‘Biggest Loser’ Weight Loss Shocks Viewers, Raises Health Concerns
Weight-loss competition show “The Biggest Loser” crowned Rachel Frederickson the winner after losing a staggering 155 pounds, and her dramatic weight loss raised both criticism and concern from fans who watched the big reveal.
Frederickson’s weight loss not only set a record on NBC’s hit show, which just completed its 15th season, but also allowed her to take home the $250,000 grand prize.
The 24-year-old dropped down to 105 pounds from 260 pounds, or approximately 60% of her body weight. A picture of coach Jillian Michaels’ shocked facial expression upon seeing the victor went viral almost instantly, and the show’s viewers immediately took to Twitter to express their reactions.
…And the Biggest Loser just went from uplifting and inspirational to terrifying and depressing. #OMGWTF http://t.co/9iCQPbE6HP—
Maxwell Tielman (@maxwelltielman) February 05, 2014
#BiggestLoser became a loser when they produced an #anorexic Rachel. The judges looked shellshocked. #ItWasOnlyAMatterOfTime—
Bakerette (@RamblingsByJen) February 05, 2014
#Biggestloser – Always inspired me but this finale was disturbing. They need safeguards to insure contestants stay in the healthy BMI range.—
(@mcfrenz) February 05, 2014
In an interview with NBC’s “Today” show, Frederickson insisted she’s healthy and said she doesn’t plan on dropping any more weight.
“I’m at the maintenance point now so I need to find some balance and make sure I work out and I eat healthy and make good choices 90 percent of the time,” she said after the finale. “I’m not sure (I’ll maintain this weight), but I plan to try new exercises and just continue on this path and see where that takes me.”
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