“The Biggest Loser” may have been cancelled years ago, but its lasting influence reveals a concerning reality about how Americans talk about weight and bodies. A new Netflix docuseries, “Fit for TV: The Reality of ‘The Biggest Loser’,” shines a light on the show’s impact on contestants and viewers alike.
The highly popular competition series was known for pushing contestants to extreme limits, with diets as low as 1,200 calories per day and exercise regimens spanning eight hours. While some contestants found empowerment in the show, others experienced shame and humiliation.
Experts say that such extreme measures can lead to significant health risks, including gallbladder complications, muscle loss, and nutritional deficits. Overexercising can also result in heart problems, dehydration, and injury.
One theme that kept viewers coming back was the hope for a dramatic weight loss transformation. However, research shows that many contestants regained most or all of their lost weight over time, often due to unrealistic expectations and unsustainable lifestyles.
The docuseries also highlights how “The Biggest Loser” perpetuated negative stereotypes about body size and promoted a culture of shame around fatness. This can have lasting effects on viewers, who may internalize these negative messages and affect their self-perception.
As the show’s director noted, “There’s not any way that an entertaining show and a health show can 100% exist together.” The docuseries serves as a reminder that true health and wellness require balanced lifestyles and self-acceptance.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/15/health/biggest-loser-documentary-fit-for-tv-wellness