The Biggest Loser Antics

So, I have to admit, I've been sucked into watching The Biggest Loser on NBC. From the show's conception, there were things that I didn't like about it. Particularly, the fact that the dangerously, overweight contestants are forced to stand on an enormous scale...without shirts!!! The men are bare chested and the the women wear just a sports bra. They are clearly uncomfortable and embarrassed. My thinking is this: these people are not just slightly overweight. In fact, they've even outgrown the hurtful term "fat." All of the contestants are morbidly obese. We can see this through their clothes. We can see this from a mile away! So, why is it necessary to put them on a scale, scantly clad to make us all more painfully aware of their enormity? It seems cruel and unnecessary. This is all done for the cameras. Dramatic affect.

This is only the first transgression. When a contestant is voted off the show (which to me, is asinine - but, I'll revisit later) the light in the refrigerator, yes REFRIGERATOR with their name on it is turned off to signal their loss. To me, this seems to aim to poke fun at the losing contestant. I mean seriously, is that necessary?

Then, I have a problem with the fact that each week, there is at least one (sometimes more) contestant who is thrown off the show. WHY? In several segments during the show, the viewers and the contestants are told how deadly obesity can be. It's explained that if these contestants don't get their life together and lose the weight, they're destined for an early grave. Then, twenty minutes later, they kick them off the show.

I understand the competition of the show...however, couldn't there still be a "biggest loser," at the end, without them having to leave the "weight-loss ranch?" Wouldn't it be possible to still do weekly weigh-ins, have incentives and prizes...have a lively competition without kicking these people -who are finally fighting for their life -off the ranch?

I don't know. I suppose I should just quit watching the show. But, I can't...I sort of love it!!!