There are rumors that “Biggest Loser” contestants undergo massive weight loss during the show after being given special medications.
A controversial study claimed to explain why all “Biggest Loser” contestants experience rapid weight loss as well as regain huge amounts of the weight back. Dr. Kevin Hall at the National Institutes of Health conducted the “Biggest Loser” weight loss study which was funded by the federal government. He stated that changing hormone levels, genetic predispositions and metabolic rates are the reasons why many of the former contestants regain the weight after the show.
Several former contests reportedly contacted The New York Post to dispute the study findings to reveal that they were encouraged to starve themselves as well as consume street drugs. The contestants also allegedly had to lie about the amount of weight they were losing.
Former “Biggest Loser” contestants told the publication that aside from the weight less, they suffered serious medical conditions that they never had before. The former participants also told The Post that they were provided with illicit drugs and placed themselves under doubtful medical exams conducted by Rob Huizenga, the show’s resident doctor who also collaborated with Hall in the NIH study.
Suzanne Mendonca, a contestant on “Biggest Loser” Season 2, said that people were passing out in Dr. Huizenga’s office during the finale weigh-in.
One source claimed that show trainer Bob Harper and one of his helpers provided “Biggest Loser” contestants with Adderall and pills that contained ephedra extract, a banned substance the boosts weight loss and energy.
Joelle Gwynn, a “Biggest Loser: Couples” contestant in 2008, shared that Harper instructed her to lie that she was taking 1,500 calories a day, when she was only, in fact, consuming 800 calories or fewer.
Huizenga, on the other hand, denied the “Biggest Loser” claims that they administered weight loss drugs. He said that contestants are informed at the beginning of the season that they have no tolerance for any weight-loss drugs in “Biggest Loser.” They constantly monitor the contestants to ensure that they do not take illicit drugs. He said that “Biggest Loser” contestants rarely get dizzy while losing weight.
Variety wrote that Bob Harper and NBC declined to comment on the “Biggest Loser” weight loss controversy. NBC, who aired the show for 17 seasons, also denied the claims, saying that they prioritize the safety of “Biggest Loser” contestants in their journey towards weight loss. They also prohibit the use of illegal substances and follow several rules and guidelines to maintain the safety of everyone.
