The Negative Side of Weight-Loss Shows

Weight has become an issue for everyone, since you can't turn on the television or pick up a magazine without seeing or reading about someone whose health is suffering because of their weight or who has lost an incredible amount of weight. You're constantly told that society is getting fatter and that too many people are obese, leading to serious health issues for the individuals concerned, as well as wider implications for health services and the economy at large. Thus, it isn't surprising that so many people tune into watch weight-loss shows when they are fixated on their weight and shedding excess pounds.

It could be argued that weight-loss shows, such as 'The Biggest Loser', have a positive impact, since they inspire ordinary individuals to do something to tackle their weight. However, in the case of 'The Biggest Loser', weight loss becomes a game. The individuals on this show are referred to as contestants, because that is what they are. Weight loss isn't a game, though, and people watching the show at home are fed unrealistic expectations of what to expect from their own weight loss. When the contestants are able to lose between five and fifteen pounds every week – sometimes more – it is understandable why people are so disappointed when they only lose a pound or two.

Of course, on 'The Biggest Loser' the contestants have access to their own personal trainers and nutritionists. They can spend hours at the gym, because they are there for the sole purpose of weight loss and don't have to worry about going to work. Clearly, this isn't an option when you have to lose weight on your own whilst holding down a job and looking after your family. Losing any weight at all is something to be proud of, but you don't always feel this way when your expectations start out so high. Weight-loss shows might give you the initial motivation to try to lose weight, but you soon discover it's not that easy.

There are other types of weight-loss shows, such as those which focus on the use of bariatric surgery. These can alert you to other ways of trying to lose weight, which may be a positive thing. However, these shows are heavily edited and you generally only see the before and after images, without seeing how much hard work has gone into achieving those results. There are no short-cuts to weight loss, no matter what these television shows lead you to believe. These types of show will continue to be popular, though, as everyone likes to see a transformation and to find ways of losing weight that will enable them to shrink down.

This may not be healthy, though, as dangerously overweight individuals are exploited on screen, whilst those with a bit of a weight problem gawp from the sidelines, usually becoming preoccupied with losing weight quickly as possible without thinking through the implications of doing so.