I was watching tonight and this guy lost 216 pounds in a year. He started out at 459. Losing 100 pound in a year was, for me, a lot. I am sure this young man's life has changed in amazing ways, but watching this show twice now has caused me frustration and concern for the message that this show sends.
~ They always set a 3-month goal for the first 90 days. On the first episode the goal was for a woman to lose 86 pounds. Tonight he was suppose to lose 100 pounds in 3 months. That is a pound of day! How can that possibly be safe? While losing 100 pounds in a year was within the suggested 1-2 pounds a week; I battled with dizziness, fluctuations in my menstrual cycle, and headaches. How can these people be losing a pound a day and not suffer extreme side effects?
~ For the first 3 months the trainer moves in with the participant. Who can do that? I know that this is a TV show, but people that have 100+ pounds to lose don't recognize that they can not expect the same results. I know that I would watch Biggest Loser and think, "They've lost 20 pounds in a week, why can't I do that?". OR I'd think, "Of course I can't lose weight. Look at all they have (trainer, home gym, etc). I don't have any of those things."
~ Final rant.... At the 9 month mark the participants are offered excess skin removal surgery if they've lose a certain percentage of their weight. Here's how the scene has unfolded for the first two episodes....
Pre-op appointment where the patient is approved for surgery
patient is being rolled into surgery
3 months later- final weigh in
AHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I kid you not! Having the decision to have excess skin removed is a huge decision that involves a lengthy recovery- both physically and emotionally. It's not just a fade out and *poof* there you are 3 months later. You are skinnier, look great and have conquered the weight loss world.
Here's the reality of losing weight- It takes time. It is hard work. It can be lonely at times. Once you reach your goal weight you've only just begun.
The rewards are amazing!
