Study claims to know why most 'Biggest Loser' contestants' can't keep the weight off
The Biggest Loser has been inspiring TV viewers for 17 seasons with tales of weight loss and triumph. But now the show is inspiring science to take a closer look at the longterm effects of speedy weight loss -- and there are some potentially disheartening results for contestants of the NBC reality show.
A new study published Monday and highlighted by the New York Times claims that contestants' rapid weight loss during the show's production causes a slowing of the metabolism that makes it harder for them to keep the weight off in the long term.
You May Also Like
The study specifically used a group of Season 8 alums as the focus, finding that most of the 16 who competed regained much of the weight they'd shed during the show. Some are now even heavier than they were when they filmed their first episode.
The study linked their troubles to low resting metabolic rates. While it is not uncommon for the metabolism to slow after weight loss, researchers were surprised to find that the contestants' metabolisms failed to bounce back even after the period of intense diet and exercise ended.
One contestant, Sean Algaier, is now 6 pounds heavier (450) than when he started the show. He burns almost 500 calories less than the average person of his size.
A representative for the show said in a statement to Mashable:
"We have comprehensive procedures and support systems in place which we routinely re-evaluate to ensure all contestants receive the best care possible. The lead medical doctor on the show, who has worked with the National Institutes of Health on initiatives in the past relating to The Biggest Loser, has been made aware of this most recent study and is in the process of evaluating its findings."
The show's doctor, Robert Huizenga, told the Times that drops in the contestants' metabolic rates were expected -- but he'd hoped they would be smaller, and questioned the measurements taken six years later by researchers.
He also told the Times that contestants are advised to work out nine hours a week and monitor their diets in order to maintain their progress, but admits this is often easier said than done.
"Unfortunately, many contestants are unable to find or afford adequate ongoing support with exercise doctors, psychologists, sleep specialists, and trainers — and that’s something we all need to work hard to change,” he said in an email to the Times.
This is not the first time The Biggest Loser has come under scrutiny for its weight loss practices.
Back in 2014, contestant Rachel Frederickson's significant -- and some claimed dangerous -- weight loss raised eyebrows at the finale when she debuted her nearly size 0 frame. She later admitted she'd been "too enthusiastic" about her weight loss training.
The Biggest Loser concluded its 17th Season back in February and has not officially been renewed for Season 18.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
Topics NBC
Sandra Gonzalez was a Senior Television Reporter at Mashable. A Texas native, she spent almost four years in New York City before leaving the land of superstorms for Los Angeles, where she was introduced to these terrifying things called "rolling earthquakes."Previously, she was with Entertainment Weekly, where she wrote about every show that could fit into her perfectly crafted TV schedule and anything ever touched by Shonda Rhimes.You can reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @theSandraG
