More Debate on the Pros and Cons of 'The Biggest Loser'

Over the weekend, I did a radio interview with WTOP in Washington, D.C., about last week's blog looking at why some fitness pros criticize NBC's The Biggest Loser. I talked about the comments on the post, which included complaints that the show gives a thoroughly unrealistic view of weight loss as well as the view that the public is smart enough to know that reality TV often bears no resemblance to reality. I was surprised to see, though, that many people took issue with the language of trainer Jillian Michaels (now a brand in her own right). "I have 4 kids ages 9, 7, 4, and 2 and I have to keep it muted just so they won't hear the bad stuff," says one commenter. Another notes, "These expletives are totally unnecessary and it give[s] NBC a black eye as far as being an inspirational, family-friendly show. If this kind of behavior is not edited out of the show—I will cease to watch it!"

They aren't the only ones counting the "F" bombs. Trainer/coach/writer Tom Venuto recently blogged about the show, listing what he sees as its pros and cons. He was shocked by Jillian's profanities but also conceded it makes for good TV. Among his other criticisms: Because the show rewards weight loss rather than body fat loss, it encourages "gaming" the final weigh-in with questionable techniques like colonics and intentionally becoming dehydrated. Ew.

[For more: Check out 5 ways a new school or job can help you get fit. Then see the 7 mistaken beliefs that prevent weight loss, and have a look at our 10-week workout routine.]