Does the reality TV weight-loss competition "The Biggest Loser" put its contestants at risk for eating disorders? Yes, says season three's Kai Hibbard, who appeared to lose 118 lbs. during over a 12-week period. Hibbard tells CBS News that producers pressured contestants to exercise when injured, ignore nutritionists, and "diet by dehydration" — while misleading the audience by distorting the rate of their weight-loss. Months after the show's finale, Hibbard still exercised 2-5 hours a day, and considered black coffee with Splenda "a meal." Though Hibbard says she's compelled to expose the show's methods, some bloggers question her motives: (Watch Hibbard level her accusations)
Hibbard's disturbing claims make sense: I'm not surprised the show's examples of dramatic weight loss are the result of "eating practically nothing, exercising like a maniac, or both," says Bill at The Shredheads. No doubt the contestants "leave the show messed up. Maybe a little, maybe a lot." Maybe this adverse publicity will spur the show's producers to put more emphasis on therapy to help contestants "transition back to real life...[and] teach them to be normal again."
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