Thinking deeply about why so many people watched "The Biggest Loser" becomes disheartening quickly. Sure, some people may watch for the "inspirational" messaging and the hopeful idea that, with enough hard work, you can make some big changes to your weight. But some believe (via The Atlantic) that "The Biggest Loser" is a hit show for a different, less positive reason: It exploits people, capitalizing off their punitive treatment and unsafe weight loss. It also reinforces several incorrect narratives: One, that weight loss is always as simple as diet and exercise; two, that people are big due to laziness or lack of effort; and three, that a thinner body always equals better health.
On top of promoting these false narratives, the show features ruthless trainers known for their "tough love" approach to motivating contestants. The show's most notorious trainer Jillian Michaels has been known for saying things like, "I'm proud that I made him vomit," "I don't care if people die on this floor. You better die looking good," and "It's fun watching people suffer like that" (per The Guardian).
Michaels eventually left "The Biggest Loser" in 2014 when it was reported that she was concerned about the show's mistreatment of contestants, according to People magazine (per the New York Post). However, the punitive and harsh nature of the show — and Michaels' training methods — offers shock value, which, unfortunately, is a goldmine for reality television.
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