Since "The Biggest Loser" television reality series first aired in October 2004, people have been wondering how the contestants lose so much weight so quickly. It is not uncommon for participants to see double-digit weight loss each week. Throughout its 11 seasons, some of the show's personal trainers and former contestants have discussed some of the well-known practices and lesser-known secrets behind the "Biggest Losers'" dramatic results.
Calorie Restriction
According to Dr. Michael Dansinger, one of the show's medical consultants, about half of the weight lost by contestants is because of changes in their diets. He notes that many of them formerly ate around 3,000 calories per day, but cut that number in half during their stay at the "Biggest Loser" ranch. Contestants are given access to a kitchen stocked with healthy foods to promote weight loss. They're guided and quizzed about healthy food preparation methods and are taught how to judge calorie levels in dishes. Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, the "Biggest Loser" trainers, sometimes accompany the contestants on off-campus outings to restaurants, helping them gain practical experience in healthy diet choices.
Strength-Training and Cardio
Dansinger attributes the other half of contestants' weight loss to their three or more hours spent exercising each day. They may typically spend an hour or more doing strength-training exercises which help them gain lean muscle mass. Adding muscle tissue increases the rate at which they burn calories around the clock. Two or more hours are devoted to cardiovascular exercise each day. This helps to create a large enough energy deficit to burn fat deposits. Outside of the gym, the show's challenges often incorporate grueling physical activities that push contestants' bodies and emotions to their limits.
Motivation and Focus
The $250,000 grand prize, combined with other incentives, are factors that make contestants highly motivated. Other motivators include the show's personal trainers, who don't allow participants to give anything less than what they deem 100-percent effort. Lastly, with nothing else to do, contestants are able to devote their entire focus to losing weight.
Support
Each season, "Biggest Loser" contestants are part of ever-changing teams that are often comprised of family members and friends. The team aspect of the show creates a supportive environment for the players. It's more difficult to achieve results when you're trying to lose weight by yourself than it is when everyone around you is on the same journey.
Questionable Practices
Ryan Benson, winner of the first season, admits that he went to dangerous lengths to lose weight including dehydrating himself. Other former contestants have admitted taking equally questionable routes to losing weight. Jillian Michaels describes these tactics as the "dark side of the show" and doesn't recommend doing anything like this to lose weight.
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