The Biggest Loser: Weight-Loss Reality

You don’t have to faithfully watch The Biggest Loser every week to enjoy the season finale.

Last night was like flipping through a magazine loaded with “Before” and “After” pictures of people who’ve lost a significant amount of weight. Only the difference is that the slimmer silhouettes on TV are not doctored photographs for some alleged “miracle” weight-loss pill.

The contestants on The Biggest Loser are walking proof that diet and exercise can work – incredibly well.

If the show didn’t inspire you to start spending a few nights every week at the gym, maybe you missed the segment where Dr. H, a physician on the show, gave a medical update on three of the contestants.

Each one had severe fatty hepatitis when they started the show. By the end of the 12 weeks, they had shrunk their livers to an extent not achievable through medication, Dr. H said.

Contestants Ramon and John also lost enough weight and improved their health that they are no longer considered diabetic. The men set a finale record for lowest body fat ratio at 15 percent.

Wow.

Granted, the contestants on The Biggest Loser are at an advantage when it comes to losing weight. They are isolated for months from temptation and taught how to choose nutritious food and exercise regularly.

But it doesn’t take a reality TV show to lose weight.

It takes commitment. That’s reality.

Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.

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