It has been awhile since I last caught an episode of the Biggest Loser Asia. In fact, just earlier this week, I happen to catch the latest episode playing on Hallmark, but barely 10 minutes into the show, and I switched over to the Asian Food Channel instead. Why? Frankly… it sickens me.
Yes, this is a huge statement I’m making considering I was really excited about the show late 2009. I even had the privilege to be part of a guerilla-marketing stunt held last year in Kuala Lumpur (which I got paid handsomely for), I attended the media launch event, and invited to another event for a chance to interview Dave and Kristy (which I could not attend at the last moment).
So what changed?
Honestly, it’s just not what I expected it to be. And like I have blogged about before, we all can’t help but compare it to the US-based version with trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels.
I’m sure many of you will agree with me that the inaugural Biggest Loser Asia is just too full of drama, with hardly any lessons to be learnt.
For example, when I watch the US-based version - though I see hardcore training, mean trainers, and plenty of emotions, there is still a focus on health, valuable lessons that we can practice at home, and life changing/touching stories.
But in the Asian version, all I see are injuries, pain, a lack of emphasis on what the contestants are doing to actually lose that weight, and a strong focus on all the petty issues and drama that goes on. Oh, and did I mention MORE injuries? What happened to safety? What happened to health screening/risk stratification? Watching the episodes at home, I cringe when I see some of the exercises that these contestants are made to do. And hate me if you want because he seems to be everyone’s favourite, but Kevin (the largest guy in the show) is a walking time-bomb – and he is going to get hurt. Nobody gets that overweight by poor eating habits alone (I strongly believe he needs medical intervention).
To sum it all up?
It seems to me that the producers of The Biggest Loser Asia are simply exploiting the feelings of these people. It’s a known fact obese/overweight individuals suffer from low self-confidence and a whole plethora of emotional scars – but to make a TV show out of the pain they go through for pure TV entertainment value and to line the pockets of the corporate people who gain from the show is just downright inhuman.
But then again – I guess that’s just TV huh?
As a fitness professional, I join the many thousands of other fellow fitness pros worldwide in upholding our code of ethics (which of course, the show has absolutely no regards for). More on the personal trainer code of ethics here (MUST READ): ACE Code of Ethics.
To sum up all my thoughts and opinions on the show, I decided to do a little comparison table of what exercising should really be – compared to what the Biggest Loser Asia is. Hopefully this would help you understand why I feel this way.
Proper Exercise vs The Biggest Loser Asia
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The real exercise ‘experience’, especially when guided by a competent personal trainer, will… |
The Biggest Loser Asia TV show will… |
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Tell you that a realistic and sustainable weight loss goal for an obese individual is 10% of bodyweight within the first 6 months. |
Eliminate you if dare lose 10% of your weight only, and once back home – you will be back to your poor eating habits and most likely put on more weight out of depression. |
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Cause you to see results and feel better in only a few weeks. Moods improve, you get better energy levels – exercise helps control stress |
Cause you to lose massive amount of weight in a very short time, but most likely leave you feeling stressed, lethargic and in pain for most of the duration of the program. |
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Focus on gradual changes and habits that can be practiced one at a time, ideally helping you to master a new habit before progressing to the next. More realistic and sustainable for life |
Overwhelming changes and habits forced upon you, that you’ll only be able to keep up in the camp. Once you’re out, chances are high you’ll sink right back to your old habits because you were overwhelmed during the contest. “No more contest – why bother anymore mentality”. |
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Increase your appreciation and trust for the health and fitness industry and the various benefits it can have on your life. |
Give you a bad impression of what the industry is about, and what Personal Training is – I quote Kristy who said these exact words on TV “I wanted to inflict as much pain on them as I possibly could”. What kind of a trainer says that? I don’t even treat my dog like that.
I think that Kristy, instead of putting on a ‘mean’ mask, has crossed the line and is on her way to earn the title of TV’s most hated trainer. Suddenly, all those ads and posters featuring her don’t seem that appealing anymore. |
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Cause you to understand proper nutrition, the food pyramid, making proper food choices. No personal gain by recommending a specific product, brand, etc. |
Cause you to buy and eat more yoghurt than you usually would, thinking it will solve your weight problems. (when in fact, by increasing your food intake, you’re just gonna gain more weight). Of course, I’m talking about |
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Cause you to look forward to your workouts |
Cause you to hate/dread your workouts. |
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Cause you to appreciate, and develop a unique ‘partnership’ with your trainer |
Cause you to wish your trainer gets hit by a truck |
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Help you develop a better understanding of how exercise can easily be a part of every lifestyle, and leave a positive impression on you |
Unless you’re the winner, scar you for life and make you hate exercise and a healthy lifestyle because it was a ‘painful’ and traumatic experience |
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Give you your health back (in an injury free way) – which we all know, is priceless. |
Give you the chance to win US$100,000 |
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Help you achieve realistic goals, which keeps you going. |
Set you up for failure and spiral you back into your old habits once you realize that it is not realistic to be losing 5kgs in a week when you try to exercise yourself. |
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Educate you on how to make the right lifestyle adjustments, and learn the skills that will bring about permanent weight loss |
Does not educate you, the viewer_ – but tries to sell you their US$14.95/month ‘online’ service. No lessons/tips on what to eat (sugar-loaded yoghurt advertisements don’t count), despite the teasers on air which claim that you can ‘learn everything you need’ to lose weight by watching the show. The only skill you pick up is hmmm… let me see… maybe improve typing speed? |
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Encourage you to be independent enough to be able to eventually exercise on your own |
Cause you to be too dependent on the trainer and their online weight loss portal – that if, for some reason, you would have to do without… you’ll only fail miserably because you are uncertain of what to do. |
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Be SAFE, yet effective! |
Get you rushed to the emergency room in no time. |
I guess I could go on and on, but you get the point. The show, in my opinion, has now become the black sheep in the fitness family.
Sorry Biggest Loser Asia, but you no longer have my respect.
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did you see the part where kristy asked kevin to kiss her foot? I think that is totally disrespectful. And she gotta go easier on kev, he’s morbidly obese.
Ouch. That hurts. I sense a lot of bitterness in this particular entry of yours but I don’t blame you. The show is indeed a total disaster. I feel sorry for the contestants. They’re better off shelling a bit of cash and hire a proper personal trainer instead.
Yeah, I agree!
Your comparison-table really sums it all up! BLA is definitely NOT a show we Asians should be proud of. Do I sound bitter? Yes. Cause I’m not only a huge fan of BL, but also I believe the wonders of good PT. A good PT will make a huge positive impact in a person’s life. A bad PT (should I give example on this?) will only traumatize a person for the rest of his life! Being overweight is already challenging enough. Being in BLA and got injured physically and possibly emotionally & mentally? That’s just too much :(
That is BAD PT example by Kristy. Not sure if the BLA script director or those in charge wanted her character that way or its just her. Hope the rest of the people will not think that all PT’s are as mean and disrespectful to their client. That is why the Red team is always struggling and hate the exercise and all. Plus if she struggles from body weight problems last time, she should know how to motivate and reassure those under her care rather than just shout and behave like a mad women on screen. Remind me of the movie MAD HOUSE. he he
If Kristy were my trainer I think I would be emotional-eating even more :S Hate the way she yells at the participants as if it’s like one of those army training camps.
Don’t like how the show focuses only on losing weight; what about fat % etc?
Agreed on the injuries, safety and health screening part. Del had to quit because an old elbow injury has resurfaced. Now, how come that got past health screening? Aren’t there any qualified doctors there to do the job during (or before) the audition? All I see is Fitness First PTs doing the health checks.
@Allison: I sympathize on Kevin, really, because he once said “I’ll do whatever I’m told to do”, and that means even kissing Kristy’s foot during training! To kiss someone’s foot as if one is a slave, that would’ve costs one’s dignity AND pride. If I were Kevin, I would’ve dropped my entire body weight on her.
@DM: I’d like to know what’s your take on Dave Nuku.
Great article on the follies of the Biggest Loser Asia. I watched the first few episodes and have stopped (partly due to not getting home on time to watch it).
I also noticed the fact that there were NO training tips at all and if there are any, they’re overcrowded by the stupid drama. It’s a Biggest Loser of “firsts” and not of maintaining the high standards of the Biggest Loser in America and Australia.
I nearly fainted when I saw the fridge full of yoghurt! Like, how much dairy and sugar was packed in there?! I think in the first 3 episodes, I only saw 2 minutes that actually focused on nutrition - which is a problem factor in these people’s lives.
I know someone who didn’t get into the final group and that was because he didn’t play into the drama on that “test” day. In actual fact, I think that he got a better deal because the “home contestants” get free gym memberships and free personal training up until March when the finale of the show airs. So far, he’s lost 11kg (and counting) and has one of the best trainers in KL showing him the best ways to lose weight.
Kristy is the sort of trainer who would make me not go to the gym and keep calling to cancel appointments!! I’ve heard good things about Dave from other Fitness First trainers, though.
btw, I just purchased the Turbulence Training manuals and am going to start them soon. I’m doing Bootcamp at the moment and can’t really overload to include TT. In your opinion, should I stop Bootcamp and try out TT full time?
I’m sure you’ve heard of Original Bootcamp that started in Malaysia about 7 months ago. I’ve been doing it on and off and weirdly enough, I gained muscle but didn’t lose much fat.
I got turned off by the show as well. It did not help that Hallmark channel kept playing re-runs of the 1st episode many times… -_-”
Anyway, just a question. Don’t tell me that only PT were employed and there were no docs, nutritionists on hand to help out for this show??? Then, that would be doing the contestants injustice.
I stopped watching after a few episodes, for the sake of my sanity. I wonder what impression/expectations it gives to the audience about fitness and weight loss? What impression would it give to personal trainers, especially those new to the field (I have seen PTs trying to behave like the trainers on TV in the gym, ordering around and scolding their clients for no apparent reason)?
I totally agreed with what was written. I stopped
watching after 2 episodes.
It is a surprise no one died yet.
Kevin is an accident waiting to happen, they’ve got him in the show just to be the crowd favourite. He is bound to get hurt.
I too have stopped watching it just after the first few episodes. I was hoping to learn something out of the show but seriously I thought that was being taught on the show. All I see is that people are getting injured in nearly each episodes.
Well I also personally know one guy who didn’t get into the final round as he did not want to participate in the drama on the “test” day. And I believe he got a better deal. A personal PT and gym membership till March! He has lost nearly 13 kg till now (and still counting).
I really wish the show could be like the original BL. At least there was somethings that viewers could learn out of the show unlike BLA which only successfully promotes the website like 101 times during the 1 hour show. =(
Marcus: How do you know you’re not losing much fat and gained muscle when you’re doing Bootcap? Have you done a body composition test? Anyways, I don’t think gaining muscle is a bad thing at all ;)
Personally I think you should finish the Bootcamp then continue with TT. Bootcamp’s a great foundation to have. Looking forward to read your reviews on TT. Yup, I’m a ‘Turbulence Trainee’ as well :)
Aizan: haven’t really done the proper body composition test, but i’ve got a scale at home that does the measurements (by proper, i mean the humiliating pinch test!!). I’ll finish Bootcamp this month and perhaps try out TT next month and see how that goes. Just need to find something that works for my body!
How are you finding TT?
TT’s absolutely fab. What I love most about it is it’s very structured. You’re definitely ensured of a total body workout. You also don’t need to spend hours in the gym. TT can range from a ‘meer’ 15 minute session to a max 45 minute session and no matter whether it’s 15 minutes or 45 minutes you can be sure to have a pretty intense workout.
I also got stronger faster using TT. Been going to the gym for 1.5 years and I still couldn’t to a pull up. I did TT for 8 weeks and I can now do pull ups. Cool, huh?
I’m starting a new TT programme today: TT for Meatheads.
wow… that is impressive! after reading that, i think i’ll sign myself out of bootcamp next month and religiously follow the TT program and hopefully get the same results as you!
did you notice a drop in bodyfat and better toning? that’s what i’m aiming for (along with strength… hehe).
My objective is actually to gain mass. And having said that, I’ve definitely become more toned and much much stronger than before. The coolest thing about TT is you can gain muscle and lose fat at the same time.
I’m not too sure about your fitness level…but since you’ve already been through Bootcamp (and I know it’s brutal) I think you might find TT - Get Lean and Jacked interesting. You should try the Kettlebell/Dumbbell 500 challenge. Crazy stuff, but definitely fun…. err… in a masochistic kind of way.
Good to know you want to try out TT. Maybe we can setup a new thread at DM’s forum to discuss TT in detail.
My blog also has several reviews on various TT programmes. You can head there if you want to. Hopefully you’d find it informative.
yeah, i’ll start up a thread in the forum, because i’m interested, but i can also see myself getting a bit lost!!
Lost? Lost in the forum or lost in terms of which TT programme to start?
not lost in the forum, but more the TT programmes… Craig said to start off with the TT for Fatloss book, so I’ll start with that one. But I’m not the best in following fitness books - i get a bit overwhelmed and then get all flustered in the gym… haha
Just started the forum thread for TT!
I was wondering what all the other trainers would think of Biggest Loser Asia.. One of my concerns after watching a couple of episodes was the safety issue.. However, am sure…. that the contestants would have signed an informed consent form and must have signed a PAR-Q…./fitness test??….. surely???? Afterall.. there is always a pay off for contestant and the tv network??? viewing numbers.. etc?.. Pretty sad, though as some contestants may get more or less of a pay off more than they had bargained for…
I thought BLA was a disaster too.
Never learn a single thing from it and instead got increasingly annoyed and madden by the many stupid things said and done and endless dramas.
It’s sickening. Seriously.
Decided my time was better spent working out than watching this.
:p
Jen - yeah - time better spent doing something else.
KevL - Well obviously Dave does seem like the nicer guy - or maybe he’s just MADE to act that way, and Kristy’s been MADE to act that way too. So I guess we’ll never really know what they are really like. But the show still sucks anyway. All those ads I see at the gym “Lose weight like a biggest loser contestant” aren’t appealing anymore - especially the one with Miss Shoes-need-to-be-kissed trainer.
Marcus: I’d say you save starting the FULL ON TT Workouts until you’re done with bootcamp - cos everything sounds like a bit too much. But no harm ‘practicing’ the moves and exercises in TT.
I completely agree with DM on the points you highlighted above.
Personally, the whole Biggest Loser Asia program seems to me like just a marketing exercise for Fitness First.
i agree with you with yr comments. I felt both the PT are not good enough for this show. If you watched last week show when the Mauy Thai instructor did some training on the final 6, i felt he is way better than the 2 PT and on par with the US BL.
However, i felt you if you were to continue BLA, it got better as weeks past though i still felt the PT especially Kristy is totally not up to mark.
I am Asian. And honestly I have to say …
Yes. Comparing Asia version to US one, it is a big disappointment.
Personally, I think it’s all about the trainers. If they could get all contestants to understand the “real” goal of this show, it would definitely turn out totally differently.
If you watch the show often, you can hear everyone keep saying “It is just a game” … No, it isn’t. It is a show that is trying to help you change your lifes.
Bob and Jillian of US version are WAY better at how to do their job.
i felt sick n fedup of this stupid show… biggest loser asia sucks big time !!!
i pray they wont be a 2nd season…
i meant look, i 1st watched the episode with this B**ch name Goddess who only knows how to point finger n curse the team…
i was like WTF?!
it made many people to think that the philipines people are rude n arrogant !!!
on the next week episode was crap, i saw them fighting over a small issue, i was like ?? what ??? fight ?? where was the friendship n sportsmanship n cooperation like the US version ??
making this fights are just showing us asians are stupid..
i mean look at the biggest loser US. You can see the determination, love, friendship, cooperation, sportmanship no matter if u are in a different team or not.. they all work like brothers n sisters..
the US version has made many of us love the show n understand the hardships they have been !!
anyway when i saw the results or final yesterday, i feel like watching crap…
1st, what are this contestants are fighting for ???
Lose weight to a good health
or
MONEY n FAME !!!!!
i think many of them want MONEY n FAME !!!
why ??? LOOK !!! the contestants who are out, are still fat n not losing their weight !! Unlike the US where they fight n lose weight !!!
even the interview, the 1st thing is the money !!!!
seriously, this show is crap !!!
Everyone has their own opinion. You have yours and I too have mine.
My opinion is different than yours. You may not have watched the Biggest Losers US version fully. Some of them cheated to stay on another week in some of the seasons. Quarrel? The Americans not only quarrel but fight too.
I am not trying to say, Americans are terrible as well. This is somehow
reflect our society whether it is in US, Asia or any part of the world. We are human. We have weaknesses and strength. Seems that only you think Philippines people are rude. There are so many viewers supported Carlo and Christine who are both from Philippines. Goddess is Goddess. She is unique.
Talk about determination. Do you know that many of the US winners are back to their original size after winning? So what are they in for,,,,,, HEALTH?
If Yes, They should maintain like the season 2 winner who is now one of the best example unlike others.
End of the day, we need to know that we are all human be it in US or Asia, some in it for the money and some for health. And by the way, Season 2 Biggest Losers Asia is already on the way, I can bet on you there are more people who will come n audition this time.
It has inspired many of my friends to look seriously on their weight and health. That is the good thing that comes out of this show.
I agree with Ron Leong, as myself have been following the Biggest Loser the last few years. There are many more controveries and drama in each of those US episods too.
When it comes to rivalry, it is everywhere.
Looking forward for BLA2, it will be interesting to see how new faces of Asia cope up with it.
Also, looking forward to see the progress of David, Carlo, Aaron and Martha’s life after BLA.
Cheers.
This is one of the best reviews of The Biggest Loser Asia I have read.
Completely accurate depiction and extremely witty table you had up there with the comparisons.
This show should be banned. I think it sends a wrong message. As if Asians weren’t already anorexic enough with the whole “asians have smaller frame” bullshit.
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