The Biggest Loser Club

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This popular television reality show has been both difficult and inspiring to watch, allowing us to cringe, laugh, and cheer all in each two-hour episode. Overweight individuals—most defined as morbidly obese—spend time competing on the Biggest Loser Ranch where they learn how to eat properly and train a zillion hours a day under the watchful eyes of Bob and Jillian. Some stumble and fall, some break through mental and physical barriers they had long given up on, and most come out stronger, more confident, healthier individuals. Most importantly, these brave contestants show us that weight loss is possible.
The show has spawned a diet program and a “Know Your Number Health Score” which is a complex health risk assessment that gauges exact disease risk, identifies “internal age,” life expectancy and estimated preventable medical expenses. There is also a Biggest Loser Resort, a weight loss destination that offers the same elements of the diet and exercise plan that are utilized on the television show.

(1) Basic Diet Tenets/Nutritional Philosophy (4)

The Biggest Loser Club is the online version of the television show, essentially an interactive nutrition and exercise program focused on eating healthy in proper proportions and including fitness into your everyday routine. You can match what the contestants eat, learn to exercise properly, set fitness goals, and learn to make better choices. This is as much a lifestyle program as it is a weight loss one, offering tools that can change the way you eat, think and feel.
You can set personalized goals, based on height and weight and receive guidance from the many experts on the site. Customized meal plans and fitness routines are available, as are informative articles from the experts and past contestants. There is an online component, which allows you set up your goals and access them from anywhere you might be. Club participants can input food choices/calorie counts, fitness routines, and keep a personal journal. There are community forums, message boards, chats to allow you to compare notes, ask questions, and share your successes with others. There is even a Buddy system, which allows you get and provide support and challenge your buddies to a weight loss duel.

(2) Exercise/Fitness Component (5)

Anyone who has watched the television show knows that exercise is a large part of the Biggest Loser program. While you won’t have Bob or Jillian yelling at or encouraging you, there is plenty to help you get started and stay on track. The site has expert fitness advice and tips, video demonstrations, and can tailor a plan just for you, no matter your ability, fitness level or budget. There are workouts you can do in a gym or thousands of exercise How-Tos for those who choose to exercise at home. There is even a mobile app so there is no excuse to keep up while you are on the road.

(3) Food (5)

The focus is on healthy food—fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains—in appropriate quantities and calorie counts. There are a wide variety of foods that you can choose from on this diet. There are no frozen, fresh, or freeze-dried prepared meals to order. There are no protein shakes or snack bars. The primary source of your food will be the grocery store, meaning planning, buying and preparing your own meals. All food is readily available at your grocery store and there really should be no increase in the cost of your food bill.
The site does have easy to follow meal plans, easily customized based on preferences and allergies. There are recipes, meal ideas and shopping lists to make the task easier.

(4) Ease of Use (5)

Both the food and fitness components are laid out for you and come with expert and community support. Both can be modified to your particular needs and lifestyle. You will have to learn portion control, measuring and weighing food at first until you get accustomed to amounts. Overall, the guidance and the program seem easy to follow.