Living Smart: ‘Biggest Loser’ continues big winning streak

I am not a fan of reality television. The authenticity is questionable and the shenanigans contestants perform are sometimes revolting.

However, when it comes to the “Biggest Loser,” I think it is compelling television.

If you have never struggled with weight issues, the show might seem silly or even repulsive.

If you are one of the 127 million Americans who are overweight, you might be inspired by the drama that unfolds each week.

The show was first broadcast in 2004 and pits contestants against each other in a mix of competitive diet and exercise events.

Contestants are divided into teams, but ultimately compete as individuals as the season progresses. Each vies for a $250,000 grand prize for the highest percentage of weight loss.

Each episode covers one week and follows the same format: an exercise or sports, an emotional weigh-in and an even more emotional team vote to see who will leave the show.

Each team has a personal trainer to support and monitor their progress as well as medical doctors, a psychiatrist and a dietitian. Contestants are sequestered at a campus for the duration of the show where they have no outside interference such as jobs or children.

Their sole focus is weight loss.

Their days consist of one to two hours of resistance training, an hour of high intensity cardiovascular exercise, and up to three hours of low-intensity cardiovascular exercise.

The caloric intake is restricted to 1,100 to 1,500 calories per day for females and 1,500 to 2,300 calories per day for males.

This past season included a contestant from Coolidge—Hollie Self, a 28-year-old teacher and cheerleading coach.

Over the program’s 15 episodes, she lost 106 pounds or 41.6 percent of her body weight and was the second runner-up.

The winner lost 164 pounds or 49.1 percent of his body weight.

Self’s stunning results have made her a minor celebrity with her own blog and many fans.

Why so popular?

The show is going strong in the U.S. with seven million viewers and a multimillion-dollar franchise selling weight-loss products and services.

It has spread worldwide with shows in Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Brazil, Israel and India.

I believe it is popular because so many people, not just in the U.S. with our super-sized meals, but throughout the world are concerned about their weight.

The contestants and their results can be inspiring to viewers, especially to those who have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight.

However, there is a downside.

The contestants are competing to see who loses the biggest percentage of body weight over a relatively short period of time, often losing 10 pounds or more weekly.

Fast weight loss can be dangerous and may lead to increased risks of gallstones, cardiac arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances, hair loss, skin problems and more.

Most physicians and fitness professionals will caution you to lose weight slowly at a rate of no more than one half to one pound per week.

The contestants spend up to six hours per day exercising and many additional hours focused on the weight loss process, including nutrition and motivation.

In the real world, none of us has or wants to spend that amount of time dedicated to weight loss.

As a viewer attempting to lose weight you should also remember that the contestant’s motivation is participating on a reality show viewed by millions of people and the prospect of winning thousands of dollars.

The typical dieter’s motivation is personal and they do not have the support system provided to the contestants.

If you are a viewer attempting to lose weight you can still learn something from and be encouraged by “The Biggest Loser.” Start by recruiting your own team or support system—friends, family, a trainer, a weight loss support group.

It is essential to change your eating habits, incorporate daily physical activity or exercise into your life, and consume fewer calories than you burn.

Know that you can reach your weight loss goals and be a big loser, too!

Green Valley resident Ann Sirianni is a certified personal trainer. Contact her at 465-1221 or gvfitness@cox.net.