Is 'Biggest Loser' Going Too Far?

By Mike Hess Posted Dec 15th 2009 05:50PM

It seems that the girth of those hoping to shed pounds on 'The Biggest Loser' is proportional to how many people tune in, as last week's finale scored the heftiest 'Loser' ratings since 2005. Capitalizing on that ratio, 'Loser' is going even bigger with its next season, when 526 pound Michael Ventrella -- the show's largest contestant ever -- tips the scales for the show's ninth season. Prior to Ventrella's 500+ pound weigh-in, the heaviest contestant was in season eight, when Shay Sorrells began the show at 476 pounds. While 'Loser' has certainly helped save and change the lives of those who participate, does striving to help the morbidly obese become exploitation when the pound tallies keep going up and their "heaviest ever" status is used to promote the show? Or is it simply indicative of an ever-expanding America? After the jump, a slew of media experts weigh in.

Sandy Deane, Managing Editor of AOL Television: "It may seem sensationalist and overly dramatic on the surface, but I think the heart of the show is always focused on making the biggest impact in these people's lives. The heavier the contestant, the bigger the risks, successes and failures for that contestant. The people of our nation are heavier than ever before, and I think the casting of larger people each season just reflects that disturbing national trend."

Alex Blagg, Executive Editor at Celebuzz: "This is America, so bigger is always better. Why would I want to watch a 500 pound morbidly obese woman run on a treadmill towards her body image goals when I could be watching a 600 pound morbidly obese person do the same thing? By the fall season of 2012, I fully expect to see has-been soap stars shouting at 1,000-pound bed-ridden obese people about doing some sit-ups."

Emma Rosenblum, Associate Editor at New York Magazine: "On the one hand, it's great that people like Shay and Daniel (the two biggest contestants in the show's history) are getting the kind of weight loss kick start they need in order to live longer, healthier lives. But it's clear that the show is using them to up the dramatic (and visual) ante. If these people want to be on 'Loser,' with all that it entails, I say more power to them. They just have to be willing to subject themselves to those embarrassing promos –– who wants to be featured on national TV as the "heaviest contestant...EVER!" –– and also live with the knowledge that some viewers might be watching specifically to 'ohh' and 'ahh' at their impressive weight."

Matthew Greenberg, TV Writer for TrueSlant: Of course NBC and 'Biggest Loser' are exploiting the contestants. All reality programming is, at some level, based on exploitation. The genius in 'Biggest Loser' is that -- while at its base -- it's a sideshow show where the audience is invited to come and stare at the morbidly obese and their emotional issues. The show also helps its contestants better their lives, which provides emotional story lines that resonate with the audience and reduce the sleaze factor of the show. It's a sideshow you can feel good about ... By touting "our contestants are even fatter than last year!" the show runs the risk of reminding folks about the unsavory part of the equation."

Susi May, Editor at FitSugar: "While I think the show is motivational, they do seem to be going for extremes to breathe life into their concept. I am not sure if I could simply say it is OK or it not, because it is true -- these contestants are heavier. So what does that say about us as viewers? Are we truly motivated by watching people that can't walk a mile on a treadmill?"

Alex Balk, Editor of TheAwl.com: "It's a wonderful thing that American television, which has itself played a part in our national obesity epidemic, is playing a small part to help some of their viewers become less massive."

Tags: biggest loser, BiggestLoser, nbc, weight loss, WeightLoss

Comments

(97)

Tuesday 15 December

By Skippie22

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Sorry -- when was this show *not* exploitative?

By Bruce Larson

God Bless these folks for wanting to lose weight.
Obesity is a major health problem in our Country.
For example, if you are 50 pounds over weight, it is like getting up every morning and putting on a back pack that weighs 50 pounds, and carrying it around all day.
It puts major stress on your knees, joints, posture, and heart.
It is so sad to see so many of our teens and young adults that are over weight today, feasting on the fast foods they are bombarded with by the media.

Wednesday 16 December

By Michael

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what?? god bless them?? its their fault for getting so fat in the first place

By Barbara Dunnermann

It may be 'exploitative' as you see it, but it also gives hope to any one else who may be morbidly obese. And if they can't improve the quality of life for those who ARE 'morbidly obese' by getting to the bottom of their psychological issues, what would be the purpose? But they DO that! AND they improve the health of those people to the extent that they can get off of most of the drugs that they have to take BECAUSE of the obesity. The MORBIDLY obese are the ones most in need of this program. So I, for one, am happy to see them take on those who are extremely over weight.

By Karen

Hello am I missing something, isn't the biggest loser about fat people????? And about getting healthy????

By Tess

I think the show "the biggest loser" should continue to teach the viewers also all the tricks on losing weight..... To actually have the show talk more about - things to eat, etc........ by doing this, then they can help overweight people to start to help themselves lose weight on our own!.

By daniele

i think its totally wrong to call them losers! first off if they r trying to loose weight dont discorage them! whose ever idea the show was is a jerk!

By Jimi Hendrix

Uh dur that's why they're calling them losers, cause they're losing weight

By THOMAS

They are trying to Lose weight. Their clothes will be Loose when they do.

By James

You are obviously FAT. They are losers in two senses of the word too. Fat will never be cool. It is pathetic. All you have to do is eat less. Get it?

By Christina

They're not calling them losers to lessen their self esteem, it's because they're losing weight. The one who loses the most weight is the one who is the biggest loser--meaning they lost the most weight, not that they're losers in a derogatory sense. The show is a way to promote weight loss and hopefully put a stop to the obesity epidemic.

Thursday 17 December

By quanton

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you are so righ

By JR

They call them losers because of the lbs that have lost ...how is that making fun of them???

By Kat

The point of the show is to help these overweight (don't call them obese - it's mean) men and women - just like us, but have a flaw that make them imperfect. Aren't we all imperfect? I thought so. Now, let these people speak for themselves, and show the world how obese people can actually do something. I love this show, and I believe you should see it. It gets you motivated - not to just lose weight alone, but maybe to pursue something you want. These people that can go in front of millions, are real heroes. Also, Shay - You are just an idol everywhere. Lots of people I know - LOOK UP TO YOU. So, look at it all. So many people are overweight - but we can fix it - all with this MOVEMENT of a show. So, I end with a great heads-up that a new season is up, so - watch it. I'll make you learn a lesson or two - illitteral.

By Jerichar9

Unfortunately illiteracy is a problem in this country too.

By john mares

Daniele,
The word "loser" refers to the one who can lose the most weight, not that the person is a loser.
I know you know that.

By Joann

What they mean by the biggest loser is the one who loses the most weight , they are not degrading them at all.This show is very good for people that have tried everything and failed , I wish they didn't have to pose in those scimppy clothes or I would be on that show ,to try and win that money. Good Luck to all that are trying , keep up the good work.

By Paula

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Hi, I agree with you the name needs to be changed I have weight I need to lose they came to the state I live in to find recruits for the show, I could not go those clothes they make you wear I don't mind my weight being shown but I could never wear those.

By KISUJO

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I have not heard one contestant beat themselves with the self-imposed label of "LOSER." It would appear that this is greater issue of personal stigma for yourself that you may be projecting onto the contestants. I hear THEM talking about how the show is GIVING THEM THEIR LIVES BACK. Therapy might help here.

By Lisa

TESS, THERE ARE NO "TRICKS" AS YOU CALL IT. IT'S DIET AND EXERCISE GET IT? DIET AND EXERCISE. YOU DON'T NEED "TRICKS" FROM THE BIGGEST LOSER TO LOSE WEIGHT. I'M SURE THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD EAT AND WHAT YOU SHOULDN'T.
AS FOR THEM GOING BIGGER AND BIGGER FOR RATINGS. I DON'T THINK THIS IS WHAT THEY ARE DOING. THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD ARE GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER SO THEY WILL HAVE BIGGER CONTESTANTS EACH YEAR.

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