The Biggest Loser.

I have long held the opinion that The Biggest Loser is predominantly about ratings and not about the people who participate.  It is, after all, a game - who can lose the greatest percentage of body weight wins the money.

And I'm not alone.  Louise from Treatyourselfwell.com.au has blogged about the negative impact of TBL and her insights caught the attention of The Age.  I direct you to her important communication here.

http://www.treatyourselfwell.com.au/blog/the-biggest-loser-ararat-is-a-recipe-for-disaster/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+treatyourselfwell%2Ffatchat+%28Fat+Chat%29

Here's a quote from her original press release.  "Louise Adams, a clinical psychologist specialising in weight issues, says “The link between socioeconomic status, poverty, oppression and prejudice with higher body weights is well established, and these links remain even when people’s eating and exercise habits are taken into account. It’s very worrying that these complex issues which deserve attention have been reduced to chasing temporary weight loss for entertainment’s sake”. (My emphasis)

Lets think about this.  Who is permanently benefiting from this program?  The television station, advertisers and the presenters.  Who may TEMPORARILY benefit - the participants.  And who gets shouted at and shamed - the participants.  

Our value as human beings is not based on our weight.  Perhaps the compassion and understanding of the presenters is blinded by the dollar signs in their eyes.  What do you think?