- Image by www.WinningMan.com via Flickr
As filming has begun on the next series of Biggest Loser in Australia, I was thinking does this reality show help or hinder the over weight problem in Australia.
The journal Obesity Management explored the attitudes of people toward the Biggest Loser here in Australia. The group they surveyed were overweight: 42% classified as obese and 58% as morbidly obese. Here are the results:
- 48% watched the show because they identified with the participants personal struggles;
- 17% watched for education and information;
- 71% thought the basic concept was negative and even offensive;
- 41% felt the show promoted “weight loss techniques that the majority of obese people couldn’t access or afford”;
- 25% felt the rapid weight loss emphasis was a dangerous message for the community to hear.
I guess whether you love or hate the methods that Michelle Bridges and Shannon Ponton use to motivate the participants or convey the message, the message cannot be missed – move more and eat better.
Being totally honest, I hate the name ‘Biggest Loser.’ I find it very degrading based on the Aussie vernacular of a loser but it does sum up what the show is all about . . . losing weight!
Some times, I think the show does go too far with challenges. But I appreciate that these are ‘challenges’ physically and emotionally.
Some times Michelle & Shannon are “too in your face.” But I know they do it to help the person and mean no malice.
I agree with the study . . . rapid weight loss is not the most optimal nor a good example for people. But it shows what is possible when someone is focused and committed!
I disagree with the respondents as I do feel many of the options that are shown in the TV show are accessible and very affordable – provided you make weight loss a priority.
Obesity costs Australia billions of dollars a year. Money that could be spent on roads, education and infrastructure. I believe anything that can help reduce the number of people who are overweight or obese is a good thing. This show definitely will not drive people to getting fat!
So I reckon the reality show has raised the profile of weight loss, the challenges of weight loss and how to achieve weight loss and no one can bemoan those facts.
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Amiee
hey JT
good post… seriously a good topic!
i think the word loser in Australia is normally derogative, but this has put a positive spin on the word… i mean the biggest loser on the shows gains back their life, plus wins cash etc… so what is much of a loser of that, besides having lost 50 or more kgs in a short period of time?
i say go hard!
i think if people can lose the weight quicker, then they are getting their life back on track quicker and therefore i dont personally see anything wrong with that.
on the show, the contestants do prob 4-6hrs a day or more exercise, which isnt practical for majority of people, however most people that are obese dont even do 1hr a day, so if they made time for that and built up to more, theyd too see dramatic changes…
i think no matter whether youre on a show, or not, if you want to make the change you will… i think that people need to make this call, then focus on what it is they want, and they can get to their goal as slow or as quick as they are willing to do…
but as for things not being affordable… if its food related, most people are mislead in saying that healthy eating is more expensive….. my old next door neighbour thought it was cheaper to buy takeaway most nights of the week and wonders why she now has a 12year old overweight daughter… but in fact, its cheaper to eat smarter and healthier…
yes, not all people can afford a personal trainer, but there are dvds etc out there that can help, and then if they cant afford those type of smaller items, there is always a local park, the streets in the suburb they live in and well get walking or running i say!
i think alot of people use the excuse of unachievable, unreachable, not affordable and lack of time as excuses, but if they know what they want in life, then are they willing to do whatever it takes to do it? if it means getting out of bed an hour earlier in the mornings? not buying a cup of coffee and muffin per day, and putting that money into gym membership etc…
re the study… i think people watch it to get motivated, but then get scared when they realise the effort it will take to get the same results…
if people set small, achievable goals, followed by larger ones, they will get there!
BUT motivation is a whole nother topic and people need to look within….
re the 48% to relate, of course, i mean isnt Australia the fattest nation now? but…. id also question, do shops that sell larger clothes etc also accomodate and relate to those that are obese, therefore give them the excuse that its okay because there are people, shops etc that cater to their needs? (this in itself could be a good blog…. id love to write one on this!)
i personally prefer the in your face style of personal training… so it has def worked for me
anyway thats just my opinion anyways…
ill tweet an RT for you
this blog def raises some good questions and i think can also question people as to where theyd fit in with the survey and how they see it might affect their own lives, and what they need to, or not need to do and what they want in life…
peace
A
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Amelia Burton
It would be interesting if the Journal of Obesity Management conducted the same study with a group of obese who had lost 5% of their body weight or more in the last 12 months, ie a group wanting to lose weight. I bet far less than 71% would have found it offensive.
We have to remember that not all overweight people actually want to lose weight. Many obese find the show way too confronting, the same way many alcoholics would hate watching a TV show on AA meetings.
M Flynn
Hi,
I find it very inspirational, and the the word loser is been used in a positive manner, which is just as inspiring. The trainers are giving many Australians many opportunitys to learn from there expertise.
Its simple if you dont agree then dont watch, seek a second opinion elsewhere. Weight issues are a reality, and makes the more importance of the show.
But I would like to see the format of the partners changed, but to being a single person audition, because then its based on the fact yourself relises the fact you have an issue and you alone is doing something about and you can go out and find help.
Its alot easier going along with these issues with a partener and can be achieved more so away from the show.
Just my thoughts
Megz xox
SuellenHughes
Great blog JT. Raises excellent questions.
I have both personal experience with family members and through my business so want to share what I’ve seen and heard.
Re the name, it is a bit demeaning – people struggling with weight already suffer from poor self esteem so being tagged a “loser” is tough – even though as Amiee says, in the end they are the winners.
Re the expense. To be honest, I do think that people who are really obese and in the very low income bracket, struggle to afford what it really takes to drop the kilos – especially in a short timeframe, which lets face, is what makes Biggest Loser so appealing. Good cuts of meat, fish, even chicken these days is expensive – as reported in today’s paper – “Australia has fastest rising food prices of any major developed nation”. I’m talking here about people with very low income. I know the arguments about takeaway but places like McDonalds are just so cheap and easy – and (too) readily available.
Yes there are DVDs and people can get out and walk for free etc. but access to a gym or personal trainer for this socio economic group is beyond reach. For the obese population, they need one-on-one support, encouragement and motivation – all the things a good gym / PT provides. I’m sure the contestants on the Biggest Loser wouldn’t have quite the same success without Michelle and Shannan!
I’m not into excuses and believe me, I’ve heard them all but I do think that there are some difficult, challenges for this particular group.
I’d be interested to hear from others with positive experiences with this particular demographic.
Great work!
Ryan Hogan
Great post Justin – I think we all probably have our own perceptions of the good and bad of the Biggest Loser.
I work for Network, one of the leading member organisations in the fitness industry and earlier this year we wrote a Blog on exactly this topic and it created quite a bit of controversy amongst the fitness pros who are our members. After re-reading the comments on our site I can see about 50% loved in and 50% hated it. I welcome your readers (and yourself of course!) to have a look and comment away here: http://www.fitnessnetwork.com.au/BlogRetrieve.aspx?BlogID=182&PostID=36659
Hope all is well!
Ryan
Australian Fitness Network
Scott Williams
As the owner of Australia’s 2008 & 2009 Personal Training Business of the Year and one of Australia’s leading fitness experts, I feel it necessary to respond to this article.
One thing you failed to ask all the people that were surveyed was how many of them that watch the show have actually made some form of effort to either exercise more or eat a little bit healthier from watching the show??
I agree that the name of the show is perhaps not ideal as it is putting a negative sub conscious thought process into people’s mind (are they thinking they are a loser just from the the name of the show?) but it does attract people to watch it…
They do deliver a very easy message for the Aust community to yes move more eat better, which I believe is a huge positive for the country. Everytime the show goes live to air, here in Canberra we really notice an increase in numbers to our Group Personal Training or Boot Camp programs. At last years show we had an average rise of 15% of participants to our classes. We actually now time our program launches to match the shows.
I believe some of the people in our country are missing the message of just how dangerous this is becoming, we are now the FATTEST country in the world yet people are still laughing at that fact…
Agreed both trainers have their own style and method for training but both do a wonderful good in getting results and assisting to change people’s lives for the better. We cannot forget the un mentioned fact that some of the people that have been on the show over the years, may not actually be with us now if it wasn’t for the show, Shannon & Michelle and the combined effort to teach these individuals how to lose 50+ kg.
I would rather see someone lose 50kg rapidly than not all!!! One thing we do not see is the behind efforts of the show and the fact that they are taught how to cook properly, what is the difference between good and bad foods etc, they also have Dr’s & physicaians on hand for the participants so as to ensure that they are safe at all times whilst on the show. The show does let people know that it is possible and anyone can do it.
These people are all just average Joe’s like the rest of yet they can do it!! There are many great and accessible and affordable programs available across Australia for people to attend who are a bit conscious about their appearance. They may just need to look a bit closer at their community.
Here in Canberra we offer small groups at a greatly discounted rate the opportunity to come to sessions with like minded people. Now we mix these sessions up from fitness, to working with the mind to going to the grocery store and showing healthier options. In 2010 we are also going to incorporate cooking classes as well to show how easy it is to cook. Now these classes are only around $10 per session. At the end of the day I am not sure what price people can put on their life? I agree totally that the show has really raised the awareness nationally of the challenges people face everyday and I say keep up the great work!!!
Scott Williams
CEO, Succeed Personal Development
http://www.succeed.com.au
Mal
It is a sad indictment of the failure of the fitness industry at combatting the obesity epidemic when statements such as this are made:
…do shops that sell larger clothes etc also accomodate and relate to those that are obese, therefore give them the excuse that its okay because there are people, shops etc that cater to their needs?
It begs the question how can the rate of obesity continue to climb while the the fitness industry continues to grow? There is sufficient clinical evidence to prove that the contributing factors to obesity go beyond merely physical and metabolic causes. So knowing there is an emotional and mental aspect to addressing the problem it is deeply aggravating when supposed contributors to the discussion elect to use language such as “accomodate”, “give them an excuse” and “cater to their needs” when referring to anyone’s accessbility to facilities – including clothing stores!
So Fat Folk can’t dress nice now is it? They deserve to wear shapeless, toneless unflattering garb that accentuate their undoubtedly robust self esteem? Perhaps you would rather they were issued with ration stamps that allow them to queue at their local Army & Navy Surplus store where they can collect their monthly stipend of elasticised waist tracksuit pants and tent-like t-shirts? The thought of them looking good, dressing well and feeling great while doing so would only encourage them to stay that size right or worse yet continue to get bigger? If you apply the same theory any woman that has had a mastectomy would be prevented from ever wearing flattering lingerie again because she no longer measured up to whatever the society at the time deems “acceptable”.
I truly question your sense of entitlement and why would consider punitive measures to be a successful strategy? History has already taught us that changes in attitude and equality were not achieved by the rhetoric of facists, racists or homophobes, but those that engaged in tolerance and education.
Isn’t it better to love the person looking back at us in the mirror (especially when they look great in what they’re wearing) so that we are motivated to do what’s best for them?
Mal
Why shouldn’t enjoy myself while I get fitter?
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loser#1024421
yeh, weight loss is the issue, forget about the millions of fat people your totally offending, driving into depression and making feel like second class jokes on legs. mental illness, thats not a problem in australia.. screw it lets watch the fat retards on tele! goddamn this show is soo offensive on so many levels, i simply cannot even believe someone would call a show about weight loss ‘the biggest loser’ in australia.. ive been called a loser in the streets thanks to that decision and feel like a laughing stock in society thanks to this fucking show.. fuck the producers, screwing with peoples lives, exactly how many of these ‘losers’ have put their weight back on ? because from what ive read, almost all of them are now as big or bigger than when they first went on the show.. cant wait till we pick another group of disabled people to humiliate and denegrate socially, i wonder if ’the biggest loser’ has been the final straw for any fat people out there, how many suicides its caused.. sickening..