The Biggest Loser: Reality Motivates Weight Loss

Losing weight requires motivation and commitment. Sometimes, it takes a health crisis or a wake up call.

Whether it’s knowing how much you weigh or whether the extra pounds are leading to diabetes, taking responsibility for your health can be the first step on your weight loss journey.

On The Biggest Loser show, that moment comes early in the season when contestants have a complete physical. For a few of them, it’s the first time they’ve been to a doctor in years.

Jennifer, 40, weighs more than 330 pounds. The news producer was horrified to learn this week that she has 155 pounds of excess fat.

Worse, the doctor told her, she is headed for diabetes.

“I don’t know how I got here,” she said about her weight. “You don’t see it. It just keeps piling on. Look what I’ve done to myself.”

Another contestant, Ramon, found out that he covets the title of this year’s “sickest contestant.” At 27 years old, his obesity has aged his body into that of a 50-year-old.

He also learned that he has diabetes and high blood pressure.

“I’m so ashamed,” he told the doctor and his trainer.

But Ramon, like so many others, is already  benefiting from the truth about his health.

“It lights a fire in me,” he said. “I want to live. I’m sick of killing myself.”

Alice Warchol is a freelance health writer and fitness instructor.

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