Don’t miss this important episode in the Learn & Grow Series. We talk about one of the longest studies on weight cycling and dieting — a study that followed the Biggest Loser contestants from Season 8 for six years. I help Bernie understand the outcomes of the journal article and how he can make peace with his experiences and move forward with body kindness instead of dieting.
The study found that their bodies had “fought to regain weight”. Six years after the show:
- all but one contestant had regained a significant portion of their lost weight – an average of 70%
- their resting metabolisms had permanently slowed, burning an average 500 fewer calories a day than other people their age and size they had significantly lower levels of leptin, the body’s satiety hormone.
- A heads up: in this episode Bernie discusses his temporary weight loss and excessive efforts on The Biggest Loser. So take care of yourself when deciding to listen. My hope is that our collective anger will feel like a salve to the wounds of chronic dieting and body shame.
Links mentioned
- New York Times: After ‘The Biggest Loser,’ Their Bodies Fought to Regain Weight
- Obesity Journal: Persistent metabolic adaptation 6 years after “The Biggest Loser” competition
Music: A Good Start from the American Dreams Soundtrack by Monplaisir, courtesy of freemusicarchive.org
Listen here to Episode 110 here:
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