Fit For TV

What’s it about?

A three-part documentary series where former contestants and producers reveal the intense, damaging reality behind the success of `The Biggest Loser'.

The facts

• Directed by Skye Borgman
• English language
• Runtime: ~40 minutes
• Includes interviews with David Broome, The Biggest Loser co-creator and executive producer, Bob Harper one of the trainers, and contestants from different seasons including season 1 winner Ryan Benson.

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Content that may disturb

The series highlights the disturbing realities of The Biggest Loser’s production which involved physical risk, emotional abuse, and long-term metabolic damage. The emotional manipulation and humiliation of contestants shows how entertainment was prioritised over wellbeing.

The extreme weight-loss methods for contestants to achieve results involved aggressive calorie restriction and workout sessions lasting up to eight hours.

In one challenge that involved a one-mile run in extreme heat we see a contestant collapse, and we learn they were hospitalised with rhabdomyolysis (a potentially fatal muscle breakdown).

Offensive language

While the series doesn’t include swearing, it shows harsh language and trainer aggression to motivate contestants. We see trainers screaming, using drill-sergeant tactics and while not swearing the confrontational style indicates frequent offensive language used behind the scenes.

Helplines:

The discussions and portrayal of body image and eating disorders could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Digital Reflections: The Online Experience and its Influence on Youth Body Image in Aotearoa (Classification Office research)
• How did Jillian Michaels end up here? (NY Times)
• The Biggest Loser goes too far (Time.com)