Many people have asked what I thought of the new Netflix documentary, “Fit for TV”, a 3-part series on the infamous tv show, “Biggest Loser”.

I, like most Americans back in the early 2000’s, were enthralled in the show. You have all the major components of a hit TV show, drama, tears, beautiful trainers, crazy fitness challenges, jaw dropping results, I mean you were hooked! I was, my parents were, everyone was. I was in my early 20’s then and just starting my career as a dietitian. Fast forward t0 2025, I have been a dietitian for 18 years and have been directing my own weight loss programs now for 16 years and have worked with thousands of people trying to reach their health goals.

Some of my thoughts:

1) What kills me most about the show is that everyone watching started to think that this weight loss was realistic and sustainable. No one at home knew they were eating 600-800 calories a day and exercising 8 hours. To this day, clients are still disappointed after “only” losing X amount a weight a month when working with one of us. I am still trying to instill this in my clients that slow and steady wins the game and fast weight loss typically does not STAY off. (I can’t believe I never caught on that the men started to wear their shirts at the weigh ins towards the end because of the loose skin!!)

2) The humiliation factor of the show was super ick to me and I had to fast forward through those parts. How demeaning. But again, the show producers needed to make a show with drama and draw us in week after week. Like Bob said in the interview, (something to the effect of) eating healthy is boring, you have to give the viewers something fun to watch (hence the challenges, and trainers screaming at contestants, etc).

3) Why didn’t most of the contestants keep off the weight? Because it wasn’t sustainable! Anyone can lose weight when you go to a ranch for a few months, workout 8 hours a day and have someone cook for you. Throw you back in real life, a job, spouse, kids, stress, family, house duties the list goes on. REAL LIFE. And with no real direction on how to incorporate real health changes. What are we going to eat for meals? How to cook healthy foods. When and where will I fit exercise in?
This is why ALL FAD DIETS FAIL. Rapid quick weight loss trashes our metabolic rates, leaving us more susceptible to regain later on when our calorie intake increases. We’ve seen it happen with these BL contestants, patients who have had gastric surgeries, people on low cal/liquid diets and now we will see it when people start coming off the GLP’s. To ensure your metabolic rate doesn’t plummet you have to test your muscle mass and RMR, eat enough calories and protein and exercise! TO BE CLEAR… There is no one size fits all approach and I am not saying that people cannot be successful if they have medication or a surgery to help aid in weight loss. They 100% can, I have seen it. But it all boils down to lifestyle changes and dealing with our mental health as that plays a large part in many peoples weight loss journeys. If we never get to the reason we are overeating in the first place, we can put a band aid on the situation but at some point those issues will bubble to the surface.

What works?

LIFESTYLE changes.
– moving your body more
– switching up your exercise routine
– strength training
– cooking food at home
– going shopping weekly
– buying more fresh foods (fruits and veggies!)
– ignoring the ridiculous clickbait on the internet now
– PLANNING your exercise and meals
– kicking the sugary drinks to the curb
– turning off your phone and being present
– sleeping
I could go on.

This plan isn’t sexy. It won’t have its own tv show. It fact its down right boring. Which is why everyone gravitates towards the newest, flashiest diet out there. But it truly is what works.

Curious what YOUR thoughts are?

~Kelly

Devine Nutrition
Devine Nutrition is a private practice in Palos Hills and Mokena that specializes in sports nutrition, weight management, wellness, diabetes and child nutrition. Founded in 2009, Devine Nutrition provides nutritional services to families, individuals, coaches, amateur athletes, health clubs and schools. Our nutritional programs are based on what every person or company wants and needs. Now in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna and United Healthcare.

Devine Nutrition Inc
Moraine Valley Fitrec: 9000 W College Parkway Palos Hills
Mokena Oaks Park District: Mokena: 10847 W LaPorte
Office: 708-608-9014 Cell: 708-612-0876
kelly@devinenutrition.com
www.devinenutrition.com