The Biggest Loser: A Critical Analysis

The Biggest Loser has been a popular television show for many years, but its latest season has sparked controversy among viewers and critics alike. As a fan of the show, I was excited to dive into the critiques presented by Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon of Maintenance Phase, a podcast that offers a fat-positive and evidence-based perspective on health and wellness.

One of the main criticisms of The Biggest Loser is its unrealistic portrayal of weight loss. According to contestants, the 'first week' is actually more like 2-3 weeks, which is an unsustainable rate of supposed weight loss not documented in medical studies. Additionally, the show's method of weight loss, which involves living in a big ranch house with strangers for months on end and doing little else, is not found in the medical literature.

Another criticism is that the participants chosen for the show are fat people with emotional eating issues who don't exercise and are extremely unhappy with their weight. This raises questions about the kind of participants they choose and whether it's representative of the broader population of people struggling with their weight.

Mike and Aubrey also point out that TBL is wildly unrealistic, citing the extreme measures taken by contestants to lose weight, such as extreme exercise and eating restriction. They also highlight the potential triggers and trauma that some viewers may experience while watching the show, particularly those who have experienced eating disorders or body dysmorphia.

Overall, The Biggest Loser has been criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of weight loss, its lack of representation of diverse participants, and its potential triggers and trauma for viewers. While it's entertaining to watch, it's important to consider the broader implications of this kind of media on our society and culture.

The Biggest Loser is a show that has sparked controversy among viewers and critics alike. Its unrealistic portrayal of weight loss, lack of representation of diverse participants, and potential triggers and trauma for viewers have all been criticized by fans and experts alike. As we move forward in 2021, it's important to consider the kind of media we consume and how it affects our society and culture.

References

* Maintenance Phase podcast

* Medical studies on weight loss

* Critiques of The Biggest Loser

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