I’m at a disadvantage here, because I haven’t watched the show.* I’ve had people suggest I try out for the show — often as small talk, but also as an “OMG you’d be great on The Biggest Loser!”
(The latter I remember clearly, since it was from my boss. I asked if she really thought I should quit my job, because if so we should talk. She said, “Oh no! No no no!” I guess she thought they did filming on weekends or something…?)
These articles suggest it’s about people who’ve had diets and weight loss surgeries fail, who are so desperate to be thin that they’ll quit their job if necessary to go on the show. They probably don’t have the sort of mobility issues that Heidi had when she had her WLS , if they plan to do the workouts** — but I could be wrong.
But there’s also people who are unemployed, perhaps at lose ends, thinking that losing weight (and, perhaps, a bit of fame?) will help them get a job. There’s always been people who decide to try stand-up comedy or writing a novel or auditioning for theater jobs or starting a blog or, yes, trying out for a reality show when they’re disatisfied with life. The Biggest Loser also ties into the health/weightloss obsession – but it’s not just about weight loss. I think. Anyone else care to speculate?
*This is not exactly a specific dis of The Biggest Loser. I don’t watch much TV in general.
**Reportedly The Biggest Loser does do various medical tests prior to accepting contestants.
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