I have watched most seasons of the Biggest Loser. And season after season, I always seem to have conflicting emotions about this show. Some of my feelings are a little controversial. Like why should anyone be rewarded for letting themselves get morbidly obese? Aren’t the real people who deserve $250,000 the people who work hard to be healthy every day? As a trainer this show sometimes produces unrealistic expectations for clients. They people on the ranch have constant medical supervision and endless time and resources at their disposal that people in the real world just don’t have. It’s great for a regular person trying a new diet and fitness plan to lose 4 pounds in one week. On the show, 4 pounds sends you on a shameful plane ride home. Ugh and the show is overly dramatic! However, the drama is often what makes viewers really empathize with the contestants. But the show also raises questions. Is their weight loss safe? Are the exercises really appropriate for people their size? Are we underestimating the capabilities and athleticism of the contestants just because of their weight? What happens behind the scenes?
Weight gain and weight loss truly are emotional issues but sometimes I think it’s totally blown out of proportion for entertainment’s sake. In general, I support anything that gets someone off the couch. But I also think that sometimes motivation from outside sources is fleeting. Someone will watch the show, relate to a contestant’s story, cry a little bit, maybe start a diet, maybe take a walk on the treadmill. But the fact of the matter remains that most people will not stick with it. They will give up and stay fat. Statistics and just a look at the people around you prove time and again that something isn’t working and people’s plans are failing. People don’t realize the lifestyle change that comes with permanent weight loss and how psychologically ready you have to be to change everything you know. I tell my clients this as well: If you are flipping through a magazine and see an ad for some sort of diet pill or detox and find it compelling, you are not ready to really commit to losing weight. Somewhere in your brain you are still looking for a quick fix or a solution outside yourself. What really needs to happen is true inspiration from within and the commitment to work hard and never stop. There is a quote by Abraham Hicks that I believe says it best:
“Inspiration comes forth from within. It’s what the light burning within you is about, as opposed to motivation, which is doing it because if you don’t do it, there will be negative repercussions. Motivation is making myself do something that I don’t really want to do. Inspiration is having the clear picture of what I am wanting — and letting Universal forces come into play to get the outcome.”
So people, sometimes motivation from shows like the Biggest Loser, a wise quotation, a shocking medical exam, will come and go. You will feel ready to change for a while and then continue to smoke, drink, and overeat until the next fleeting motivational moment comes and passes. What you need to do is be inspired. Draw inspiration and strength from within yourself. When your weight loss journey is fueled by inspiration, your commitment to yourself has more value.
As always, I am here to help you find your own inspiration!
What do you think of the Biggest Loser?
Julie, I love that quote, and I totally read it at the right time. It may not be about weight loss at the moment, but I’m in severe need of motivation, so thanks! Plus I wanted to leave a comment on your blog!