that rapid seems dangerous to me. Having a doctor right there isn’t magic, it’s simply a layer of protection.

I will be interested to see the long term effects of this rapid weight loss.

Last night the final 4 contestants, especially the men, were beginning to look gaunt, almost sickly. To lose over 2 pounds a day for a week, after all those weeks of weight loss made my husband and I wonder if they’d starved themselves that week and had gone into dehydration for that final weigh in.

I’m working on my health first. If my weight follows, that’ll be great. A year ago I was walking badly, in a lot of pain, with a cane. 8 months ago I was down to using a walker, feeling depressed. I got surgical help for a damaged knee finally. I’m 62.

Then I started working on my fitness. I may always walk funny, I don’t know. But I’m no longer using a cane or walker.

These days I’m enjoying my life. I bought a recumbent tricycle and ride around town on that. It’s so much fun I can’t wipe the grin off my silly face when I’m out on it.

I’ve known people who have damaged their health with rapid weight loss and excessive dieting. I just don’t want to do that.

And my opinion for my OWN fitness quest is that I have to make it fun. Health and fitness are my emphasis. Maybe weight loss will be a side-effect.

Janet

]]> By: Rob http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-1366 Rob Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:53:10 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-1366 Beautifully put Janet! Health first, weight loss as a side effect. That's my motto Beautifully put Janet! Health first, weight loss as a side effect. That’s my motto

]]> By: David H. http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-1556 David H. Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:51:29 +0000 http://www.formerfatguyblog.com/2007/10/22/is-the-biggest-loser-realistic.html#comment-1556 One of the 4th season contestants, Isabeau Miller, became a personal trainer to "pay it forward." She's started her own fit camp, and her website is Rock Hard Body and Soul, I think. BUT, she has put some weight back on, not all of it, though (see the FitCamp videos at http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/). So does it work long-term or only when you commit to working out for long stretches of time and going hungry? What about the effects of excess exercise on the body, such as too much cortisol? I don't think it's healthy. One of the 4th season contestants, Isabeau Miller, became a personal trainer to “pay it forward.” She’s started her own fit camp, and her website is Rock Hard Body and Soul, I think. BUT, she has put some weight back on, not all of it, though (see the FitCamp videos at http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/).
So does it work long-term or only when you commit to working out for long stretches of time and going hungry? What about the effects of excess exercise on the body, such as too much cortisol? I don’t think it’s healthy.

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