Does "The Biggest Loser" Fail At Fighting Obesity?

Impact

 

Tonight marks fifth episode of the 12th season of the CBS primetime hit show The Biggest Loser. The reality show, which pits teams of obese Americans against each other to see which can lose the most weight, remains a popular TV show, with over 5 million views per week.

 

While the show has helped many obese Americans lose thousands of pounds since it first aired, critics worry that a show that focuses exclusively on competetive weight loss is counterproductive and dangerous. Some contend that rather than fighting America's weight problem, the show objectifies obese people and simplifies solutions to losing weight.

What do you think? Does the show promote the right approach to combating obesity?

 

Photo Credit: mufan96