Food and Framing on the Biggest Loser

Public discourse concerning the obesity epidemic continues to grow alongside of the popularity of television shows that promote weight loss, such as ABC's The Biggest Loser. This paper will focus on a critical content analysis of how food and participants' relationship to eating are represented on the reality weight loss television program the Biggest Loser. Methods: Using quantitative content analysis of 15 episodes across a four year time period, we analyze the verbal interactions and social practices surrounding food, including the ways that individuals negotiate food choices and categories, the moral labeling of particular food choices, and food access or food cost issues. Findings: Our findings include a) analysis of the cultural and health assumptions in the show concerning weight loss, food choices, and responsibility for obesity, b) examination of what is included inside and outside of the media frame in terms of food and nutrition and c) analysis of contestants' relationship to food, and themes of agency and constraint surrounding food choices. Conclusions: We consider the ways in which neoliberal ideals of individual responsibility mask the social and structural production of obesity and the framing of food choices as individual, morally-laden decisions.. We consider ways that researchers can use critical media analysis to ensure the accuracy of health and fitness information. We also point to new social movements such as Health at Every Size, as a route through which food and obesity discourses and practices can shift in a positive direction.