'Biggest Loser' needs to shed negative aspect
It's inspiring to watch real-life people lose weight by working out and eating right. In fact, my sister-in-law, Janna Phillips, credits the show for helping her lose 50 pounds.
Although it's a two-hour show, I usually tape it to watch after my aerobics class on Tuesday nights. It only takes about 40 minutes when you fast-forward through the commercials, recaps and "infomercials" of contestants eating at Subway or whipping up fat-free Jell-O.
Despite the blatant product placements, I thought this season's segments with Rocco DiSpirito gave some good healthful cooking tips. (I guess he did them between his turn on "Dancing With the Stars.")
But some viewers are dismayed that producers kicked up the drama level this season with trash-talking, yelling and even threats of bodily harm. Many online fan posts blame contestant Vicky Vilcan for the conflicts. Due to deadlines, I'm writing this before Tuesday night's episode and don't know whether or not Vilcan made it to the final three. Apparently, a fan vote decides the last finalist, and if Vicky is one of these, I'm betting she'll get booted.
The controversy has sparked comments from unhappy fans, including my sister-in-law, who has watched every season. She noted that while contestants have always strategized to win, they generally seemed supportive of each other.
Inspired by their success, Janna joined The Biggest Loser Club online in March. Now 50 pounds lighter, she follows her team's challenge to keep moving while watching the entire show: stepping in place, strength work and so on.
"I was so excited for this season to begin but have been so disappointed at the mean-spirited people they have chosen, especially Vicky, who has such hateful thoughts and actions toward many of the other contestants." she said.
She hopes that NBC will heed her plea: "Give us back the show that inspired us. Give us back the show that made us believe we can do this. Give us back the show that gave me hope."
In my opinion, the trainers have added to the discord, with more in-your-face attitude and bleeped-out language. They are paid professionals; they should try harder to act like it. Jillian Michaels is always screaming that she doesn't care if the contestants' arms fall off or if they puke or die, as the contestants sob or collapse on the gym floor.
Recent comments
Well, it's congratulations to Michele for winning. Hepa won the...
Dina | Dec. 16, 2008 at 8:47 p.m.
Apparently after getting feedback on her "Biggest Loser" behavior,...
Robin | Dec. 13, 2008 at 9:43 p.m.
I agree with everyone regarding Vicky. I also noticed that Heba was...
Penny | Dec. 13, 2008 at 6:16 p.m.
- Pair arrested in Provo burglary 3:36 p.m.
- Summit Co. appoints first manager 3:24 p.m.
- Man sentenced to 7 years in death 3:21 p.m.
- Senate Dems at odds over insurance 3:20 p.m.
- U.S.: $3B to end tribe royalty dispute 3:09 p.m.
- Police seek missing WVC woman 3:06 p.m.
- Prison pop. growth slows in 2008 3:05 p.m.
- Election 'liberating' for gay bishop 2:58 p.m.
- Alleged car thief held without bail 2:55 p.m.
- Colo. woman dies in San Juan crash 2:51 p.m.
- BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims
- Yet again, we learn BCS is a big joke
- Williams' late jumper tops Spurs
- Storm pounds Utah for 2nd day
- Cougars in better mood about bowl
- Ranking the bowl games
- $2M error could mean layoffs
- Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
- BCS reform still needed
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
270 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
203 - Letters: Global warming a lie
193 - Cougars going back to Vegas
147 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
140 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
136 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
101 - Harpring's NBA career is over
98 - Utahns want health care reform bills
85
Set your TV recorders. Zane Holmquist, chef at Stein Eriksen Lodge, will...
Red Shirt, Your response at 12:15 p.m. is exactly why we should be scared to...
Yes, let's google Kurt Bestor and get totally accurate information on his...
What Anderson did was wrong. Yes, he lied, and should be held accountable....
I hope they go against the Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists now too.
I wonder if our beloved Pres. Obama will tell the Iranian students (as he...
This is hard to understand, that JW's are hard working, tax paying, community...
Sorry to say this BUT guess what?. We were BORN into this world,...
To "thanks redshirt | 12:31 p.m. " what conspiricay have I touted?
Abortion can legally only be performed by a physician. To seek the assistance...
BCS - how do we deal with these BCS buster teams? Just let them play each...


