sweeps month: tuesday edition

biggest loser
8/7c

to me, this is one of the most inspirational reality shows on television. for those who have never seen 'the biggest loser', people who are obese (sometimes relatives, couples, friends, or complete strangers) are invited to the biggest loser ranch where they will fight for their lives to get healthy and fit, with the help of two trainers, bob and jillian.

each week, the contestants work hard in the gym, pool, or hiking trails and are then weighed at the end of the week. the goal is to be the biggest loser, those who lose the smallest percentage face being eliminated. while this is still a "game" and there are surprises along the way, nearly all the contestants continue their fight once they return home. at the end of the season, all the constants return for one last weigh-in. the contestants who were sent home compete to be the biggest "at-home" loser, and those three remaining at the end strive to earn the title of "biggest loser". here are a couple before/after shots of former contestants.




aside from the stigma of being a reality program, the show is educational and inspirational to those who are overweight and want to be healthy. each segment goes to commercial with a trainer tip (often food tips or exercise suggestions). a few seasons ago, i was greatly inspired by the show and lost nearly 40lbs through diet and exercise.