There’s been a lot of buzz over a recent New York Times article that focused on the long-term dismal results of those who lost weight on the television show, “The Biggest Loser.” The discouraging take-away seems to be that we should all give up trying to achieve a healthy body weight and just accept our bodies as they are. After all, if the Biggest Losers can’t keep their weight off, why should we even try? I disagree with both the implied message and with the Biggest Loser approach.
The show’s contestants are put on what amounts to a starvation diet and a killing program of exercise. Let’s not forget that they’re removed from their home environments and put up at a ranch for the duration of the program. They lose a terrific amount of weight over the course of the program, of course.
Then they return to their homes.
Without the starvation diet and the hours and hours of exercise each week, their sluggish metabolism rates—which may have been adversely affected by the extreme regimen at the ranch–work against them. Not surprisingly, when these folks return to their regular lives, and are faced with the stresses of everyday life and the old temptations, it’s very difficult for them to remain in the “The Biggest Loser” mind-set. And, because of those sluggish metabolisms, they may have to still further reduce the amount of food they can eat in order to continue losing weight.
Who in the world can keep that up? It wears me out just to think about it! I can’t help but compare that program’s insane weight-loss regimen with the approach we advocate at the Healthy Eating Adventure. Ours is not a program of deprivation and crazy over-exercising. We eat a symphony of healthy, delicious, nutrient-rich whole foods, skip the addictive processed foods, significantly reduce the amount of animal products we consume, and adopt a habit of daily light exercise. We learn how to live in the real world by making our home food environments healthy and by learning how to choose healthy options at restaurants. We don’t end each day hungry…and exhausted…and demoralized.
I’m in favor of sanity. Slow and steady wins the race. I’ll take the tortoise’s approach rather than the hare’s, any day.
Healthy Eating Adventure - Yuma, AZ 
Common sense is highly under-rated, including what will work over the long haul. While losing significant weight in a short amount of time may be justified in extreme situations, not just a tv show, what have you accomplished if any plan is not sustainable and weight loss maintained. Maintaining a healthy weight and health is key. I agree 1000%, Judy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judy, truer words could not be spoken! You were spot on! I don’t consider this a diet…just a new way of eating, and that’s what I tell everyone that asks about how I have lost the weight..25 pounds to date since being on the HEA! Thanks for all of the helpful hints, articles, recipes, etc. Helen Tennent
LikeLike
Thanks for your comment, Beth. Going on crash diets is probably tempting for those who have not had the opportunity to learn about the amazing benefits of a whole food diet that’s rich in phytonutrients–one of the benefits of which is ultimately a normal body size, in most cases. I appreciate your very sane view.
LikeLike
Wow, Helen! A 25 pound weight loss since HEA… that’s very impressive! I love your view that it’s just a different way to eat. Here’s to your continued improved health.
LikeLike
What a negative thought…using the word “loser”in a title. The Biggest Loser has several meanings, not all positive. I refused to watch a show with such a premise. I don’t like any criticism surroundi g the topic og taking off pounds and getting healthier. I know it was a show for entertainment but at what cost to those participants?
LikeLike
I agree, Margy! And, as the blog entry points out, the program they advocate is not even a very effective strategy.
LikeLike