Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #26

In a society that is ridiculed for its obesity rates, loosing weight is not only a goal, but it usually warrants a celebration.  Such is the premise of the show "The Biggest Loser" on NBC.  In its 15 seasons, with the help of its trainers, contestants have fought the battle of the bulge and have been praised by judges and admiring fans alike.

This season's winner, however, was not applauded.  Instead, she was ridiculed for her drastic drop in lbs.  Rachel Frederickson weighed 260 pounds when she started on the Biggest Loser.  At the conclusion of the season, it was revealed that Rachel had lost 155 pounds, weighing in at 105 pounds.  The startling decrease and her skeletal like frame prompted such comments as "She looks gaunt" and "Not a healthy look - kinda scary."

Although Rachel was monitored and advised by the show's trainers, weight loss faster than 1 to 2 pounds / week (Rachel lost roughly 8.5lbs / week) increases the likelihood of losing lean body mass.  When lean body mass is lost, metabolism slows and future weight gain is inevitable.  By undertaking fat loss at a slower rate, results have proven to be more permanent and there has not been as many documented negative effects on training or athletic performances.

Rachel was also scrutinized because of her BMI.  At 17.5, she is considered underweight which puts her at risk for bone loss, decreased immunity, cardiac problems and menstrual issues.  Her low BMI relates directly to her decreased lean body mass, which resulted from her extreme weight loss.

In addition to the training side of weight loss, calorie reduction should also be considered.  Having not watched the show closely enough to see what type of food Rachel ate,  I cannot argue that she did the right or wrong thing.  I can, however, note that total daily calories should be reduced by only 2 calories per pound of lean body mass.  Such a cut should come from dietary fats, simple carbohydrates, high fat foods, spreads, desserts, pastries, fruit, sodas, sugars and alcohol.  

All things considered, Rachel should be commended for her hard work and dedication.  Hopefully she will be able to use that determination to live more "healthfully" in the future!