Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Brittany Miller

Netflix’s Biggest Loser documentary sparks criticism over show not prioritizing contestants’ health

  • A new Netflix documentary, Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, has revealed the extreme conditions and health risks faced by contestants on the weight-loss program.
  • Season eight contestant Tracey Yukich recounted her near-fatal experience, collapsing from rhabdomyolysis, a condition that caused her organs to shut down, after a challenging run.
  • Despite medical advice to send her home, Yukich remained on the show, with trainers reportedly pushing her against the recommendations of the program's medical advisor, Dr. Robert Huizenga.
  • The documentary exposed trainers encouraging dangerously low calorie intake, around 800 calories, and intense exercise, often overriding the medical team's recommended 1,200-2,000 calories.
  • Viewers on X expressed widespread outrage, criticizing the show's alleged prioritization of ratings over contestant health.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.