There have been some great stories on the show. I wept while I watched Abby, a contestant on this past season. Abby had lost her whole family in a car accident. Her weight was a visual representation of her grief and loss and her feeling lost. As a mother, it’s also heart wrenching to listen to contestants describe loveless childhoods. Whether overweight or not, many of us can identify with these struggles. But are we more captivated by these stories if these contestants are larger? Or is this where the line is crossed into making a spectacle of vulnerable people? Should a 500 plus pound person run a mile or workout hours a day?
I know full well, from taking about weight and life all these years with clients that one’s problem’s or issues aren’t proportional to the pounds they need to lose. Pain and also progress are size blind. And then I need to remind myself this is TV and reality TV and the audience is made up of people who love the American Idol try outs and the jilted bachelorettes. I just don’t think being 500 pounds is a laughing matter.
Do you like The Biggest Loser? Would you be more likely to tune in with larger contestants? I’m curious to hear.
well I don't watch it but some people i know watch it to help them stay motivated. I think seeing it from the human standpoint makes sense and its interesting and sad to see how the emotional issues get tangled up with food issues. I myself know a bit about that as many do. I think it is a bit of a spectacle and seeing bigger contestants would have nothing to do with my reason for watching. That in and of itself is sort of sick and questionable.
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