In the mid-2000s, reality TV shows like Big Brother and The Jeremy Kyle Show paved the way for weight loss programs. These shows promised instant results but often left contestants with severe health consequences. One such show was NBC’s The Biggest Loser.
The show’s format, which included humiliating tasks and fitness coaches screaming abuse at contestants, has been widely criticized. Many former contestants have reported regaining their lost weight, and some even experienced serious health problems. Season eight winner Danny Cahill, who is featured in the documentary “Fit for TV,” struggles with his weight and admits that losing weight quickly was not a sustainable way to combat obesity.
The show’s lack of aftercare has also been questioned. Former contestants like Ryan Benson, who won season one, say they lost focus on getting healthy due to the pressure to win. The trainers, including Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, were often more focused on winning than helping their contestants.
Aubrey Gordon, a podcaster and writer, suggests that The Biggest Loser was trying to do “deep emotional work” but instead misled its participants. The show’s trainers became pseudo-therapists, using carrot-and-stick tactics to motivate contestants.
While the documentary about The Biggest Loser has some flaws, it sheds light on the darker side of reality TV and the consequences for those who participate. As the genre continues to evolve, it’s essential to acknowledge the responsibility that comes with producing shows that can have a significant impact on viewers’ lives.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/aug/15/fit-for-tv-the-reality-of-the-biggest-loser-review-netflix