Being a Loser
Posted by Sean on December 9, 2009
“The Biggest Loser” winner is half the size he used to be…HALF!
So I suckered in to watching the finale of ‘The Biggest Loser’ – I blame my wife (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). I’ve commented on this show before briefly. I’m not a big fan or supporter of the message it gives, or should I say the message it gives and the manner in which it delivers it.
I’m all for losing the weight. I’m all for improving your health and eliminating the horrible beast of obesity from your life -especially at these extremes. I just don’t think the public understands how dangerously unhealthy the results can be (but that’s another post).
I just wanted to say WOW to the winner and his breath-taking results. He loss over half of himself. Yes. You read that right. He lost over 55% of his original body weight. Look at that picture above. Whew!
I just wanted to share my astonishment and excitement. I’m going to blog more later on this show and my thoughts on it’s methods and impact.
Way to go Danny.
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Sean Dent said
I'm speechless with tingles in my fingers. That is something to be so proud of. Congratulations to you AND your family!
Sean Dent said
I'm speechless with tingles in my fingers. That is something to be so proud of. Congratulations to you AND your family!
atyourcervix said
I got sick of being sick, and sick of being obese. I wanted to be around for my kids, and not die an early death. My all time high was 310 lbs. I started seeing a nutritionist, read up on ADA diets, worked diligently with the nutritionist in defining what my daily food goals would be and how to meet them. I started wearing a pedometer and walking, walking, walking. I joined a gym and started a customized exercise plan/routine. I kept a daily diet log for my nutritionist to review each month. I measured EVERYTHING. I also saw a physician for appetite suppressants – because I could eat, eat, eat. I lost 50 lbs in 6 months. This was all preop for lap gastric bypass surgery. I saw extensive lists of medical specialists to rule out several “causes” of my obesity. I went to a psychologist. Then I had roux en y gastric bypass in 4/2007. I followed every rule in my “pouch bible” on diet and exercise. I ended up losing another 110 lbs after surgery, bringing me down to a respectable 150 lbs for my weight. I continue to watch and measure what I eat, plan my meals accordingly, and occasionally splurge. I also make sure I get plenty of physical activity – which can be a challenge some weeks! Lifelong commitment, lifelong changes.
Sean Dent said
You and me both Deb. I've been avoiding blogging about the subject for fear of me ranting uncontrollably.
FarAwayDeb said
I definitely agree with Steve. They also shouldn't have them jumping up onto a stool when they are 300+ pounds either. And they make them run on the treadmill without holding on, have you seen how many of them have fallen? Then you have the trainers who jump up on the back of one of them who has to run back & forth across the room carrying the trainer. Like they're not already carrying enough weight of their own, and their back probably doesn't already bother them?There have been several challenges where a contest had to sit out “for medical reasons” but they don't divulge the reasons. It could just be patient privacy, but I'll bet in many cases it's because they got hurt doing something. Even the doctor on the show admitted (online, don't remember exactly where I read it) that having them “run” a mile the first day “probably wasn't a good idea.” He figured that out when 2 of them ended up in the hospital. He is the former doctor for the NFL (Raiders) and is used to working with athletes, not people over 400 pounds.Sorry for rambling, this is a sore spot with me.
Sean Dent said
Steve you're spot on. It's all about drama on TV – making it heart-wrenching. Speed walking would not draw as many viewers. But you are 100% right about efficacy and safety when it comes to jogging with that weight. Dangerous is a kind way of putting it.
Sean Dent said
Congratulations! That is something to be extremely proud of! Care to share your secrets??
Sean Dent said
Marie, you hit the nail on the head! And yes, I couldn't agree more about his motivation.
Steve said
Hi Sean, The thing that bother's me with the Biggest Loser is that in the initial episodes, they have some very large people running for their aerobic activity(usually on a treadmill-but not always) I know it makes for great drama, but having people who weigh over 3 bills running is a prescription for disaster in terms of joint problems. I never really gave it much thought until I read Marty Galagher's masterpiece, “The Purposeful Primitive”. http://www.dragondoor.com/b37.htmlI agree with Marty's thesis that for “big people”, power walking is the much better option.
atyourcervix said
I am also less than half of what I used to be. It's not an easy road to get there, nor to stay there. But I'm definitely glad I did it!
mkopp1 said
That took dedication to loss that much and I second the “WOW”. His battle is far from over and I wish him luck at staying healthy and keeping the weight off. It will be a long and difficult road. But his heart is in the right place, do it for yourself an family! Keep it up Danny!Look forward to your follow-up post Sean!
bthenextstep said
RE: I think we all want to. An amazing accomplishment. http://disq.us/5dyah
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Sean Dent said
I think we all want to. An amazing accomplishment.
nursekarin said
That is great. I want to be a (fat) loser too.
bthenextstep said
New Blog Post Being a Loser:
“The Biggest Loser” winner is half the size he used to be…HALF!
So I suckered … http://bit.ly/6fHGUc
This comment was originally posted on Twitter