Biggest Loser: A critical media analysis of obesity, weight loss & health in reality television

Background: In addition to the proliferation of research and public discourse on the obesity epidemic, there is a burgeoning genre of television shows that seek to assist the US population with weight loss. Almost no critical media analyses have been carried out to assess the cultural and health ideologies put forward in these popular programs. One of the most popular new television programs in this genre is “The Biggest Loser” where contestants compete to lose the highest proportion of their body weight in a highly controlled environment. Methods: The current research project is a critical content analysis of the reality television show “The Biggest Loser.” We randomly sampled 20% of the available shows across a 2 year time period. A code book was formed, and independent reviewers coded the show content, participant interactions, and trainer-participant interactions. Findings: Our findings include a) assessment of the cultural and health assumptions built into the programming in terms of accuracies about weight loss and responsibility for obesity and b) critical analysis of what is excluded in the media frames of the show, underscoring the limitations of health and fitness messaging provided in the show. Conclusions: In our discussion, we consider the ways in which researchers can deploy critical media analysis to ensure the accuracy of health and fitness information. We also assess the ways in which neoliberal ideals of autonomy and individual responsibility mask the social and structural production of obesity.