Biggest Loser To Change Rules After Anorexia Backlash Against Last Season’s Winner
Season 15 winner of “The Biggest Loser” had quite the bout of bad press after her victory.
Even though Rachel Frederickson completely transformed her body and did exactly what the show asks of participants – extreme weight loss – many people were shocked to see her body at the finale. A previously 5-foot-4 Frederickson had gone from 260 pounds to 105 pounds, which sparked rumors of anorexia.
Even the show’s trainers admitted they were surprised by how much weight Rachel had lost.
New rules
Producers seem to have taken note of the issue and want to avoid another huge controversy in future seasons, according to Examiner.com.
“After the shock of that weight loss, the producers are in meetings right now trying to figure out how it can be regulated more,” Bob Harper told the NY Post. “I think you are going to be seeing new rules. I hope Rachel is good, I hope she is happy.”
Fans of the show said that Frederickson’s extreme weight loss sent the wrong message about what it means to be healthy. In response, producers are saying they will require more check-ins and medical exams for the contestants after they leave the ranch, before the finale.
And while Harper notes it’s important for Biggest Loser contestants to lose weight – that’s the whole point – it’s also critical they understand how to do this in a healthy way.
“You don’t want to ever go too extreme, because what’s going to happen? You’re going to get burned out,” he said. “So you find a certain amount of balance to be able to sustain this lifestyle.”
Source: Examiner
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