I was once a fan of the show. The contestants were very sincere and inspiring, and I enjoyed cheering for them. Over time, though, I became disgusted and stopped watching.
First, the show turned into a weekly info-mercial. The two trainers continually plug sponsors’ products under the guise of honest, unrehearsed conversations with the contestants.
Second, I dislike how people are forced to disrobe for weigh-ins. This is especially true for the men, who have to take off their t-shirts and expose their torsos. Yes, we get it—these people are obese. There’s no need for the audience to gawk at fat, flabby bodies.
Third, the trainers may be effective, but they’re also cruel. If anyone screamed at and humiliated me in that manner, I’d walk right out the door.
Fourth, the weight-loss expectations are unrealistic. A loss of 5–8 lbs. per week is remarkable and outstanding, but these poor contestants become ashamed of such results. If they don’t hit the magic double-digit weight loss figure—impossible for most women, and unhealthful for any man—they weep with self-loathing.