Yesterday, the local version of the hit reality show series The Biggest Loser wrapped up its first season after the final weigh-in of the 5 finalists. Cash prizes and gym memberships abounded . But more importantly, there was a general outpouring of admiration and goodwill from the audience who have followed these contestants as they fought to take steps to improve their fitness, self-image, and ultimately their very lives.
The 5 finalists (image source here)
Just because there were only 5 finalists did not mean that the rest of the other 11 contestants disappeared into obscurity after their appearance on the show. These 11 were called back to have a weigh-in of their own and whoever had the highest percentage weight loss (relative to their initial weigh-in at the camp) was also awarded a cash prize for being the Biggest Loser Home Winner.
How everyone looked at the start (image source here)
I think this program is one of the finer examples of reality TV that is of benefit not just for the contestants themselves, but for the viewership at large (pun not intended). As opposed to the usual bickering about as reality contestants jockeyed for position and did stupid/embarrassing things just so they could win a prize, the "bigating Pinoy" were doing it for their health and well-being. The competition was just secondary (at least thats what I think). The people who joined the show but didn't win are not leaving empty-handed. They have been shown the tools to better themselves and hopefully improve their lives in the process.
Having followed the show and being a budding health nut myself, I feel genuinely happy for everyone who participated in the show. Even though there was a prize in store, you couldn't help but feel like rooting for everyne, given the trials they underwent and the determination they showed in order to reach their goals at the camp.
The "Fab FIve". Holy Weight Loss, Batman!!
(Image source here)
The results were nothing short of amazing. You have these enormous 300+ pound guys and 200+ pound girls losing about a fourth to a third of their weight to emerge fitter, stronger, and definitely looking better!
On the filpside, I find it a little sad that obesity is now a growing problem here in the country. What used to be a lifestyle disease of the more developed western nations has began to show its ugly head in the islands.. Its great that people a becoming more health conscious already, with shows like this and fitness lifestyle magazines like Men's (and Women's) Health flying off the shelves. As a physician., I honestly hope that the prevalence of Pinoy obesity can be kept at a minimum, if not eradicated completely.
A radio anchor doing commentary about the show's ending commented this morning that in the US version of the show, the contestants there reported being unable to keep the pounds off after they left the program. I think that won't be the case with the winners here. Having watched both versions, the Pinoy has the advantage of great familial support to keep them focused, and the lower prevalence of obesity here (which would make the former contestants stop and look at themselves more often than their US counterparts who live in a country where obesity is sadly becoming more of a norm). Pair that off with the enormous portions served in the US and the more sendentary lifestyles they have there, and it becomes pretty clear why I'm not so worried about our former "Bigating Pinoys".
Congratulations to the contestants of The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition! And props to Abs-CBN for producing a reality show that is actuially more than just crap on a stick. :P
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