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Not the Biggest Loser
Reality TV is, unfortunately, anything but real. The popularity of the show The Biggest Loser is mostly based on society’s desire to view other people’s trials and tribulations from the comfort of a lounge chair.
Some of its success is based on a positive health message that you can change your body shape and size through the judicious application of physical activity (exercise) and caloric restriction (diet).
Still, the approach is extreme, and it is that extreme approach that means it will not work, or at least will not last for the majority of people.
Weight gain happens over a long period of time and is most often associated with minor imbalance in terms of energy intake/expenditure.
It has been hypothesized that much of the overweight/obesity problems in the population can be attributed to as little as 100 calories more intake than expenditure in a day, which is the equivalent to a little more than one extra slice of whole meal bread per day, or a reduction of approximately 2000 steps per day.
Of course large weight gains are caused by this type of imbalance over many years, or even decades.
Article by Professor Kerry Mummery
Central Queensland University
