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Losing more than just weight when you're the "Biggest Loser"?

Abstract:
Many of us students, as well as the average American are in a battle against the bulge, and trying to keep off those pounds. We may also take a look at television shows, like "The Biggest Loser," for inspiration and motivation to continue with this battle....

  • Displaying 1 - 2 of 2

Bill Germanakos - The Biggest Loser - season 4

posted 3/01/10 @ 9:03 AM CST

Hi guys.

I appreciated the article, as it is refreshing to see comments other than "The Biggest Loser" represents an unhealthy way to lose weight... which is usually offered up by beriatric surgeons who would rather take $60,000 to cut away 80 % of our stomachs(as if THAT's a healthy way) and monthly fees and copayments for ongoing visits, than to simply recommend an aggressive exercise routine, coupled with a healthy regimen for eating.. ( The latter doesn't pay for any physicians' kids' college tuition, though, does it?).

My only question pertain to the comments as follows:

"In the long run, many of these exercise programs and diets that "The Biggest Loser" endorses do not work. "

Which diet and exercise programs would you be speaking of?

On The Biggest Loser, we never used the word "diet", because it is ALL about learning how to eat right for the long haul. This is why more than 80% of all Biggest Loser contestants world-wide (the show is now being filmed in 35 countries and territories) have been able to maintain at least 80 % of their weight loss over a two year period.. (which is the success mark of a weight loss program)).. As for exercise, there is no specific program, other than exercise in general. While it is true that we work out hard on the ranch, those who wrote the story, contributed to it AND read it, have to understand that what you are seeing on television is an edited fraction of what happens during the filming.

Just once, I would love to see an author or editor of articles such as this one, solicit comments from people and professionals who are actually from the show OR who have actual experience with actual contestants from the show. Say... one of MY physicians, or the physicians who treat ANY OTHER Biggest Loser contestant.... That way, their offerings can be based on data and facts, rather than hearsay and conjecture.

Waddayasay? Do you all think that it's time to start giving people the REAL story, as offered up by those who can tell it, or are we still going to shoot for the "WOW" factor that sells.

You see, people WANT to believe that The Biggest Loser is real... and here's the news flash: IT IS REAL. All these articles and comments from those who get paid to keep us fat just keep people scratching their heads while they look for the next fad "diet" or shortcut.

Bottom line: Get help from professionals, like we do on the ranch. That means doctors, Registered Dieticians, nutritionists, fitness trainers and psychologists... and just do what they say. You'll lose weight and get healthy. The problem is that too many of us, all of whom contend that we've "tried everything", aren't willing to put in all the hard work that is necessary to succeed at the weight loss game.

Once you commit to breaking your butt to get healthy with the help of professionals, then you'll do so.

Bill Germanakos
Winner - Season 4 - NBC's
The Biggest Loser
www.weightlosstwins.com
www.facebook.com/billgermanakos
www.twitter.com/.billgermanakos

Quetzalli Castro

posted 3/02/10 @ 10:25 AM CST

Thanks for your input! I like what you have to say and would like to know if we can post this comment in our "letter to the editor" section.

Also I would like to see if there is any chance we can get an interview with you (and possibly your physicians) and perhaps get a better hold on the matter.

Obviously this covers one perspective on the matter, but I am also committed to showing more than one side to a story.

Please contact me: qcastr2@uic.edu

Originally posted by

Bill Germanakos - The Biggest Loser - season 4

Hi guys.

I appreciated the article, as it is refreshing to see comments other than "The Biggest Loser" represents an unhealthy way to lose weight... which is usually offered up by beriatric surgeons who would rather take $60,000 to cut away 80 % of our stomachs(as if THAT's a healthy way) and monthly fees and copayments for ongoing visits, than to simply recommend an aggressive exercise routine, coupled with a healthy regimen for eating.. ( The latter doesn't pay for any physicians' kids' college tuition, though, does it?).

My only question pertain to the comments as follows:

"In the long run, many of these exercise programs and diets that "The Biggest Loser" endorses do not work. "

Which diet and exercise programs would you be speaking of?

On The Biggest Loser, we never used the word "diet", because it is ALL about learning how to eat right for the long haul. This is why more than 80% of all Biggest Loser contestants world-wide (the show is now being filmed in 35 countries and territories) have been able to maintain at least 80 % of their weight loss over a two year period.. (which is the success mark of a weight loss program)).. As for exercise, there is no specific program, other than exercise in general. While it is true that we work out hard on the ranch, those who wrote the story, contributed to it AND read it, have to understand that what you are seeing on television is an edited fraction of what happens during the filming.

Just once, I would love to see an author or editor of articles such as this one, solicit comments from people and professionals who are actually from the show OR who have actual experience with actual contestants from the show. Say... one of MY physicians, or the physicians who treat ANY OTHER Biggest Loser contestant.... That way, their offerings can be based on data and facts, rather than hearsay and conjecture.

Waddayasay? Do you all think that it's time to start giving people the REAL story, as offered up by those who can tell it, or are we still going to shoot for the "WOW" factor that sells.

You see, people WANT to believe that The Biggest Loser is real... and here's the news flash: IT IS REAL. All these articles and comments from those who get paid to keep us fat just keep people scratching their heads while they look for the next fad "diet" or shortcut.

Bottom line: Get help from professionals, like we do on the ranch. That means doctors, Registered Dieticians, nutritionists, fitness trainers and psychologists... and just do what they say. You'll lose weight and get healthy. The problem is that too many of us, all of whom contend that we've "tried everything", aren't willing to put in all the hard work that is necessary to succeed at the weight loss game.

Once you commit to breaking your butt to get healthy with the help of professionals, then you'll do so.

Bill Germanakos
Winner - Season 4 - NBC's
The Biggest Loser
www.weightlosstwins.com
www.facebook.com/billgermanakos
www.twitter.com/.billgermanakos
  • Displaying 1 - 2 of 2

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