Answers (11)
1
The question I find myself asking is what kind of messages is it sending the viewers? What will the viewers expect when it's their turn to lose weight? I'm glad that it's a popular show and it seems like some of the contestants enjoy a long term change.
Some people say it motivates them to see people in worse physical shape than them and they keep watching because they get a rush from seeing the transformation. With that being said, many people will find that losing weight as fast as possible might not be as effective in the long run as losing it slowly with a permanent lifestyle change.
On the other hand, a fast change could be emotionally rewarding. Could this emotional force translate into lasting results?
Some people say it motivates them to see people in worse physical shape than them and they keep watching because they get a rush from seeing the transformation. With that being said, many people will find that losing weight as fast as possible might not be as effective in the long run as losing it slowly with a permanent lifestyle change.
On the other hand, a fast change could be emotionally rewarding. Could this emotional force translate into lasting results?
1
I personally like the show. I was one of "those people" that you see on the show. I was over 230lbs. It inspired me. I was working with a personal trainer during one of the shows and I would ask my trainer about things I would see on the show. She would constantly remind me that what I see on tv is a controlled situation and that I would not see results as fast. But I figured if "they" can do it, I could do it too! Here I am a personal trainer helping those who are in the same boat as those on the show and the one that I was in.
So I think as a trainer it is our job to motivate our clients evenif it means putting the reality into reality tv like the Biggest Loser. You don't know who might be inspired to step into a gym because they saw it on tv. I know it helped me! Along with an awsome trainer!
Tami
So I think as a trainer it is our job to motivate our clients evenif it means putting the reality into reality tv like the Biggest Loser. You don't know who might be inspired to step into a gym because they saw it on tv. I know it helped me! Along with an awsome trainer!
Tami
0
What do you mean by any credibility? Do they get ratings? yes. Do they get people in shape? yes. Do they cut out progressions for a better show? yes. Do I agree with anything that I see on the show? more no than yes. I can't stand seeing obese people doing plyo!!! for starters. Has the show made a difference nationwide? to and extent I would have to say yes. Is it all positive? no.
0
I think it's an interesting thing to see that although many lives have claimed to be transformed by the show, the contestants are heavier and heavier each season. I haven't seen this current season since the first episode but it is clear to me that the core of any weight loss program is finding out how the client got to such a large weight. There is almost always an emotional component and the show is really good about reminding us of that.
Of course, when it comes to drawing out the emotional, I think Jillian was great at it. I just don't like the game play aspect of the show. That's why it's easier for me to watch shows like "I Used to be Fat," "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," and "Heavy." I'm searching for programs on TV that I can use as good examples of healthy weight loss so I have seen some not so good shows. What is important is to remember that we can still learn something from the appeal of shows like "The Biggest Loser" while remembering that it's just one of many TV shows about weight loss.
Of course, when it comes to drawing out the emotional, I think Jillian was great at it. I just don't like the game play aspect of the show. That's why it's easier for me to watch shows like "I Used to be Fat," "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," and "Heavy." I'm searching for programs on TV that I can use as good examples of healthy weight loss so I have seen some not so good shows. What is important is to remember that we can still learn something from the appeal of shows like "The Biggest Loser" while remembering that it's just one of many TV shows about weight loss.
0
Yes, I certainly do believe The Biggest Loser has credibility with viewers. Success sells! I applaud the trainers for the excellent results we see every season of the popular show, and also appreciate how inspirational and motivational the contestants are to others needing to make a change.
However I must continually remind my clients, the rapid physical changes we see in the contestants, though framed in the context of reality television are attained in a controlled environment, which is NOT our reality. While on the ranch contestants have the availability of expert trainers and an equipped gym, along with medical staff, diet supervision and a strict daily regimen apart from normal life, former habits and enabling relationships.
The Biggest Loser nonetheless proves change can happen—and at home, too! In my opinion, reality takes just as much sweat, yet greater patience, perseverance and willpower.
However I must continually remind my clients, the rapid physical changes we see in the contestants, though framed in the context of reality television are attained in a controlled environment, which is NOT our reality. While on the ranch contestants have the availability of expert trainers and an equipped gym, along with medical staff, diet supervision and a strict daily regimen apart from normal life, former habits and enabling relationships.
The Biggest Loser nonetheless proves change can happen—and at home, too! In my opinion, reality takes just as much sweat, yet greater patience, perseverance and willpower.
0
Credibility - NO
Attracts a large audience - Yes
- Television has to produce content that people want to watch. The show is blown out of proportion in terms of weight loss and gives a false hope for many people. I encourage people to not watch it - Preferably to no watch tv at all!
Fuel the movement,
JM
Attracts a large audience - Yes
- Television has to produce content that people want to watch. The show is blown out of proportion in terms of weight loss and gives a false hope for many people. I encourage people to not watch it - Preferably to no watch tv at all!
Fuel the movement,
JM
0
I'm with Jason on this one.
I do think that the show offers false hope to those who are similar situations. The resources provided to the contestants would easily cost the average person thousands of dollars and countless time spent solely on losing weight and improving fitness. The show is great. I have my qualms, which I don't think I'll express here because of the nature of those qualms. However, I do think that it's a great idea in theory. As far as being applied to everyday life... .... Absolutely no credibility whatsoever in my honest opinion. It's inspiring, and as long as people don't look at this as the AVERAGE rate of success, then I think they'll be ok. The key is to get educated and make those small adjustments that add up to a big change in lifestyle. The Biggest Loser more or less sends the contestants to "fat camp" where everything is controlled. Do they have choice? Absolutely, but not as much choice as they WOULD have in the real world. This fact alone is what translates into a lack of "reality" or credibility for me.
I applaud the efforts of the contestants and the trainers on the show. The show has definitely been an inspiration to many people, and has become a household name. At my university, the Fitness Program offers a "Biggest Loser" program that has seen a lot of permanent success, so far, for the clients served in that program. There very well may be something to it! However, it won't be a method that I'll be applying anytime soon with my clients.
I do think that the show offers false hope to those who are similar situations. The resources provided to the contestants would easily cost the average person thousands of dollars and countless time spent solely on losing weight and improving fitness. The show is great. I have my qualms, which I don't think I'll express here because of the nature of those qualms. However, I do think that it's a great idea in theory. As far as being applied to everyday life... .... Absolutely no credibility whatsoever in my honest opinion. It's inspiring, and as long as people don't look at this as the AVERAGE rate of success, then I think they'll be ok. The key is to get educated and make those small adjustments that add up to a big change in lifestyle. The Biggest Loser more or less sends the contestants to "fat camp" where everything is controlled. Do they have choice? Absolutely, but not as much choice as they WOULD have in the real world. This fact alone is what translates into a lack of "reality" or credibility for me.
I applaud the efforts of the contestants and the trainers on the show. The show has definitely been an inspiration to many people, and has become a household name. At my university, the Fitness Program offers a "Biggest Loser" program that has seen a lot of permanent success, so far, for the clients served in that program. There very well may be something to it! However, it won't be a method that I'll be applying anytime soon with my clients.
0
It has plenty of credibility with its viewers. I know this because I hear about it almost every day! MANY people believe that the contestants results are easily obtainable in the duration of time it takes to watch the show, though that is quite obviously not the case. It has limited to no credibility amongst the fitness professionals within my circle. I know this because I hear about it almost every day!
0
It has the impact of celebrity which is extremely socially credible. It's an advertisement of fantasy land similar to most all other marketing. The goal is sales, not science but people will follow it because it has notoriety.
The mis-leading results are not helpful but neither is the credibility of erroneous "before/after" pictures. The inspiration and impact of the show is, however, incredibly powerful for getting personal fitness to the forefront of people's minds.
The mis-leading results are not helpful but neither is the credibility of erroneous "before/after" pictures. The inspiration and impact of the show is, however, incredibly powerful for getting personal fitness to the forefront of people's minds.
0
As a fitness professional I view that show NOT as an "all-or-none" situation. What I mean by that is that even though I don't agree with some (or a lot) of the methodology used, there are some redeeming values to some of what they do. The real problem, in my opinion, is that for the lay-public viewing this show they can get some very unrealistic views on what it means (and takes) to become "healthier" and "fitter."
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
When I have potential clients who come to me and say can they lose 50+ pounds in a month or two after a Biggest Loser episode, I smile and have a reality discussion with them. Show no good, I like the gyma and equipment, but that is it.
