Re: NBC: The Biggest Loser
- From: oscarmad1049@xxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 09:44:36 -0700 (PDT)
This article was written a few years ago by a man that I know and
respect. I agree with every word of it: The Biggest Loser is a
national disgrace.
http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/HealthArticles/whyfattvisanationaldisgrace
The Exploitation of Obesity: Why “Fat TV” is a National Disgrace
As the new season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” unfolds, ask yourself
this: would I want to watch my loved one -- who struggles daily with
the physical, mental and emotional ramifications of a life-threatening
illness -- treated this way?
The program, which capitalizes on one of the country’s fastest-growing
epidemics, and ABC’s recent introduction, “Fat March,” are the latest
examples of how the sideshow mentality and sensationalistic abuse of
reality television has gone too far.
Martin Binks, PhDSeveral years ago when “The Real World” and
“Survivor” started placing real people in contrived situations with
cameras rolling, America sat transfixed as “unscripted” human drama
unfolded. Despite arguments over the shows’ questionable taste, their
presence was justified by the opinion that putting consenting adults
in front of cameras did little real harm.
Unfortunately, as the entertainment value of preying upon human
frailties became apparent, programmers looked for more dramatic
situations. This has resulted in one of the more alarming and
distasteful trends in reality television to date: the exploitation of
obesity.
Overweight and obesity now affects 65 percent of all Americans and is
one of the most serious public health crises in modern history. Many
people affected by this often debilitating medical condition suffer
discrimination at school, work and other public settings. They
frequently deal with a lifetime of blame, ridicule and shame.
In addition to being the target of social stigma, people who struggle
with excess weight also end up being victims of irresponsible business
ventures devoted to selling all manner of ineffective, unsafe and
unregulated weight loss products that contribute to a perpetual cycle
of misinformation, false hope, failure and desperation. Reality
television programs prey on this desperation too by enticing people to
watch and participate in a theatrical scenario reminiscent of a circus
sideshow.
Perpetuating Stereotypes
When the Biggest Loser first aired four seasons ago, I tried to
approach it with an open mind. However, the title’s double-entendre
made it difficult not to see that exploitation was right around the
corner. I watched in disgust as tables replete with tempting cakes and
foods were there to tempt participants – only perpetuating the
stereotype that overweight people are gluttonous and lack self-
control.
I watched as so-called fitness experts spread the “no pain – no gain”
message and encouraged participation in fitness challenges that pushed
people beyond any reasonable medical risk and continued the misguided
notion that in order to be successful in weight control, grueling and
painful exercise is required.
I was alarmed to see the participants’ medical and emotional well-
being placed at risk. I quickly realized that “The Biggest Loser” was
yet another missed opportunity for television to educate and help curb
this growing epidemic. I hoped the public would reject this
distasteful exploitation of human suffering.
Unfortunately the opposite has occurred. To gain market share and rise
above the competition in this now crowded field, the entertainment
division of ABC recently stooped to an all-time low: the exploitation
of obese children.
This past summer, I reacted with disdain to the announcement of
“Shaq’s Big Challenge.” While some people hoped it might take the high
road and reach millions of parents and families who struggle with
obesity with a healthy and balanced message, we knew better. Healthy,
balanced, sensible and medically responsible does not sell
entertainment television. Instead, in “Shaq’s Big Challenge,” we saw
children coerced into emotional submission, humiliated in front of
millions, and their struggle with weight turned into a public
spectacle.
Harm Outweighs Benefits
I do not intend to diminish the accomplishments of those who have been
able to, despite these inappropriate methods, improve their lives,
their health, and lose weight. Nor do I wish to diminish the
inspiration that some have derived from watching these programs.
However, in working with people who struggle to achieve a healthier
weight, it has become clear that the potential for harm in approaching
the issue the way these programs do far outweighs the benefits. There
are better ways to help and inspire without humiliation, pain and
shame.
Those of us in the medical community who have made battling this
epidemic our life’s work know that education is key. It is the
foundation of any responsible approach to weight loss. My colleagues
and I value our relationships with media organizations because of
their power to reach and educate millions about appropriate and
healthy ways to battle excess weight. We are encouraged to see many
newspapers, magazines and network news programs putting forward valid
and scientifically sound information.
It’s unfortunate that the entertainment divisions of the nation’s
television networks haven’t followed suit.
-- Martin Binks, PhD, is director of behavioral health and research at
the Duke Diet & Fitness Center in Durham, NC.
.
- References:
- NBC: The Biggest Loser
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- NBC: The Biggest Loser
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