Search the Community

Last season, I watched 16 very obese contestants work out on “The Biggest Loser” until they fell over from exhaustion or wretched. This season, the same scenario. Do they do it for the $250,000? Maybe... But I think not. These people are at the ends of their emotional ropes. Tired of not only what they see in the mirror, but of being left out of activities, unable to fit in seats, unable to join friends on simple activities, unable to play with their kids or grandkids because of their size and physical condition. They would do anything to get back to where they can function, and they do, including subjecting themselves to basic training-like conditioning with “in your face” treatment. Here is why it works for them while on the show. First, they are finally part of a group. A group who works together, accepts each other, and shares their struggles and their victories. Add in a little competition and their confidence grows. Second, they have a chef who prepares all of their meals. Then add in some fiercely bubbly trainers who motivate you...OK, FORCE you to exercise for hours a day beyond your wildest dreams of your personal tolerance. Those of you who are already active are salivating at this. Those of you who aren’t think it sounds like hell on earth. Here is the dilemma I see. It is called reality TV, but is it reality for the majority of Americans? These people go from inactivity to full activity in MINUTES! In inactive people, it takes 6-8 weeks to prepare connective tissues and muscles to support the increased load on the joints from jogging or even fast walking! It takes 4-6 weeks also to prepare the cardiovascular system for activity when you have been resting in your favorite chair for years! Behind the scenes of The Biggest Loser, there are health histories, mechanical and medical screenings, continuous checkups, changes in medications, behavioral and social support. We also don’t hear about the stress fractures, muscle tears, pains and strains that literally bombard the set. When we see these amazing transformations on television, can WE expect to become fit like this, or will our joints and muscles be “the biggest losers” in a regimen like that? If it’s seemingly impossible for an average person to lose so much weight safely in such a short time at home, what CAN we do? To Be Continued Next Month…