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

Tom, will you stop boo-hooing about hurt feelings. Some people react better to negative feedback, some to positive. I can only speak for myself, but I actually prefer getting screamed at in the gym. When I'm trying my hardest to get that last rep up, or sprint that last minute, I assure you, positive thoughts aren't what are going through my head. If nobody's yelling at me, I'm (internally) yelling at myself. It helps me to focus, and it helps to do what I might not have been able to do otherwise.

All this constant coddling and positivity would manifest itself in my constant gorging. It got me to the point where I needed to lose weight to save my knees.

Is the screaming excessive? Possibly. But these contestants are capable of SO much more than they can give themselves credit for. They don't see it, they don't believe it, but the trainers do. And if the yelling gets them to do what they didn't think they could do, THAT is when you give them positivity. AFTER they broke their own limits. It's sort of like the military. Break them down, so they can build themselves back up stronger. Granted, it doesn't work for everybody. But, for some people, it does. If it's not for you, it's not for you. You don't have to watch. But if it gets people off the couch, and instead getting moving, overall, I think it's for the common good. I know it inspired one person to save his knees.

AK of NY 12:16PM September 25, 2009