Biggest Loser has released that the January season will have teenage contestants on the show. I have mixed feelings about this. The article in the Huffington post suggests that the teenagers won't be subject to the the traditional Biggest Loser tactics; they won't weight in, and the overall goal is "getting healthy."
I think the show has done a lot to encourage people of all shapes and sizes to make a healthy change no matter where their starting from. But as an Exercise Physiologist, it is important that I mention the extreme week-to-week weight loss is unrealistic and the contestants are under medical supervision. I hope the teens that enroll for the show feel encouraged, empowered, and in control of their own health. Is it a good idea? I don't know. What do you think?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/05/the-biggest-loser-season-_n_1858756.html
As a pediatric dietitian, I agree with Stacy on this issue. A safe, realistic goal for weight-loss is a loss of 1-2 pounds per week. Regimens that result in faster weight-loss can lead to dehydration, muscular atrophy, impaired growth and development, and rebound weight-gain. It is important to teach these young, impressionable individuals lifestyle changes and habits that they can continue for life.
ReplyDelete