Study reveals shocking impact of reality weight loss show
This comes amid a new Netflix documentary that has shed some light on what really went down behind the scenes of one of the most infamous reality shows ever.
In 2004, NBC premiered a reality show that was unlike anything anyone had ever seen and that would forever impact pop culture.
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'The Biggest Loser' quickly became a hit with millions tuning in for the season one finale and running for 18 seasons.
The premise was simple: "a group of people deemed overweight would compete in a 30-week competition with the goal of losing as many pounds as possible. The person who shed the most was crowned 'the biggest loser'."
Thanks to a brand-new Netflix documentary, a new generation of viewers will see the show in a whole different light.
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While the original reality show was a perfect product for its time, this documentary takes you behind the scenes and reveals some dark secrets.
The documentary 'Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser' has shocked viewers by exposing some of the horrific practices that took place.
One contestant also claims that she almost died doing a task on the show.
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During the original show's run, it received major criticism, with people questioning how sustainable and genuine the weight loss was.
Was it all just for show and ratings? Possibly.
A 2017 study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in collaboration with Towson University, examined the comparative weight loss of 14 'The Biggest Loser' contestants on the show versus six years later.
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During their time on the show, the contestants were kept in isolated villas with access to only healthy food and expert personal trainers.
According to one participant, they were made to workout up to eight hours a day.
The study investigated whether contestants maintained their significantly reduced weights upon returning home.
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It found that all 14 contestants had reduced metabolisms compared to the rates measured before the show.
All except one regained weight after returning home; one had gained more weight and was heavier than before the show.
When the study was released, season eight winner Danny Cahill spoke to ABC News. He had lost 108kg during his three-week stint and finished at 86kg.
This was the most weight lost by a contestant ever.
I did feel like a million bucks for a couple years I kept the weight off completely. I wondered why others were gaining it back. I was working out two hours a day and riding my bike all over town to go where I was going. Once that stopped, the weight started creeping back on. When we found this out we were like, 'Okay, some of it is not our fault.' It is our responsibility, but some of it has to do with this science.
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He also mentioned that he regained 45kg, and due to his lowered metabolism, he had to work out three to four times more than before the show.
The producers of the show responded to the interview with a statement:
We have comprehensive procedures and support systems in place which we routinely re-evaluate to ensure all contestants receive the best care possible. The lead medical doctor on the show, who has worked with the National Institutes of Health on initiatives in the past relating to ‘The Biggest Loser,’ has been made aware of this most recent study and is in the process of evaluating its findings.
Now, decades later, the show again receives backlash as the Netflix doc shines the spotlight on this possibly problematic series.
Netflix writes: "Featuring interviews with former contestants, a trainer, producers, and health professionals, it examines the balance between entertainment and well-being, and what it truly means to pursue lasting change."
Watch the trailer here:
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