Assignment 2-1

Out of all of the reality TV shows that have been sweeping the nation for the past several years there is one that has inspired a nation to better itself. The Biggest Loser is the only reality show out right now that makes the winners out of losers, so to speak. The idea of the show is to take seriously obese contestants to a ranch in Southern California for 16 weeks, away from their families and the life style that put them in such an unhealthy position, and help them lose weight. They are not only worked beyond their own physical limits but they are taught how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay motivated. Offering the winner $250,000 at the end doesn’t hurt either.
These contestants perform certain tasks and achieve goals that they never thought possible and they do it all on national television. Although they are losing this weight at a much higher rate than what is recommended for the average person, people are able to see from week to week that losing weight is possible. For some people the contestants are much larger than they are, but for some people watching they are the size of the biggest person on the show. The show inspires people to get up and do something about their situation. This is not like looking at before and after pictures on a commercials for a new exercise program or hearing a celebrity talk about the newest diet plan. People see for two hours per week, people just like them counting calories, weighing food, and going to the gym, basically losing weight just as the average person would. Of course it needs to be realized that there are extreme hours put in at the gym and special diets developed by a panel of doctors but it is still being done in a way that any man, woman, or child can do with what they have at home. There are no tricks or gimmicks, just hard work and the drive to succeed.
During these tough times, even if someone doesn’t need to lose weight, it is nice to see a program on television that shows real people achieving their dream and bettering themselves. Society is in a place right now where the obesity rate is up, unemployment is up, and spirits are down. People need inspiration and someone to show them that things can change as long as the effort is made. It may not happen overnight, but with hard work and a little faith, anything is possible.