DiscoverResults Not TypicalBreaking Down The Biggest Loser: Everything it gets wrong about weight loss and behavior change
Breaking Down The Biggest Loser: Everything it gets wrong about weight loss and behavior change

Breaking Down The Biggest Loser: Everything it gets wrong about weight loss and behavior change

Update: 2025-10-08
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Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting? Have you ever wondered if the shame-based tactics of popular weight loss shows are truly effective?

 

In this episode, host Nikki Naab-Levy welcomes her colleagues Colette, Brooks, Greg, and Vanessa to deconstruct the myths and misinformation around fitness, nutrition, mindset, and weight loss. In this episode of Results Not Typical, they unpack the Netflix documentary Fit for TV, which examines the reality show The Biggest Loser.

 

In this episode, you will learn about:

  • The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how it relates to the long term success of the contestants on The Biggest Loser for maintaining weight loss. 

  • The negative, long-term effects of using shame as a motivational tool.

  • The importance of developing real-life skills for sustainable health.

  • Why "The Biggest Loser" failed to provide genuine long-term solutions for its contestants.

 

This episode is about:

  • Examining how shows like
    The Biggest Loser reinforce false beliefs about health and weight loss

  • Understanding the role of shame and extrinsic motivation in short-term weight loss and long-term failure

  • Critiquing the lack of professional mental health support and the defiance of medical advice on the show

  • Highlighting the importance of building sustainable skills rather than just "knuckling down" on restrictive behaviors

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Breaking Down The Biggest Loser: Everything it gets wrong about weight loss and behavior change

Breaking Down The Biggest Loser: Everything it gets wrong about weight loss and behavior change