Do you feel shows like the Biggest Loser make our job easier or harder?
I feel shows like this have unrealistic results compared to most individuals. This then can make clients expect similar, yet unrealistic results. Still shows like this tend to motivate people and get them interested in losing weight/fat. Do shows like this help or hurt our industry? Your thoughts?
I think it depends on the person watching and their previous education and experience with weight loss. If they are the kind of person that often makes decisions based on what they see on TV, it could do one of two things. 1. They could be totally inspired by what they see and even have a contestant as a role model and realize that even though they might lose weight at a different pace from their role model they can find the determination to do it their own way. 2. They could see people losing weight at superhuman speed and feel like working out extra hard and cutting calories will make them a weight loss machine; potentially injuring themselves or quickly hitting a weight loss plateau. Maybe we as fitness professionals can facilitate the first scenario for clients that have an emotional connection to the show.