The TOXIC World of The Biggest Loser: TVs WORST Nightmare | Downfall

[@PettyUniversity]

What topics do you want me to cover next? Leave a comment! > OMG! Get your new Petty University VALID apparel here! : bit.ly/PettyUniversity > Subscribe to my 2nd channel: kzbin.info/door/Bj8fSqth8MhN-RhX9Y7f2g > Go to buyraycon.com/swoop to get 15% off your Raycon purchase this holiday season! Brought to you by Raycon.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

You're the Best SWOOP!😊😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@theRealSara]

Update on Illuminatii and Oz Media

[@GetElevatedWithMe]

I’d love to see you cover some playboy scandals and or the murders of some of the bunnies!

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Illuminati please

[@rebekahwashburn8136]

Diamond ranch academy

[@Alliecatlives]

Hey swoop. I'm a 2013 diamond ranch academy student. They were all over the news in 2022 for the passing of Taylor Goodridges. But in 2013 a boy passed away, we suffered massive abuse and our suits are hitting dead ends. For years police in the area ignored police reports filed by the children escaping that school. Because of this being ignored and our voices being silented alot of us fell out of the statute of limitations. I can get you in touch with other survivors and the group unsilenced. Please help by covering the nightmare of diamond ranch academy, and spread light on the troubled teen industry in Utah! Literally 20 minutes from saint George. Please cover diamond ranch academy. I've emailed, there is an active case on Dennis Mitchell the "doctor" I mean the physicians assistant that worked there preforming "gyno exams" alone on girls 12-18. But that's just the beginning of the sus pool of employees.

[@SkwithOv]

omg that's horrible

[@rebekahwashburn8136]

One of my friends got sent there from the east coast by her mom. I would love coverage of that

[@kalisederoche]

i would want more info on this! the public should know whats going on

[@Kiara24dm]

@swoop

[@NovalieSweet]

Did you send it to her social medias? Make sure you do if you didn't.

[@candacesalim9659]

I literally was threatened to be on this show by my parents they wanted me to watch every episode as motivation. I only got larger. More food, more anxiety, and depression. It wasn't until I became a mother that I started walking, eating healthy, and 8 years later, I was 240 pounds lighter. Got to meet Beyoncé won a trip and clothes by her Mommas brand. All because I did this life remodel on my own without hate, shame, and manipulation. I've kept it off since 2013, and my life has never been what it was when this show and society were so on the bandwagon that this was more than okay. Thanks, Swoop, for bringing this into the forefront. ❤

[@emilycatlady3595]

Wow good on you! Congrats on living your life for yourself ❤🥰

[@grxcedn]

i’m so so PROUD OF YOU!!! from one stranger to another you’re killing it!! 💕

[@AnnaVictrix]

Thank you for being a positive inspiration and rejecting what was forced on you as a kid.

[@vickyb6943]

Definitely hope I'm able to gain more motivation like this.

[@CaydenTheys]

Congratulations! Your comment made me think about what's holding me back. I have a lot of negativity in my life that I've been fighting hard against. It hasn't (thankfully) been weight related. But you sharing your story made me realize that has hard as I've been trying to tune out, ignore, and combat those forces, they still do effect me. Now to figure out what to do about it, because cutting it out is not going to be easy.

[@504CreoleCrystal]

I am a Hurricane Katrina survivor from New Orleans who lost everything. I was stranded in another state, sleeping in my car with my daughter for days. Her father was killed in May of 2005 so single motherhood was new to me. We had no way to know what happened. I made it to my aunts home 3 hours away. I ended up in Milwaukee…far away from anything I knew. I remember just gaining so much weight…depression, overeating, you name it. I used to watch this show and emailed them so many times to be on it! I’m now glad I didn’t!! It’s taken me a while from me to lose this weight. I got up to 260 and I’m only 5’2. I’m down to 185 and counting.

[@audreym3908]

I'm glad that you weren't on it too. I am so sorry for your loss and i hope you and your daughter are doing well.

[@am-n5m]

Im very sorry for your loss that's so horrible, also great job on your weight loss! You can do it.

[@GaySatanicClowns]

You must be so proud of yourself because you're doing awesome. I'm very sorry for what you went through, but I'm so glad you pulled through. ❤

[@504CreoleCrystal]

@@audreym3908 thank you! She is but it’s taken a while. She just had my 1st grand baby and we’re both learning! This grandma thing isn’t as easy as I thought lol

[@504CreoleCrystal]

@@am-n5m thank you for your kind words!

[@es0516]

This show is proof that bullying people into losing weight is NOT effective. It creates more stress, more guilt, more trauma and ultimately makes people’s relationship with food and their body worse. I really hope one day as a society EVERYONE realizes kindness is the best approach. Empathy goes a long way, but people think because someone is overweight the deserve to be treated like crap. It’s sick and it needs to stop.

[@corneliahanimann2173]

Not to counter your argument, i agree with it, but everytime in my life I said that I'm not a fan of body shaming because it is not effective, someone pushed back at me and said that these people need a reality check. I myself am not even overweight, but when I talked to them, they usually turned out to be overweight, and I feel like maybe there is a bad truth out here that overweight people cope with their feelings by joining in on the body shaming... it's interesting, i just noticed that more overweight people seemed to be doing the body shaming than I have seen skinny people do it.

[@lindenshepherd6085]

Minority groups of all sorts tend to be their own biggest critics because they’re the most aware of how the majority judges them. Women tear each other down for not being feminine enough/too feminine, black people tear each other down for acting like stereotypes/not being “black enough”, and overweight people police each other for being overweight and for losing weight. Body shaming is not helpful for getting people to change long term, it’s coming from the same fundamental worldview that your existence as a fat person is bad and won’t get better until you lose weight.

[@corneliahanimann2173]

@@lindenshepherd6085 yes, that is what I was getting at, it is hard to tell these groups that this attitude doesn't help, when you are not one of them.

[@HangingWithMelissa]

You are right.

[@NoxAtlas]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I have an ED due to bullying, stress, undiagnosed autism (I finally got my diagnosis at the age of 29) and years of emotional abuse. My mum thought it was a smart idea to "motivate" me to lose weight by constantly insulting and shaming me for my body. Needless to say, it just created more stress for me, gave me even more trauma and just worsened my ED. It was a downward spiral that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. Even my sister wasn't spared from this, even though she's not nearly as heavy as I am. She is a little curvy, which is just her body type and she eats extremely healthy.

[@alyzu4755]

I was a Pilates instructor when this show was on. So many of my clients berated themselves for not losing massive amounts of weight quickly, like the contestants on TBL. I'd tell them over and over that it was a TV show, it wasn't actually real, and it certainly wasnt healthy. I could tell they didn't believe me, and they grew more and more frustrated. It was so very sad. And the way the trainers on the show treated the contestants was repulsive.

[@BiggerinRealLife]

I used to watch this show and even thought about being a contestant. Until I saw a girl I was friends with in high school on, who made it to one of the top finalists. The way they exploited some very personal family trauma of hers absolutely disgusted me, especially because she was always such a private person, even her closest friends didn’t know what had happened to her, she was just always this very quiet, sweet, withdrawn girl. They used her pain for entertainment, which I always knew reality tv did, but the shock of finding out private, really dark stuff about someone I used to eat lunch with was jarring and felt intensely wrong. It opened my eyes to how exploitative this show in particular was, and I started to research how the people fared once they were off the show. Needless to say I never applied.

[@justkiddin84]

Dang I hope she is doing ok now.

[@rosemulet]

Wait which contestant was your friend? What season was this?

[@BiggerinRealLife]

@@rosemulet thanks for asking, but she's gone pretty dark in the aftermath on social media, and I'm going to respect her privacy. I didn't name her in the initial post because of this, as well. Thanks for your understanding.

[@hotpinkcrayolas]

​@@BiggerinRealLifeGood on you for respecting your friend's privacy and not including her name. I hope she's come out of it all ok x

[@BiggerinRealLife]

@@hotpinkcrayolas me too. 🖤

[@mu8242]

As a Louisiana resident who has dealt with the aftermath of Katrina and so many other hurricanes, thank you for the way you depicted and explained it. Just the mention of Katrina made me feel a little panicky. So many people I know have hurricane trauma, so thank you for presenting it as the devastating event as it was.

[@kristajones7202]

I am wishing you peace. It's not the same, but I think I can relate a little, having lived through a major wildfire. 23 years later and I still panic. I can't imagine a hurricane 💜

[@gonzovii5803]

Mississippi Gulf Coast here - I feel the exact same way. Hope you're well.

[@mrscal2004]

You too? Metairie resident. Yup, I teared up.

[@addie1080]

I can't imagine what you went through, I hope you and your loved ones are doing well ❤

[@cherishlynn5496]

Came here to say this! People truly forget or don't realize that there's STILL damage from this. And there's STILL people who can't go back to their homes/one of the most BEAUTIFUL places.

[@sashagabor76]

A good friend of mine was on this show and she did great, she lost over 100 lb and came in second, but within 6 months, she, along with almost everyone else in her season, had gained it all back plus more. She always says she gained a lifelong friend and a lifetime of problems for every pound she lost. I'm so glad you're covering this!

[@bish_puddin]

Wow, that’s some serious eating to gain 100 lbs in 6 months. Why would she choose to gain it all back?

[@autumnmoonfire3944]

We are recognizing that most diets, that put your metabolism into starvation mode will result in gaining back the weight, now GLP1 drugs are beginning to help, but they seem to need to be permanent. We won’t know for a while f this will prove to have other problems. Science has to figure out how to either pull the body out of starvation mode or prove GLP1s safe for the long haul. As I age I have to say I’d bet on staying on a GLP1 (if I can get them in the first place.) I’m willing to join a research project if I can get the encouragement I need, on an ongoing basis, but as of now I really have nowhere to turn and a lack of trust that the systems I need won’t go poof, because it’s happened before.

[@analuizadefigueiredosouza7851]

Because they didn't work on the most important part of healthy intentional weight loss: what you eat! There's no amount of exercise that's going to make up for crappy eating habits. To gain that much weight a person needs to eat a lot & feed on the fattiest and heaviest foods on a regular basis. Their main issue is their diet😮

[@awkwardemily15]

​@@bish_puddinShe didn't make a conscious decision to gain it all back. The show doesn't teach how to eat and exercise in a sustainable way. Also, her body would have been starving and was going to hold on to as much as it can when finally fed.

[@StefSoleil]

Jillian blocked me on Instagram 😂 She commented on a video by Celeste Barber saying how much she loved Celeste for showing "real bodies." I said that was rich coming from Jillian effing Michaels, the person who caused disordered eating and body image issues in soooo many people. Jillian's fans freaked out on me, then she blocked me 😂

[@Imjustkendall]

STOP THAT IS SO REAL.

[@junebug2005]

Absolute legend for what you said, sad they came for you for looking out for others.

[@TheAndromeda24]

Awesome😂💯💯💯

[@Mimi73161]

Good for you! 💜💜💜💜

[@ashleykathryn9038]

She's also saved a lot of people from heart disease but I guess the health doesn't matter.

[@ArmchairHistorian]

I always thought Jillian was putting on an act like Gordon Ramsey, but he's actually a lovely person in real life

[@Lyrtha]

Ramsey is hit or miss too sadly.

[@AlexJohns-kw2um]

​@@Lyrthano. He's a sweet caring guy

[@Lyrtha]

@@AlexJohns-kw2um nah

[@jonnigoulding4950]

That's what I figured too like it was a caricature of herself.

[@sweariefaerie9621]

​@@AlexJohns-kw2um Everyone has shit days, tho.

[@jrelevates1574]

Jillians issues are her personality.... and can't believe people pay her for abuse. She is just fundamentally mean.

[@THEDubbleHelixx]

Yea, those clips of her were horrific. She sounded someone who needs therapy because her childhood bullying destroyed her.

[@carhiful]

Jillian is a narcissistic grifter, she doesn't care about anyone other than herself, and her motivation is and has always been money! Most people could never be deliberately verbally abusive to another person, it takes someone with a lack of empathy to do that! This show was absolutely disgusting, the creators and the coaches had no interest in helping the contestants, they wanted to make a lot of money!

[@ProteinShowdown]

I don't know I feel like a lot of what she does in the show has to be scripted or staged at least

[@kittykat16]

And to think she was once a bigger person you’d think she’d be more understanding instead of someone who appeared to have drank the fatphobic koolaid and became a bully.

[@smkeybare]

@@ProteinShowdown yeah i think some people forget there's whole camera crew in front of them. She is totally hamming it up for the camera.

[@kallialvarez7215]

i remember my parents were obsessed with this show and it genuinely ruined my relationship with weight and food with all the comments they would give surrounding the show,,, especially being disappointed that people would gain weight back… im glad ive been able to watch people calling out this show and how problematic it truly was

[@omfghailmao]

SAME fucking same. It ruined my life tbh. My parents watched media like this and pushed it on to me as a kid. Fucked me up so bad, gave me a horrible ED. I'm sure so many people can relate.

[@kaelynw4047]

This 1000%

[@strudelh]

Me too, I used to watch the show to fuel my ed, same with any other shows like this. And I think the only weight loss show I like is "fit to fat to fit" if anyone has seen that lol. But regardless it's disgusting how this show was aired, now with 18 SEASONS!

[@Nicole-zh7pl]

I remember watching in and thinking "This can't be healthy"

[@AntoinetteChanel]

I hope you're able to form a healthy relationship with food and body image today. I don't think we speak enough about how common and misunderstood eating disorders are, and I hope that as people continue to call this type of content out, we can all be nicer to ourselves and each other.

[@bethanylamastus15]

Growing up, my entire family struggled with weight, my mom even had weight loss surgery in 2013. We never watched The Biggest Loser and I remember asking my mom why we never did, since my mom at the time was obsessed with losing weight. Even she told me that show was harmful and she’d never let me watch it. I’m so grateful, because growing up overweight has it’s own baggage, I was already majorly depressed and hated the way I looked. Thank you to my mother for seeing that and not encouraging me to fall into that trap of self hatred.

[@sierramcwenie6700]

I literally spent my formative years watching this show. Never missed an episode. How I didn't develop an eating disorder from watching every single episode of this show is beyond me.

[@marinaavant]

Same I think because we didn't have social media back then like it is now

[@TheCrazygirl786]

I was hooked on this show when I was younger. I’m shocked I don’t have any eating disorders too

[@Butterflyflyflyflyflyfly]

I developed severe anorexia in my mid teens. I have no doubt watching a show like this as a young child alongside having a fat-phobic parent caused me to develop one. Took me 9 years to beat the beast!

[@oceancrux3810]

I did too and unfortunately have a lot of issues with food.

[@Adelaide_Cuthbert]

I grew up watching it with my mom. It was certainly a spectacle, and even though my mom had been fat (and still is), it definitely gave me a mean girl mentality for years of disgust and apathy for overweight people, including my mom (and she doubled down that fat = ugly, though never directly berated herself). Just like that one producer said, I always watched that show with the thought of "I'm so glad I don't look like that; I don't understand how people gorge themselves to that point", while I saw a bit of curves as fine, full overweight bodies always made me sneer down my nose in a condescending way. I am not proud of that, and before anyone judges, I was between the ages of 9 to 12. I was a literal child when that show was relevant in my own "mother-daughter tv bonding time". As I grew, even into my teenagehood and stopped watching reality competition tv, including Dance Moms, American Idol, Dances with the Stars, etc., I grew out of that mentality and nurtured compassion, empathy, a moral compass, and just common human decency. I myself have gained a significant amount of weight the past 3/4 years (I'm 25 now), because of being in an abusive situation where I was controlled completely (ranging from not being able to leave the house, to financials, to what food I was forced to consume). I've since escaped that situation and have been on a physical and mental/emotional healing journey that includes weight loss, and boy can I tell you, my own mom's lack of support/sympathy/etc. is not surprising when this video popped up and reminded me of what trashy shit she had me watching as a kid. And again, she's been overweight my entire life, and I believe it has effected her ability to walk properly now in her age (there's other factors, like arthritis and an old injury in her knee at play, but it's clear she never took care of her body). Ever since I got away from that toxic mindset, I never viewed my mom as lesser for being bigger. But the complete hypocrisy and expectation of perfection out of me (in all areas, like career, relationships, sexual orientation, religion, and fashion to name a few), truly disgusts me than being fat ever did. It's the lack of humanity for me. And while I'm on my journey, I'm just so super happy I never truly developed any eating disorders from the trauma and broke that cycle of fat/body shaming that is so prevelent in society and my mother's side of the family. I'm really lucky and grateful this didn't fuck me up on a more permanent level. We are better than this.

[@bushidobride]

Swoop from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for covering this. My mother and brother would often shame me for being fat and would "jokingly" say that they would force me to go on the show. I was a tween/teen when the show came out. My grandmother forced me to go into Weight Watchers and not only did I develop an eating disorder, my spending also went out of control. I am no longer in contact with my brother and barely speak to my mom and grandmother for all of the harm they have caused me. Now, I'm a happily, married adult and after years of therapy, the happiest and healthiest I've ever been. Thank you for showing me and others like me the empathy and humanity we deserve. The little girl and teenager in me feels validated and healed thanks to your love and empathy.

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

Psycho

[@bushidobride]

@@donjuanmckenzie4897 what do you mean? I don't get the response.

[@khanysafan1705]

What do you mean psycho?

[@Stormywaters13]

​@@donjuanmckenzie4897troll

[@Valoelify]

@@donjuanmckenzie4897 Are you talking to yourself again?

[@geegeegeeohbaby123]

When I was around the age 4/5, my plus-sized mom auditioned for the biggest loser. She was told that she didn’t weigh enough for the show; I’m pretty sure (not completely certain, I could be misremembering) that they alluded that she had to gain weight if she wanted to be on the show. The idea of gaining weight to be deemed eligible enough for a WEIGHT LOSS show is just mind-boggling to me. Needless to say, my mom has never been a contestant.

[@justkiddin84]

Thank goodness. She might have ended up with serious medical issues.

[@primaveradel78]

People do it all the time in my country (gain weight to have the ok on free weight loss surgery). It's sad.

[@Ilikebigbooties]

My mom auditioned too. She was devastated she wasn’t accepted. She genuinely thought it would be her only chance. They probably told my mom something similar. We even have her audition tape and I watched it a couple years ago and it just broke my heart. She was able to do a biggest loser camp type thing. But it didn’t help and made her feel worse about herself. She is still considered obese. And it hurts my heart to see how much she hates herself, especially 20 years ago. And I blame some of that hatred on this dumbass show.

[@karls432]

That’s probably true, I’ve even heard of people being told to gain weight to be eligible for a gastric band here in the U.K.. it’s shocking when we all now know that it’s as easy as giving gym memberships and making healthy food more affordable to motivate people to lose weight!

[@felix0-014]

Probably a good thing. If you don't have an extra 100+ lb to lose she probably would have been bullied into being underweight to compete number wise with other contestants

[@strawberryskygirl44]

this is why I had to stop watching TV altogether, especially those trashy reality shows, because all they do is exploit the most vulnerable people for the world's sick entertainment

[@zoe9190]

I refuse to watch any of the reality shows. Almost all reality shows endorse toxic relationships, whether it be with other people or with food, clothes and ourself. Theres only a few shows ive seen where its not like that

[@Shawnne86]

All reality tv is trash. Idk who is supporting it at this point.

[@AnnaVictrix]

You know what, this around the time when I stopped watching network television like that too. This was an era of extreme suffering as entertainment.

[@AnnaVictrix]

You know what, this around the time when I stopped watching network television like that too. This was an era of extreme suffering as entertainment.

[@AstarothFox]

Was looking to see if someone mentioned Dr Phil McGraw on this comment yet. I love how the guy who did Bum Fights schooled Phil.

[@roseaesthetic7969]

Jillian reminds me of the type of person who really wants to be in the military but doesn't want to go through all the testing and training BUT they act like it anyways to feed their fragile ego.

[@Weds.Addams]

This is such a good description of her (except I don't think she would even make it through military training because of her attitude).

[@roseaesthetic7969]

@@Weds.Addams Exactly. She just REALLY wants to be a Drill Instructor lol

[@meganprice5124]

​

[@mosessupposes2571]

Like a cop

[@breannawilliamson9787]

Yes 🤣

[@oatmealsoup6763]

my parents LOVED the biggest loser so much that they binge watched most of the series earlier this year. I watched it with them and i remember they had this new coach that only lasted a single season, but she always got really big numbers from the contestants and when I was watching her season I realized that she was the only coach that tried to connect and empathize with the contestants. like she wasn't verbally abusing these people and most, if not all, of her team made it to the second half of the show. i like to think she left after seeing the conditions the contestants were put under, but i wish there were more people like her on the show that actually cared for these people instead of treating them like cattle

[@sharyna]

This is the most sane comment here. I cannot believe anyone would come for this show.

[@ofthedarknessthemoonlight5412]

Being forced to shower without privacy is a huge setup for people who've experienced SA. Can't help but think that the show producers were actively trying to create "drama." Drama like that kills people. Just one of the incredibly unhealthy, careless, callous, and downright dangerous tactics this show has used.

[@ofthedarknessthemoonlight5412]

This is my third comment, because this show is UNREAL! I cannot imagine the horror of realizing that a contract has locked you into this incredibly abusive existence for the duration. Thank you forever for doing this doc, Swoop. I so appreciate your intelligence, your thoughtful approach, and your kindness toward those who've been forced to suffer with this kind of unbelievable crap. I'm going to try to shut up now, but this is APPALLING! I think these producers belong in jail for criminal neglect. When you take people away from their homes and place them in a living situation that they cannot leave without being sued, you have a duty of care. This was completely neglected, and the producers endangered lives.

[@creativevibetribe]

My mom and sister were on this show 14 years ago ❤ very interesting and thank you for this content. My mom just passed away December 20 last year at 63. She suffered from major back issues after The Biggest Loser.

[@fanoftoast]

As someone who also experiences back pain, I’m so sorry your mom went through that. Back pain can be so life altering. Sorry to hear she passed. ❤️

[@bish_puddin]

Did the show cause her back pain or something she just developed after the show? I’d imagine losing weight would help with back pain. 63 is awfully young to pass away. I’m sorry

[@Mimi73161]

I am so sorry for your loss!

[@awkwardemily15]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your sister is doing okay since being off the show.

[@eryaviel]

"We're not going accept shaming anyone for their size in this content." Can I just say how much I appreciate beyond words just the little things like this? Swoop makes this a safe space for everyone and that's freaking rad, y'all. 💙

[@grxcedn]

i LOOOVE swoop. I know you can only infer about a person so much from the internet but she just has a rare, genuineness that I feel like is very much needed in the sus pool that is youtube.

[@username.not.known2473]

Sure, but it's a low bar. I mean she's criticising the world's worst weight show; there's no real need to state that fat-shaming is bad here.

[@kylaw2593]

Agreed 🙌

[@dangerxbadger2300]

​@username.not.known2473 do you feel the need to minimize compliments for others in your real life, too? You sound exhausting lmao

[@username.not.known2473]

@@dangerxbadger2300 From one comment? You are very astute:)

[@angelNoll10]

Yes this show is the EPITOME of diet-culture. My mom would watch it all the time growing up. I was shamed by my weight at 11 developed anorexia nervosa purge subtype. This show is fat-phobic in nature and contributed to many EDs over the years. In treatment we talk about things like EC and harmful diet-culture shows such as this which contribute to the epidemic of disordered eating and normalization of disordered eating

[@cmcallon7682]

This show was how I learnt to count calories. I was obsessed with JM. Still struggling with an eating disorder to this day. While I don't blame the show it tipped me over the edge. I'm just glad social media didn't exist at the time.

[@sophiavanerio]

It’s so sad how so many of us struggled with EDs because of trash TV, diet culture, and parents who fell for it and put it on our shoulders as well. Thank you for being so vulnerable and telling your story ❤

[@alisonmercer5946]

Gosh I can't imagine telling m my child to lose weight or make her think there is anything wrong with her

[@shaunajaynebellerose916]

I can shed some light on the origin story for you. I worked for the company who had the original concept bought by the biggest loser. It was a Canadian production called taking it off by Anaid productions. After the biggest loser bought the concept and the original pilot season, taking it off became x-weighted. Both shows were gross. I have so many stories of the producers and directors being completely abusive to contestants. After the company moved and I no longer worked for them, they actually did a show called x-weighted families and they exploited kids. Thanks for doing these docs. You are my favourite KZbin creator! ❤ me some Swoop docs!

[@Stefanie_Thompson_Fithian]

Hi Swoop. I don't have much money but I had to do something. I was contemplating removing myself from the world. Couldn't shut my mind off and than i proceeded to notice your lat6est video posted. When you started taking about self worth. You really inspire me. You inspired me to the point that I've changed how I feel about myself. Especially seeing the backbone hoodie and your valid collection. You stopped my contemplation and I've decided I am valid! Swoop, you saved my life. I don't know how to truly thank you. 💖💖💖💖

[@Stefanie_Thompson_Fithian]

@bitchpepper Thank you very much. It's been a real struggle. I'm still struggling. But its people like you who stop to say a kind word that is keeping me from giving up. I just hope Swoop sees this at least. I want her to know how much she helps us. 💖

[@georginacat7667]

She doesn't need that money please don't go short, that $2 literally holds a value of less than 1/2 cent to her, so unless it means the same to you, please keep it

[@Stefanie_Thompson_Fithian]

@@georginacat7667 I was simply trying to show kindness. Why after reading my post would you proceed to put me down? There shouldn't be a $2 option if it doesn't help in anyway I truly hope Swoop doesn't see it that way. I pray she's not that kind of person. I can't imagine her seeing it that way. She seems to genuinely loves her subscribers. She will always be my hero. She talked me down off the ledge. I'll never be able to repay that debt. 💖💖

[@Zzz2x]

Hi!! I’m a fan of swoops too. Her videos have helped me for a very long time. I will always support her for her messages that come from the heart, that’s are meant for people like us struggling! I’m glad you’re still here! whenever you see this, I hope that something makes you smile soon, and I hope you enjoy that moment! Cause we gotta hang on to all the tiny moments like that. Keep your head up! You have good taste, im certain you’re a good person and we need you here

[@Zzz2x]

@@georginacat7667swoop can definitely use the money. She doesn’t have nearly enough supporters for the channel and team that she has. She also has fibromyalgia, which is different for everyone, but it’s a comorbid condition for me and is debilitating. She may have lots of medical care to pay for. And she has great messages and respects everyone. Anyways, this person just wanted swoop to see it. This increases that. And not only swoop seeing, but people like me. And I’m happy to have seen this message. And to know someone else also finds comfort in swoops words and videos. No need to say something negative on something so positive! This person has been struggling, and has decided to keep living in this moment. They are brave and strong for this. We shouldn’t judge or shame them for sharing this in a way that was meaningful to them. They are intelligent enough to make their own decision in sharing $2 with someone who has impacted their life. All is good! Be kind to others and have a good day/night

[@makeupbyjules]

The fact that I watched this as a CHILD who struggled with weight and my relationship with food is just horrifying. I remember the one season Rachel lost TOO MUCH weight and looked so scary after! The praise with losing weight is addictive and I went on to learn that the hard way. Crazy stuff

[@am-n5m]

When I was younger I would watch clips of this show on youtube and watch episodes on tv, I had an ED from 14-18 and I ended up losing 33 lbs (when I was in a healthy weight range in the first place) and I was underweight. It didn't matter how skinny I got, I only felt good about myself if I was actively losing weight. After restricting and getting to a safe environment where I didn't feel that I would be judged or bullied for what my body looked like, I started eating more again, it came back quickly and I had gained 128 lbs, which was 97 lbs overweight (113 lbs away from my goal weight) within 1 - 2 years. I was really horrible to myself and had a extremely negative and mean inner voice, I hated myself for everything that I did "wrong" and I just thought really nasty things about myself. One thing that I noticed is that I picked up a lot of these mean things I saw in media or that was just said to me about my weight, and repeated it back to myself or thinking even worse things, (at the time I thought that was the only way to lose weight and that it was "motivation" but I realize now I was just a dumb teenager with a disorder) and it kept me in that state of restricting, breaking and overeating, over exercising and round and round again. It wasn't until my partner forced me to stop, reassured me I will be loved no matter what did I get to a spot where it didn't matter, I had to develop hobbies and things I was interested in, and a year or so later when I wanted to go into changing something, it's not going to be weighing myself every week, or counting calories, working out for an hour every day or any of this stuff. Just focusing on eating healthy meals with treats and desserts in moderation, and some exercise a few times a week. You have to love yourself, hate will get you nowhere and it will just make you feel worse. I have lost 47 pounds since then and I have 66 lbs to go. You need to love yourself and praise yourself for every time you do something you wanted to do (as an example eating salmon or completing a 15 minute workout video), and don't treat yourself like you are the worst person ever for eating a few cookies. It is okay.

[@LSnicket]

As someone who is a former athlete and used to teach people, hearing that they made people go on such a low calorie diet and then go on to these crazy workouts is wild to me. And I’m a black belt and I’ve *never* treated my students like that! Wtaf?!! You get rough to them, yes, but never to break their spirits, only to make them realize they are able to do more than they realize bc a lot of times teachers will see their potential and how amazing they are when doing a certain exercise. I’ve trained a lot of people and ALWAYS tried my best to make them safe. And this included how long they trained. You have to work hard, sure, but your body needs time to recover and grow the muscles you need. And, as a last thing, when I was doing 3 to 4 hours training everyday (that was my maximum that was reduced when it got closer to competition days), I ate a LOT. I’d never ask anyone to eat less when they’re going to exercise more.

[@aurea.]

Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper and all others involved appall me. How can you do something like that? The whole show was a disgrace to humanity.

[@anlydaly5726]

ESPECIALLY since when went through bullying herself! She of all people should understand how hurtful words can be but no, she instead turns around and bullied dozens of other people. How disgusting

[@elaexplorer]

​@@anlydaly5726She was the worst. You could see the disdain in her face whenever she was supposed to be having a heart to heart with somebody. Her hatred of herself really did bleed over onto the contestants.

[@GMStephens-rj1xx]

Bob Harper should have learned not to be such a drill sergeant after his heart attack.

[@anlydaly5726]

​@@elaexplorerYES! She could have used her bullying to inspire her contestants as I'm sure her story would have been relatable for many of them. Yet no, she chose to abuse and belittle instead, what a waste of a person

[@KitKatSukiKat]

Those who were bullied when younger, usually become bullies themselves!

[@Elowrenadventures]

This is so sad for me to watch as a 24 year old human with an obese yet health obsessed mother I had. She was in love with biggest loser and Julian. I always remember her making jokes about how I had the same name as her. My mom forced me onto a restrictive diet because she “was worried about me getting bullied” now at the age I am I don’t eat more than once a day and I weigh 110-120 pounds. It’s crazy how shows like this effect the modern American family over the years.

[@Butterflyflyflyflyflyfly]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I too had a parent that was fat-phobic and loved the biggest loser. We watched it every year and my sisters and I were very young. I developed an eating disorder at 14 and fought it for 9 long years. My sister also developed an ED. Food is not the enemy, your body is not the enemy. Allow yourself to eat at peace and enjoy fun foods. It is possible to eat at peace, I know because I did it. Take care

[@bli3ko]

For anyone who’s interested: The Minnesota Starvation Experiment was a study conducted from 1944-1945 to examine the effects of post-war famine. In it, a group of healthy young men were fed a 1500-1600 calorie diet in addition to a minimum exercise requirement of 22 miles per week (~ 3 miles per day, equivalent to one hour of walking at a moderate pace). Over the course of the experiment, they developed signs of depression, anxiety, isolation, and hyperfixation on food, including strange rituals around mealtimes - all considered symptoms of anorexia nervosa (but which are arguably symptoms of malnutrition itself). It took some of the men years after the study concluded to completely recover. The ones who didn’t had developed restrictive EDs. So basically yes, even in the early 2000s, there was actual scientific evidence that what happened to these people, would happen. The MSE is no longer considered ethical and therefore has not been repeated. Yet in the name of entertainment, it’s ok to subject people to arguably worse conditions? *THAN POST- WWII FAMINE.* Just because they exist in larger bodies. I hope (but also don’t hold out a lot of hope) that the contestants received proper support once they left the show. Renutrition after this kind of extreme restriction needs careful supervision, especially in cases of very low body weight or where electrolytes may be imbalanced (due to vomiting, laxative/diuretic use, or dehydration). If you are entering recovery please, PLEASE see a doctor. It’s not always just as simple as eating more. The consequences of sudden renutrition can be very serious if not promptly treated. Recovery is 100% worth it though 💜

[@private755]

I lost a hundred pounds over a few years and managed to keep it off. I created my own exercise routine based on patience, long term goals, acceptance, and encouragement. Forcing people to change out of shame and ridicule was a HUGE theme of the early 2000s (I was there) and I can happily report based on my own life that all that shame is extremely unnecessary and does way more harm to self esteem than any temporary weight lost does to boost it.

[@AW-uv3cb]

Yours sounds like a reasonable approach. Or, in fact, the only healthy and effective approach in long perspective. How can one expect to keep up with exercise and a healthy way of eating if 1) they ramp it up to an unsustainable degree, 2) they're made to feel like it's a punishment instead of something positive they're doing for themselves.

[@carsynhurley8012]

Ok I need to say this, THIS is how you do a video talking about sensitive subjects. Tell people what happened, why it’s harmful to them, tell them it’s not their fault and give them resources!!! this is why I watch this channel! you give GREAT insight and facts, while educating people on why it can be harmful!! keep it up!!❤️❤️

[@patriciaschiro2659]

This show was problematic for me. I’m a recovering anorexic and when this show came out I was deep into my issues. To watch people loss tremendous amounts of weight in a week made me think I could do that as well. At 5’7” and 90lbs before the birth of my son; I was so upset to weigh 120lbs postpartum. I even got the work out video of one of the coaches. This show hurt the contestants as well as the audience with unrealistic goals. I’m glad you are doing this deep dive.

[@Old_Goth_Lady]

I’m an anorexic in recovery as well. This show was what I watched to keep myself “motivated” in restriction. It fersure contributed to my disorder.

[@katherinedonaldson7884]

i hope both of you wonderful people live long and happy lives. peace and love from another person recovering from anorexia

[@RexytheRexy]

I've been struggling with anorexia since I was 12. Health, happiness, care, and love to you. I hope you're all enjoying your lives and comfortable in your bodies. You're beautiful. 💜

[@silverdoe9477]

I was anorexic all my teenage years into my twenties, growing up in the midst of “size zero” mania. I was also obsessed with any show about weight or food & I can still find them triggering. I’m overweight now, because of epilepsy-meds which was probably & ironically caused by extreme malnutrition. We need to be kind to our bodies. ❤ Break this cycle & raise our voice against these shows.

[@b_ellan]

My ED / ana behaviors started when I was only 8. My family has always been overweight, and the negative body talk from the people around me, about their bodies and my own, felt constant. At my dad's house, we would all sit down and watch this as a family, and the adults would talk about how they wished they could be contestants. The winners were aspirational, the workouts were inspirational, and the quotes about dieting were hung all over the kitchen. I didn't start healing until I met my husband, and as a woman in her 30s who is a mother, I try my absolute hardest to raise my children to not even think about it. I am so thankful that I've been able to turn my life around, though the lifetime of starvation, over-exercising, and crash diets ruined my metabolism. This show fed my negative behaviors big time, and I know it did for so, so many others, too. Thank you for covering it.

[@angelasteed156]

My obsession with this show had me demonizing my post partum body instead of being amazed at what it had done in growing, birthing, and feeding my child. It has taken me years to work through my terrible diet culture mindset. I think it will be a lifetime journey, however I am better at calling out fat phobic nonsense. I'm also much better at appreciating my body for what it can do and has done for me. Thank you for this doc. As always, it was so very well done.❤

[@cajones5956]

When Hurricane Katrina is mentioned, I feel so sad for the losses people endured and the pain it still stirs up today. I felt a need to do something to help because I saw the destruction, firsthand, in Mobile, Alabama. This all brought an unexpected opportunity to learn about the need of rescuing and the impact of fostering displaced animals.

[@aurea.]

It sometimes feels like people won't understand how harmful bodyshaming is until they experience it themselves. While I felt othered and ignored for my weight, a friend of mine was regularly insulted by "family" and "friends," to the point of developing unhealthy habits. Shaming is not "motivation," it is not "caring." It is chipping away at a person's sense of self-worth and confidence until they start destroying themselves. What's more, the effects of that often stay even when you do change your habits. Be kind to each other, people. P.S.: Judging by what Jillian Michaels said about her childhood, it seems that even knowing how painful bodyshaming is won't stop you from treating others poorly... I feel for every contestant and person affected by this show.

[@josephinehenry8236]

🎯🎯🎯

[@dangerxbadger2300]

Americans have this weirdly punitive nature about the way they view things they consider circumstances that people "brought upon themselves", like with drugs or weight or homelessness, etc. What they fail to understand is that they could be one traumatic experience away from being in those exact positions that they deem themselves so far above.

[@julesmallow]

Insulting people for their weight never actually helps them. It only contributes to the feelings of guilt and shame that caused the disorder in the first place. But pretending it's tough love is how people justify their cruelty

[@lilGreenYoshi]

I think that's prolly where a lot of Jillian Michaels' cruelty comes form. When she finally got more of a healthy weight, the trauma and memories of bullying never left her and is now taking it out on everyone. tho that doesn't excuse it, her behavior is still appalling, but yeah shame a vast majority of the time just makes shit worse

[@dangerxbadger2300]

@juliabelyung482 Some of the people in these comments need to read yours. Especially those that don't seem to understand that just because something is TRUE doesn't make it kind or necessitate it being said. The internalized and externalized fat phobia in so many of the other comments is so depressing and triggering.

[@The.Audacity]

As a person with an eating disorder, thank you for covering how problematic this show was. It has taken me decades to regain a healthy relationship with food. and realize that weight is a number, and does not define my entire self. (Nor is it even an accurate predictor of health! Habits are.) Looking forward to watching this.

[@personincognito3989]

Wait is absolutely ONE of the predictors of health. Don't let trends fool you. Medical

[@cececox6399]

Why do fat people always delude themselves into bs like weight isn't linked to health. Hahaha 🤣 Yes. Yes it IS. If you're overweight you're DYING. I've been in a wheelchair for almost 15 YEARS and I STILL weigh just 100lbs at 5ft 2. Solely through diet. As someone who has spent a LOT of time in hospitals and physical rehab, basically OAP homes 😂 and I can tell you there's less and less obese until around 60 years plus, then there's NONE. Show me the morbidly obese person who lived to 100. Heck show me one who's 80 or even 70. I know morbidly obese people who weren't as huge as the biggest losers and he died at 33. It's literally a blatant LIE to say something as dumb as obesity isn't linked to health. Knowing FULL WELL that YOU'RE LYING and encouraging people to K!ll themselves. It's not compassionate to just sit back play along with your delusions and let you k!ll yourself. TRUE compassion is telling you to get it together. Helping you out to get healthy. NOBODY who ACTUALLY LOVES YOU supports you k!LL!ng yourself by eating yourself to death. People who say that they you're healthy being obese just don't want to deal with you starting a fight, like ALL addict's do when confronted with their addictions. They KNOW that you're not going to be around long and they're HAPPY with that and so they just put up with you while they have to. Many are also obese and like all addict's they want to drag others DOWN WITH THEM! Like how the women who couldn't get a husband, or couldn't keep one and ended up divorced, always try to ruin their friends relationships. Oh he's not good enough, he doesn't do enough/ make enough, he won't let you live the single girl club thot lifestyle so he's controlling... Get rid. Because they want someone else to be bitter and miserable with. They're NOT friends. They're enemies watching you like a car crash reality show. ☠️🤡🤦‍♀️🙅🤷‍♀️🤣

[@josephinehenry8236]

spelling is absolutely one of the predictors of intelligence 😂

[@Rosietea]

@@personincognito3989 lmao inspired me to go buy a few chocolate bars to eat in your name. hope i gain some weight even :)

[@beep3242]

​@@personincognito3989 I'll eat some honey buns for u bestie 😘

[@taylarlabree]

I’m using the phrase “Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of bullshit” at least once a day for the rest of my life thank you Swoop

[@NOBODYCARES-i6p]

Swoop. Queen. Thank you. My mom and I watched this religiously while I was growing up. It messed me up. My body image was all that mattered for years. It was so awful. My mom didn’t help either, she would say I looked pregnant if my belly was noticeable under my clothes… I was 15/16 years old. This show was MANIPULATION at its absolute finest. To find out years later a huge portion of the show was fake … made it even worse. I’m an ED survivor

[@bpdbitch6541]

Me too with all of it

[@aijalonsays]

It is so crazy bc when this show came out, I was 14 & like many impressionable teenagers, i was in awe of the concept & while watching it with my parents, it gave the impression that this "standard" the show set was what I needed to be doing. Now that I am 33 with my own child, re-watching it back, I never realized how toxic it was at its core! thank you for shedding so much light to this topic. it was definitely necessary & helps us BE and do better. i loved this whole video.

[@knitwitchpgh]

Being a teen when this show came out, and my mom had just lost 100lbs and got obsessed with CrossFit. I personally think this show contributed to my ED. Jillian Michaels is hell on earth. Ive been waiting for these people to sue. Now as an adult using doctors and the modern understanding of our metabolisms, that RAPID weight loss can cause irreversible damage to your body and metabolism. Her and Bob ruined those people. Edit: I stopped watching after season like 5 but Rachels loss 😮 I'm 5'3" and have been so happy to finally be stable at 170 and I'm thicc for my height. The last time I was 105lbs, I was 17 and had an ED where I would eat applesauce in the morning with my overmedicated Adderall prescription, and then wouldn't eat again until 8pm when it finally wore off. Im 32 now and just now getting my eating habits under control with therapy, and proper ADHD and depression medication. I'm so glad this show ended. I just hate that it lasted so long

[@sphynxboogies]

As someone who grew up with this show and whose family saw it as a “good warning” for what could happen I seriously appreciate you covering this. When I quit nicotine (smoking) I gained 30 lbs in about 6 months and my the amount of shame my female family members put on me actively and passively was intense. There are people like my family out there who think shows like this are HELPFUL and NECESSARY. Pretty insane. In my late 20s now and in recovery for BED after having a restrictive disorder from the time I was 14-23, that morphed into BED when I quit nicotine. People don’t realize that having an eating disorder can be MORE dangerous than being at a (perceived) “unhealthy weight”

[@elainelouve]

People don't really seem to be aware just how dangerous and bad EDs can be. I think the mortality was higher than psychosis or other condition generally viewed as severe. Should probably google it, but anyway, the statistics are dark. The whole society sometimes seems to have disordered eating. I wonder what would happen if we concentrated that energy on affordable therapy instead, and other things that would really benefit everyone.

[@casey5683]

My mother still thinks she’s “helping” me by using shame tatics about my weight. My daughter is thin and my mother praises almost nothing else about her aside from her looks. If she didn’t hurt my mental and physical health so much I might almost feel bad for her

[@wintermoon7003]

No, it's pretty easy to see who's unhealthy based on how big a person is. Not to say that skinny people are healthy either, because that's not what I mean. But you can't tell me that 400+ pounds is healthy.

[@sphynxboogies]

@@wintermoon7003 I honestly think it depends on everyone’s individual body. Also 400 lbs doesn’t necessarily mean someone’s unhealthy… look at “Strongman” competitions where people are literally athletes and their body frames support more weight. It really depends on body composition, biogenetic factors and personal psychosocial perspectives that affect an individual’s overall health. Health is not simply defined by our physical appearance.

[@mariusvanc]

@@sphynxboogiesNo, there are like

[@tesst.your.strength]

As a personal trainer with 5+ years of Kinesiology education this show disgusted me in so many ways and makes me absolutely angry that this was even a good idea to be a show. The trainers goal should be creating a welcoming and supportive environment. The way the trainers treated them in this show is heart breaking. I could never imagine screaming in my clients faces and making abusive threats the way Jillian did. Any form of misconduct in coaching just sends me to Petty University and back so I had to get that off my chest after seeing this video 🤣 Another great video Swoop thank you for covering this!

[@donjuanmckenzie4897]

Did Louie Simmons create a welcoming supportive environment for his athletes? 😂

[@Akursedtime]

Looking back, its horrific the treatment the contestants had to endure. We were basically watching people getting verbally and emotionally abused and then getting gaslit that they didn't lose the weight. Everybody's body and dietary concerns are a huge spectrum. I'm naturally skinny but I have IBS and it means my dietary concerns are different from others. My dad and mom too have different diets because of health issues. And the fact that they introduced such a dangerous diet for INDIVIDUAL people. Its horrifying.

[@ambersather7460]

New to this channel, hello everyone! Im 4 videos into Swoops content and im soool hooked. Shes coming up fast behind oompaville, celinaspookyboo and MrBallen for my favorite youtubers!

[@littlecan8815]

I never comment on any youtube videos, but I just want to say I just found your videos and have been binging them for a few days now, and Im OBSESSED with your content. You have your own viewpoints but also understand and acknowledge others. I wish more people were of the same mindset. Keep doing what you're doing. We need more of this in our society. ❤

[@aildhe4593]

I really needed this episode. Several years ago I went through a work accident, became disabled, gained a lot of weight and then when I was applying for social security, they told me that I'd be less disabled and in less pain if I wasn't fat. And they denied me. I dropped my calorie intake to 1200 out of trauma from that experience and started starving myself. I always tried to eat less calories the next day and so on and so on. Now, 7 years later I am much thinner but my body doesn't know when I'm hungry or not anymore and I sometimes just don't eat until my husband tells me to. Because I'm just broken now.

[@josephinehenry8236]

Gosh that’s terrible, warmest regards to you from Australia.. ❤

[@aildhe4593]

@@josephinehenry8236 Thank you 💜 Much love

[@ukchanak]

I hate this disgusting worldview that America has. I had undiagnosed PCOS and gained 70 lbs in 5 months without changing my diet and I couldn't even walk, 60 degrees was too hot for me, and my doctor said "you should just lose weight." I tried an extreme diet that didn't work and finally had to bring in a list of 40 symptoms and tell HER I knew what I had, and she'd better fucking give me the tests. Unfortunately in America you can't just ask for tests, the doctors have to prescribe them.

[@justkiddin84]

@@ukchanak right! And a lot of health care advocates tell you to do just what you did. Good job!

[@sngray11]

I am so sorry to hear what was said to you and how it has impacted your life. I hope that you find people and professionals that you trust to help you heal and no longer feel broken. 🙏🏽 I have been where you currently are, and just know that it is possible to regain a healthy relationship with food and to feel whole again. I am sending strength, prayers, and positive vibes your way. 💞

[@smolappl]

Not even 5 minutes in yet and I can already tell this is going to be a favorite. I wish more people talked about how this show destroyed self-esteem. I was always told to watch it and was forced by my family to watch it many times as a way to sort of "motivate" me.

[@Akiku2]

Saw the title and knew I was gonna love it.

[@smolappl]

@@Akiku2 exactly

[@ShyannHope8]

My mom and I used to watch this show religiously while eating ice cream and thin mint girl scout cookies 😭 In all seriousness, this show was difficult to watch as a young child and definitely attributed to my later on ED. I'm glad this is being talked about!

[@English3Muffin]

I used to watch this show with my mom and it wasn’t until years later that I recognized how horrible it was, or honestly how my mom’s body dysmorphia shapes her life. I fight my own watching her struggle and not wanting that for myself. After a few lapses in EDs. Thank you for covering this, Swoop. I’m sure (and hoping) people are suggesting to look into Aubrey Gordon’s phenomenal work, which includes books and a podcast she cohosts called Maintenance Phase. It is one of my favorite podcasts. They do an incredible job breaking down and debunking diet fads and the harmful ideals we have as a society. It’s helped me find more acceptance in myself and take some of that pressure off. Not all, but some.

[@kayde1526]

I myself am a person who is struggling everyday with being extremely overweight. I cannot even fathom being subject to harsh challenges, incredibly ignorant people, and long term effects of the entire experience. People who struggle with weight (no matter how much weight) are valid, loved, and are deserving of COMPASSION, nothing less. All bodies are beautiful. Thank you Swoop for your kind words and your compassion and hard work. Another great video. Much love xx

[@Wyldyflower]

As someone who was 690lbs. I myself find it super annoying that people are uncomfortable with medical terms for being obese. It just adds to the blanket that the word is hurtful. It’s not hurtful it’s truthful. I also find body positivity is not all positive. If someone told it was okay to be 690lbs and made it all about beauty and acceptance i would have smacked that person (in my head of course 😂) it is okay to love yourself and okay to live and be happy, however at a certain weight you cannot live anymore. You can’t do many functions to keep living on your own. It’s unhealthy and no matter how pure the intentions are of saying love yourself as you are. Being super morbidly obese is not okay. Changing the language does not change the problem. A lot of these influencers and models who are glorifying the obese side are young. They haven’t had the major health problems the scares. One day they will wake up with their knees rubbing on knees, spine crushing spine, osteoarthritis through all their joints. I speak from experience. This goes to the opposite side of the spectrum as well. If we are going to be body positive then we need to live in reality of what that actually means. Because body positive is also enabling behavior that needs medical assistance to change. I want to be able to feel cute in my current body but also feel supported as I still try to lose weight. I feel like body positivity has put a negative on weight and talking about weight loss. It’s like if anyone says they want to lose weight the new reaction is no girl you’re beautiful like you are. Like okay??? It’s like I’m damned if I do Damned if i don’t. I was also on a weight loss tv show.

[@kaylar205]

This is exactly how weight should be addressed. Medical professionals using diagnostic terms such as over weight, under weight, obesse, and morbidly obesse are generally not passing judgements but tracking Medical issues that may need addressed before bigger problems arise and/or educate what being an unhealthy weight can lead to down the road. Unhealthy weight is unhealthy there are health consequences and those should not be ignored (whether that be under weight, over weight, or unhealthy diet/exercise plans).and we should support those on a journey to become healthy and happy inside and out. ❤

[@elainelouve]

Body positivity is not glorifying obesity, and it doesn't encourage becoming fat. I think you might have some internalized fatphobia there. However I totally agree on the influencers being on the younger side, and there is a stigma on weight loss. This issue has been talked about in the community, so not everyone agrees. And most of the people I follow are ok with losing weight for health reasons. Like they get that it can be necessary. There's an activist who herself lost a huge amount of weight, and she's still promoting the basic human rights of fat people. Which is what it's all about at the core, that we deserve happiness and human rights. Btw this activist I mentioned never made an issue about her weight loss. She did it purely for health reasons. Not going to talk about her health, because I don't remember if she's talked about it in the public. Also I agree 100% that I hate how we supposedly need to avoid medical terms and even descriptions such as fat. What sucks from my perspective, not being from the US, that you guys need to go on a reality show in hopes of getting decent care for your health issues. It's like a dystopia, when in a better world we would recognize and have treatments for BED and other things. I'm now suspecting an undiagnosed ADHD might be a factor in why I'm obese. It's one of those conditions that have been criminally underdiagnosed for women, especially for us who are middle aged and older. I'm in the process of getting a diagnosis now. Weight is just one thing I have, but maintaining healthy habits is quite impossible when having routines isn't working. We are always unique in our backgrounds, how each of us got fat, and how it affects us. Need to add: weight is often just a symptom of underlying causes. Like the woman mentioned in the video had a traumatic experience. We need to address and treat these issues instead of just focusing on weight loss, though of course unhealthy weight can be causing other, new issues. Therapy for traumatic experiences, same as EDs and other mental health struggles should be easily available and affordable. We also need to make the worklife better, decrease stress on a societal level, tackle poverty, and make healthy foods affordable and available. It's much easier to blame individuals for "eating more than you consume", but it has never fixed the problem.

[@vismattress5760]

the internalized fat phobia is real here. body positivity isn't glorification.

[@laikanbarth]

@@elainelouveSure, Jan that’s why all of these body positivity people get angry when any overweight celebrity or influencer decides to get healthy or loses weight. It’s TOXIC!!!

[@ThatDamnedGamer1]

Was looking for a way to say what you did here, I've been overweight but never obese. Though last year my best friend for 20+ years died at the age of 41 due to al of the things associated with being obese, of which she was for a very long time. People can try to say otherwise but being massively overweight is deadlier than smoking, and smoking is also very damaging and deadly. Anyone that supports the "beautiful at any size" or try to use "fatfobia" when it comes to this subject is straight up evil to me. They are knowingly/unknowingly are putting people in a place where they have a horrible quality of life that tends to end very early. The heaviest that I have personally been was about 250lbs, at some 50%+ body fat and fixed my diet and got to the gym and dropped down to 180lbs at around 14% bodyfat and feel much better, and now I'm working at gaining the weight back as muscle. So my message to you is, keep up the work and become the best version of you possible. Mind, body, and spirit, and a very large part of that is getting your body to where it loves you back. You used to be 690lbs and the weight is dropping? Then I am proud of you and the work you are putting in, and you should be proud of that as well.

[@Mndz113]

Everything being blamed on my weight has given me e a chronic terror of getting regular medical care. I am an Afro-Latina woman of a certain body type, once I hit puberty I was never in the ‘healthy’ weight class. This has kept me from proper psychological support, annual check ups, and so much more. In recent years I have tried to push passed this and advocate for my own health but it’s an uphill battle. 😢

[@leahbelieva]

This! I didn’t have a regular doctor from 18 until this year at 28 to avoid being told all of my ailments could be fixed by losing X amount of weight. It took YEARS of therapy before I established care with a regular doctor whom I trust. And I still struggle to advocate for my health but I do try. The fear of being fat shamed by a medical professional needs to be studied more. Add that you are a POC on top? I can’t imagine. My heart goes out to you that you are able to get the care you need without being fat shamed or under/misdiagnosed as a POC🖤

[@primaveradel78]

You can advocate for your health without doing all that. Just eath healthy, drink water and move your body. It's simple.

[@tinareed4273]

Same. I’ve always been fat or overweight or heavy (or whatever adjective is currently used to describe us). Even when I weighed 130# for the military, I was still fat. I hate going to the doctor for anything - even the flu - bc it always gets pointed back to my weight. And no one really wants to help or get to the root cause of it. Just throw the current fad medicine at it and hope it sticks.

[@ahub87]

@@primaveradel78that’s not what they are talking about…they mean if they get sick or have pain for any reason, doctors don’t explore what is wrong, they automatically assume it’s due to them being overweight. Case in point, I am currently overweight but I was not an overweight child when I was diagnosed with asthma. I am with the same large medical provider that I was with when I was 11. In 2022 I ended up with walking pneumonia. After going through an extensive check to make sure I didn’t have the-vid, the attending physician stated that my lungs were compromised due to my asthma which was a result of my weight. I then had to inform him that I was diagnosed with asthma at 11 when I was a healthy weight and have an extensive medical history of it. I also informed him that my lungs took further damaged when I had pleurisy in my 20s, which again happened when I was at a healthy BMI…my lungs were trash before I had a big a$$. It was only after that interesting conversation, that appropriate treatment was given…that’s when I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia

[@Hobsonsmom]

I remember waiting in line with my now husband for him to try out for this show. He looked at it as a way to change his life. Seems like him not getting on the show was a blessing in disguise.

[@thatgirlfromktown]

I had to speak to a therapist before I could be scheduled for a back surgery a few years ago. I'm not sure why, but I did. The therapist told me I looked like a beast and that I shouldn't weigh more than 98-105 pounds. My ideal weight is 135. He asked "do you really think your husband finds all that fat attractive? Don't you want him to be attracted to you, because I guarantee you he thinks you look disgusting." I left that place in tears and throwing up the rest of the day from the stress of that day. I ended up living like a hermit. To this day, I don't leave home, and if I do, it is just for a doctor's appointment and right back home. I ended up not getting the surgery due to a genetic heart issue and can't stand or walk more than about 3 minutes before I am in excruciating back & hip pain. So I have sadly put on more weight. I understand, just like all people who are overweight understand, that we aren't healthy, but there is a way to talk to us about it without being hateful. I didn't tell my husband until a few months later what that therapist had said because I knew what would happen if I had told him that day and I didn't want him to end up on the 6 o'clock new.

[@DeadlyWhispers]

I remember watching this show growing up and crying and praying that I could go on it... I was so young 💔 I had an ED starting age 8... About 10 years ago my mom and I were going to the women's gym "Curves" and it was such a positive experience, but then after a year or so, for some reason, Jillian Michaels was the face of the company and we had to do really intense exercises that a lot of people wouldnt be able to do, especially if they were disabled. Before we had coaches to help us but then Jillian became our coach on the TV.... she would say stuff like "You'll be so beautiful without that extra weight. You will be beautiful in those skinny jeans" ... like EXCUSE ME?! lol my mom was so mad we ended up switching gyms and a lot of the other women did as well. We hated her messages, telling us we were basically just sad ugly fat people... we used to feel so good going to the gym, but then after Jillian, we'd leave feeling worse about ourselves and our bodies.

[@ametrineambrosia4929]

Curves? Literally Jillian isn't even curvy or womanlike!

[@c471]

@DeadlyWhispers, my mom had us join Curves too! Mainly for her and my sister to loose weight, but I couldn't be left alone, so they signed me up too. I enjoyed the circuit machines but hated staring at everyone in the oval set up. I remember the TV part, but I blocked out what Jillian was saying. 🫤 Now that I think about it, the weigh ins are what set me off on weighing myself every time I used the bathroom as a teen. Add in my crush calling my double zero friend fat, while I was like a size four to six...hello disordered eating. 😭

[@c471]

@DeadlyWhispers, my mom had us join Curves too! Mainly for her and my sister to loose weight, but I couldn't be left alone, so they signed me up too. I enjoyed the circuit machines but hated staring at everyone in the oval set up. It was mostly older ladies there though. I remember the TV part, but I blocked out what Jillian was saying. 🫤 Now that I think about it, the weigh ins are what set me off on weighing myself every time I used the bathroom as a teen. Add in my crush calling my double zero sized friend fat, while I was like a size four to six...hello disordered eating. 😭

[@c471]

@DeadlyWhispers, my mom had us join Curves too! Mainly for her and my sister to loose weight, but I couldn't be left alone, so they signed me up too. I enjoyed the circuit machines but hated staring at everyone in the oval set up. It was mostly older ladies there though. I remember the TV part, but I blocked out what Jillian was saying. 🫤 Now that I think about it, the weigh ins are what set me off on weighing myself every time I used the bathroom as a teen. Add in my crush calling my double zero sized friend fat, while I was bigger than that ..hello disordered eating. 😭

[@c471]

@DeadlyWhispers, my mom had us join Curves too! Mainly for her and my sister to loose weight, but I couldn't be left alone, so they signed me up too. I enjoyed the circuit machines but hated staring at everyone in the oval set up. It was mostly older ladies there though. I remember the TV part, but I blocked out what Jillian was saying. 🫤 Now that I think about it, the weigh ins are what set me off on weighing myself every time I used the bathroom as a teen. Add in my crush calling my double zero sized friend fat, while I was bigger than that ..hello disordered eating. 😭

[@gretchenbadger3158]

I am in recovery from binge eating disorder, and this show (and all of the knock-offs that popped up at the time) had such an incredibly harmful impact on my young mental health. Thank you for bringing this to light. Also, Jillian Michaels is a garbage human who can eff right off.

[@basteque_]

Wow same. I used to watch that show and I would wish I'd participate on that show or other kind of "camps" when I was a kid. That f-ed me up. I'm finally free from any diet but still suffer from ED. Thank you for your comment. I feel less alone. Hang on 🩵 (the Overeaters Anonymous group exist and can help if you need/want it ).

[@gretchenbadger3158]

@bitchpepper it is for sure a struggle every single day....but as long as we're continuing to fight, and stay alive, it will all be worth it. Wishing you well in your recovery journey!

[@Zzz2x]

I second the Jillian michaels statement. She sucks!

[@MoxieRocker]

You're not alone.

[@KatherineM-]

I’m so confused , as someone who has absolutely struggled with weight aka being 215 lbs at 14 y. O what this woman is pretty much saying by not using the medical term morbid obesity she’s saying that she supports all of us who suffer with food addiction to have a heart attack or diabetes , depression or any of the hundred of side effects from being obese. P.s If you are offended by using these words then you either don’t have good addiction , are not fat and never have been , or can’t face the truth. The best thing anyone could have told me was that they loved me so much that they couldn’t sit by as I offed myself slowly with food . I’ve since lost 130 lbs and you know how BY EATING WAY LESS AND BY MOVING MY BUTT! There are no quick fixes , and the reason why bigger people lose so much weight so fukn fast is because they can spare it and the body is shedding due to them fukn moving more then they ever have their whole life. Theirs no secret , you don’t need an expensive gym , or a trainer , or those prepared meals because that shit isn’t sustainable . Real life happens , dinners , functions , holidays but when you do a lifestyle change and not a diet , and when you start exercising and being accountable for every calorie you put in your mouth , ONLY then do you realize what and how much your eating . If you want that 300 calorie brownie then I think we’ll that means I have to hit pavement for 1.5 hrs or 5 miles at a steady cadence of 3 mph to burn that off . Or if I just burned 250 cal on my walk or workout , yeah I may think twice on popping a high caloric treat in my mouth . I’ve lost weight being honest with myself ! And this woman isn’t doing you any service by coddling you. Being at a certain weight does and will always make you obese. That’s not offensive, what should be offensive is someone censoring their vocabulary because you can’t address your food issues . Your an adult and I’m only speaking of adults . The biggest loser was inspiring , but i will leave you with this ; I’m walking my first 5k this Saturday, being an obese person with food addictions I’ve come to realize that my whole life has changed and yes movement is all I think of all day . I stretch when I can , I squat when I’m bored , I hike for fun , I bike and kayak, and mountain bike , what I’m saying is yes it’s hard work , but so is staying fat . That’s a commitment of constantly eating not moving and being fit literally just takes the opposite of that .😊

[@TheWitchsRattle]

I lost 110 lbs in 8 months because my doctor wouldn't take my health concerns seriously. I didn't feel better and she called me a liar. Turns out I had ME/CFS, have had it for years prior, and physical exertion can intensify the already horrible symptoms. My hair fell out. I'm permanently bald now. My metabolism is non existant, and I've gained 85lbs back. I hated my relationship with food and developed more body dysmorphia when I was thinner than I have now. My cholesterol, ironically, sky rocketed during my keto-induced weight loss, and I developed kidney disease. Now I'm fat and bald and working to advocate for loving yourself in whatever body you have. And yeah, i enjoy cake. Fuck me, right? Thank you for this video. You do good work.

[@ImTaryn]

I love cake. Get you some, beautiful! ❤

[@AntoinetteChanel]

My maternal grandmother passed away in 1991 at age 57 from complications with pneumonia. I was in the first grade. In response, my mother went on warpath to make sure that her only child, me, was not overweight. She stocked our pantry with Snackwells and other cardboard like snacks through the 1990s. I'm just not that into candy or junk foods; I like to eat them just like anyone else, but I often find satisfaction with less, and I don't crave junk foods the way other people, such as my sister cousin, do. So with that said, a show like this one was an automatic "No" for me when it premiered. Honestly, between losing my grandmother at a young age and watching my mother form an unhealthy relationship with food, exercise, weight, and image...oh, and listening to my narcissistic father make comments about overweight people...I get super emotional and triggered over these conversations, and I've never even been an overweight person. I HATE the way we talk to people about their weight because it's almost never honest. The body positivity movement, while useful and relevant, isn't helping the situation.

[@MeredithHammett]

So so true.

[@BigWired]

I watched this for the second time and I have to admit, the first time around, I was filled with a constant state of anxiety that my meds were doing a lot of heavy work keeping down. The way Jillian and Bob and the producers talked to and about the contestants was not only horrible, but it felt like how I thought the whole world talked about me behind my back. I've got issues about my body shape and size, and cripes... just thank you for talking about this and your kind words.

[@meghaffer]

Thank you for covering this! It always seemed like such a weird show. And then all of the groups of people in offices, churches, clubs, social media started their own Biggest Loser challenges. It was awful. And this shows exactly why my intuition steered me away even if I had no words for why

[@suzykennedy3559]

I remember wanting to be on these shows, being jealous that I couldn’t afford to get training and dietitians. Now seeing how bad it was I’m glad I’m Canadian and was spared from this. I’m still learning how to manage my weight, eat and exercise but I’m doing it. I’m almost to my personal ideal healthy weight, leaning to cook, and enjoy food while working on my mental health. This show really messed with how people saw their bodies and was pretty toxic

[@leeshana16]

they aired it in Quebec tho, i remember watching it right after dinner on like the main tv channel at the time

[@emmajanofsky]

you are beautiful and i am so glad that these monsters could not reach you! keep being gorgeous and spreading your light!

[@_NeKoChAnP]

I understand you, when the show started at that age I had a few extra pounds and was jealous also... Then years after it was created a Mexican version and was a disaster, just one season because nobody believes was good and I could see how horrible it really was.

[@cheese7119]

This is literally my comfort channel, there's no shame here, no unfunny jokes, no horrible takes, it's just kindness and understandingness and it feels like we're bonding together to feel for the unfortunate people who had to go through that awful show. I'm sending hugs for all of them 🫂

[@olexvndrv]

Oh my goodness, my exact thoughts from yesterday. 😟😟😟

[@demon5877]

I'm always afraid now to say that but I feel I can here too. I had a few comfort channels who then ended up being awful. (Creep Show and Illuminati are a few) I love swoop and hope she never changes ❤

[@ericamcdaniel4318]

She does the most, all the time. Blurring out the word obese or fat on screen and verbally abbreviating it to “f”? I mean come on, all this SA, unaliving, grape crap is ridiculous. Just say the words. I hate all this censorship just because it might “trigger” someone. Ridiculous.

[@KateCat420]

​@ericamcdaniel4318 You can actually blame YT for censorship around SA and unaliving, not Swoop - if you actually watched her you'd know she's spoken out against YT for forcing her to censor things that should not need censoring. But go off, sis, go show us your a**. As for censoring the word fat in this video, that's entirely her choice. She's the content maker. Unless you have the ability to make comprehensive deep-dives, you really don't get a say over what she censors. Unless you can do it as good or better, leave it to the pros.

[@ericamcdaniel4318]

@@KateCat420 I thought you could say whatever you want but KZbin would demonetize your channel if you don’t follow their guidelines?

[@beetothetee]

I have so much respect for Kai Hibbard using her time and resources after the show to spread the word about how dangerous it actually was.

[@Philadestrian]

Thanks for the work put into this. I have to say I used to do Jillian’s 30 day shred and while I def saw results, it was agonizing looking at her and listening to her cuz she’s such a 🤬!!! She remarks in the video that 400 and 500 pound people she worked with can do jumping jacks so you have no excuse and there is no mod on that workout. I remember thinking how much impact comes with that exercise and as someone who studied exercise science and is qualified (though never interested in pursuing) as a trainer, we are taught we should always have a modified exercise. Range of motion, fitness levels, age, all play a part in how the exercise can be performed and you can get the same benefits from adapting the exercise for the individual! How can a program be beneficial if a person is injured? Also adherence is one of the biggest hurdles in fitness. Abusing people is never a sound method and people are less likely to adhere to a program through negative feedback. Worst of all, she says she wants you to feel like you’re going to die during that program. How irresponsible can you get? Someone who isn’t experienced would not know better and may push through despite dangerous and present contraindications to exercise. She’s ruthless and poorly educated. Hopefully, she doesn’t train anymore.

[@KatherineM-]

Because she’s right , you may not be able to do 50 jumping jack but you can do one so when u sit here and lie to yourself and comment such an obvious excuse for not moving is just that an excuse.

[@kaitpotatoes6418]

@@KatherineM- no way you’re trying to act like you know more then someone who studied kinesiology… literally a pre~med university degree 😂 like you understand that modifying workouts are how professional athletes train? This is basic health literacy and I highly recommend you researching and learning some basics before embarrassing yourself in the comments again

[@Spectra651]

@@KatherineM- Give it up, Jillian, we all know it's you. Why don't you quit wasting your time scouring random comment sections for people saying bad (yet 100% true) stuff about you and go bully some poor, insecure person into an ED? Y'know, the thing you do best.

[@erinerinbobearin]

This was my and my mom’s favorite show growing up. I didn’t realize until recently that my “Roman empire” is imagining my body as skinny. My mom has been obese my whole life, and now I have been for my adult life. I was so scared to be big (or “bigger”, thinking I was already fat) as a kid, and even thought of me and my mom being on the show together. This show was the very start of my diet culture toxicity.

[@erinerinbobearin]

I want to explain that I no longer see different sized bodies the way I did as a kid, but I do still hate my body as is.

[@sierrabird3817]

⁠@@erinerinbobearinit can take a lot of work to reprogram yourself into loving your body as it. Don’t give up it can be done💕

[@toniwilliams3469]

Wow, Biggest Loser is spreading the biggest misinformation about losing fat. I've spent almost a year fixing my mindset about weight loss. I was used to doing 30min-1hr workout almost every day but stopped for almost a year. When I started back at 40 lbs heavier, I kept getting sick or feeling fatigue all day when I worked out. I had to learn that my body had to get used to exercising. So I had to start with 10min-15min workouts every other day. Our bodies need to to catch up with our brains. thank you for covering this Swoop

[@Gaymers_Union]

I bought an elliptical machine last year in hopes of becoming more active at home, my initial workout plan was at least 45mins a day. But very shortly after I got a rib injury (unrelated to the machine) that took a whole year to heal. Only used it three times before then. I've only been pain free for 3 weeks and when I do get back to my elliptical I'm starting with 5 minutes max. A am extremely out of shape from sitting all year healing and my muscles are weak and I can't walk a whole block without being out of breath. Your comment is even more confirmation that I need to take this slow :) I'm obese so a chance of re-injury could be high. I'm lucky to have a supportive family member that is telling me to take it easy and go for a leisurely stroll once in a while so I get enough fresh air at the very least.

[@toniwilliams3469]

@@Gaymers_Union Yes Queen! We need to be patient with our bodies and listen to it. Weight loss is no one size fits all is what I'm learning. 😊

[@dietc0k317]

It's insane that her videos are SO GOOD. I watched a Netflix documentary about Rubie Frankie and it was NOTHING compared to Swoop. Keep going team, you guys are so amazing!

[@Apples765]

There is a Ruby Frank Netflix docu????

[@KitKatSukiKat]

Think you mean Chad and Lori Daybell Doc?!?!

[@D0ntTickleMe]

As a person who once weighed as much as 340, I always accepted I would always be fat. My mother chose fast food while she got healthy free meals at work. I was an active child, but abused in every sense of the word & depressed. Hospitalized through 3 suicide attempts.. it wasn't until I had a son at 19 as a result of SA that I realized how overweight I was at a Dr visit. I starved myself to try to lose weight after he was 3. I started working at a warehouse when I was 27, & that job was working out aerobics & heavy lifting for 10 hours a day that I finally lost weight. Once I saw the weight coming off, I stopped eating too. I fainted several times but the company didnt care because I worked the hardest. I got down to 110 pounds & I looked like a lollipop having a head with hair and just bones underneath. I almost died because I felt fat even when I was skin & bones. These shows are dangerous. The kind of person I am (hard country girl) I would've brought myself to the brink of death to win. The catch is that the bigger u r, the more weight you'll lose, so the larger u r to begin with, you have a greater chance of winning AND DYING.

[@Aries_Superstar_Army]

This show added fuel to the fire for my teenaged self esteem in the mid 2000’s, I’ve been fat shamed by my family long before I could even start puberty. I know they love me but it has caused me to hide what I eat so I won’t get scolded and have a complicated relationship with food. Health related issues run in my family and my parents died of a heart attack so they’re trying to help me because they care about me not to follow in their footsteps. Now almost 32, I’m still overweight and work out yet the compliments I get from my family feel like sugarcoated pity, done to feel sorry for me for hurting my feelings. I feel like I haven’t earned the praise because I’m not trying hard enough and my older sister is now thinner than me in the face. The time has come and gone but the damage is already been done.

[@Cat-li6hh]

I went to school for fashion and one of the biggest things the drilled into us in our consumer behavior class was - “fat shaming” and “body negativity” are unacceptable. Trying to shame someone for their weight will usually result in them gaining more weight. Everyone deserves clothing they love and they deserve to feel beautiful. The reason there isn’t enough plus size/ extended size clothing is because it is extremely difficult to pattern for and it reduces margin. As someone who works in the industry I can attest - we want to make plus size clothing but the obstacles are slowing us down a lot.

[@TiaGems]

Thank you being so body-positive during this. A lot of people just point out that almost none of the contestants kept the weight off for a significant amount of time and say "the show was bad because it doesn't do its job". But the lengths you go to not only point out all the terrible things this show did but to reassure people that their weight is not their worth is beautiful.

[@kellyflores4931]

I was in the army 8 years. Our drill sergeants would talk to us like this. And we would workout for hours a day, however we were eased into it in a way that was safe. We also signed up for the toughness. It’s crazy that a personal trainer would treat people this way.

[@cbakker99]

Honestly I probably need a personal trainer like that but yeah, my experience with drill sergeants was any worse than these guys. But that’s just me.

[@Crayzeecatlady]

I also did 8 years in the Army and honestly I think TBL is worse then any Drill Sgt I ever had.

[@leahbelieva]

I was in middle school and early high school at the peak of this show. BRUTAL. I was always considered overweight growing up and despite being an athlete (soccer, softball, volleyball, track and field, and marching band (iykyk)) and rarely eating out, I was ridiculed for my body. The wildest thing was when my long term bf dumped me on NYE and I couldn’t eat anything for weeks without getting sick. I was so heartbroken I just couldn’t keep anything down. I lost 25 lbs in three weeks and I was 5’4” and well under 200lbs when I was dumped. I received SO much praise. More praise than I had ever received for any other accomplishment in athletics, arts, or otherwise. All spring semester I was told how great I looked and how being dumped was the best thing that ever happened to me. I wasn’t eating ever. I was 16.

[@TheDanceMan567]

Geez, that sounds awful. Hope you’re doing better.

[@aurea.]

It blows my mind how people rarely bat an eye when someone loses weight so drastically, and instead feel the need to praise their looks. My friend went through the exact same thing. Sickening. Hope you're feeling better, Leah.

[@sandpiperr]

We all have that story of losing weight for bad reasons and getting praise for it! For me it was my final semester of college. I was stressed af about graduating because I didn't have a job. I'd had a minor falling out with my parents so my family life wasn't great. And my mental health, in general, was just bad. It was so hard to get through the day, sometimes I couldn't stomach more than a PowerAde for 'lunch' so I did lose a few pounds, and my dance teacher, who was a very nice guy and I'm sure meant well, commented that I was losing weight and how great I looked. It was the one time in my life when getting complimented on weightloss didn't feel good (because, yes, I do struggle with my weight). Six months later, I was at the lowest, most depressed point in my life and I came within a few seconds of unaliving myself but got too scared at the last minute.

[@Apk1991]

Been loving your content so much Swoop. Just moved to a new city and I work from home while my bf works outside the house. I’ve been feeling really weird and kind of lonely in a new house even though I have my dog. Having your videos play in the background while I work has helped a lot. I just know I’ll always feel nostalgic about your videos now since this is such a big transitional time for me.

[@theresan3736]

Thank you so much for your commentary on the words used around higher weight. I was always of average weight until I had my four kids. Since then I’ve gained over 100 pounds. It’s embarrassing enough on airplanes and etc. and I, for one, am always hard on myself. Words like obese hurt me so much even though they are definitionally accurate. Anyway, I appreciate you so much!

[@LexieMoon321]

As someone who struggles with weight, this may be a hard video for me to watch . I love you, Swoop ❤

[@justkiddin84]

Come back later or on a good day! Or skip it. No shame!✌️♥️

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

I remember seeing this show when channel surfing was still a thing and after five minutes I had to turn the TV off altogether, I got so upset. I think it was the first reality show I saw that was blatantly humiliating like that. I was always heavier as a kid, and had a lot of issues with food (which turned out to be a sensory thing, I'm autistic) so I was always used to people asking me probing questions about my diet. Seeing these people being emotionally and physically destroyed for entertainment made me feel so ill

[@spoidabetch]

having multiple knee injuries throughout high school/university sucked, but i'm so grateful that learned how to properly workout from physiotherapists - whose main goal was to make sure i wasn't going to push too hard and/or injure myself - versus online or TV or wherever. i know far too many people who ignore pain or fatigue thinking it makes them tough, when really that's your body begging you to stop & take a break.

[@iamcactus6778]

This is such a perfect time capsule for the toxic weight loss atmosphere of the 00s. Even though no one in my household ever watched this show the obesity scare lead to me being bullied and developing anorexia to make it stop. I later developed another eating disorder that I still struggle with and am working on in therapy. It was just so damaging. I wish someone had just told me "You're 11 years old, it's okay to be a little pudgy. You're going through puberty and your body needs extra resources. It would be great to pursue a healthy diet but don't ever h*rm yourself."

[@charlenerawlings5827]

Growing up I watched my grandmother suffer the stigma that comes with being bigger than societal standards and also suffered myself. She bought everything she could find that had Jillians name on it and even had me playing the golds gym workout games on the wii. Mr her and my cousins would regularly do weigh ins and bmi tests on yhr wii fit and later wii fit plus and I truly believe that is part of what killed her before she even hit 52. Thank you so much for tackling this problem and continuing to bring awareness.

[@RoundSeal]

Being fat runs in my family. This show, and the ideologies it represents, have done irreparable harm to my family. The sheer _hatred_ I have for this show and the people who greenlit it is incredible.

[@bigkris2753]

What about the people who signed up to be in it giving it so many seasons?

[@iceheap9422]

​@@bigkris2753odds are they were prayed upon

[@EdieDawnJay]

@@bigkris2753 You mean the people generally from low income families who were promised pay to show up on the show, while simultaneously being shamed for being overweight by everyone in their lives to convince them they weren't worth anything/would be left if they didn't lose weight? They were victims too.

[@isthiscereallife]

​@@EdieDawnJayExactly. You're right on the money. Within this dynamic is a power imbalance. The show is in power. The execs could have decided not to be horrible, exploiting marginalized people with the show. The execs could have canceled it. But companies don't care who they have to destroy for the sake of their greed.

[@bigkris2753]

@@EdieDawnJay fair enough. Just at some point people really should've caught on. I know people need money but have a little pride.

[@lindatheheathen]

Thanks for this, Swoop. The 2000s were a crazy time in reality TV. Can't believe this still exists. Also, am I the only one who waves back at the animation of Swoop at the end of the Petty University animation? Yes? I thought so. It's okay. It's fine.

[@lexusheid5337]

I remember watching this constantly with my Mother mostly. We’re both fat and we would watch it for “motivation”. I tried to lose weight constantly and at one point my mom talked about sending me to the biggest loser as the youngest contestant because I guess I wasn’t losing enough in comparison to the contestants. I feel like it’s absolutely formed the way I think about exercise and it having to be “painful”. It’s wild to think about watching this as a teenager and how it made me feel about myself and others.

[@azul4916]

I don't like the term "unhealthy weight" to refer to fat people, here's why: I was an unhealthy weight for most of my life, however I was not fat. I wasn't bullied for being underweight. In fact, people complimented my body, I remember even as early as 9 years old being told I was really skinny and pretty. This lead me to never thinking my weigh was a problem, because everyone liked the fact that my body was so thin. I developed an eating disorder at around 12 and only started to recover around 14. At 15 I started seeing a nutritionist and realized I had to gain weight. After around a year I was in a generally healthy weight, then I could start exercising safely and now I'm pretty much fully healthy. My most "unhealthy weight" times were times where I was severely underweight and people didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, many people in my life still don't understand why I decided to gain weight, and saw nothing wrong with my body before (it was noticeably unhealthy). Refering to fat or overweight people as "unhealthy weight" further implies that being overweight is the ONLY way to be unhealthy. Calling fat people "unhealthy weight" reafirms this notion that you can't be thin AND unhealthy. You certainly can. And this notion is what leads to healthy fat people (or generally not extremely thin people) being told they can't possibly be healthy, while extremely thin people who are ACTUALLY unhealthy can't notice their problem or are not believed. And of course, if the words obese or fat are personally painful to someone we should definitely avoid them to allow discussion of these topics with the people most affected. But generally, I don't think "unhealthy weight" is the way to go. I personally think destigmatizing and recaliming words like fat is much more effective. Of course, it's not my place to reclaim them, and I 100% respect if people want to refer to themselves in a different way. That's just what I thought of when Swoop started using that term. I get that she was trying to be respectful and not use triggering language, wich is super nice and she's great for that, I just think there could be other terms that were respecful but also affirmed that there are different ways of being unhealthy, and this is just one of them. I tend to discuss these topics by using the word "overweight", as it implies unhealthy weight but on the too much weight side, but I don't know the connotations of the term in English (I dont live in an english speaking country so I can only literally translate from my context, which may be different).

[@m.i.af.6087]

As someone who already struggles with a binge eating disorder and has been through diet after unhealthy diet… that lowkey gave me the disorder, this show gave me so much anxiety🥲, but everyone “loved it”. So thank you swoop for this doc, was very affirming 🙌

[@brackenstorm2682]

The amount of times I was told that I couldn't do certain things because of my weight, it made me feel bad and discouraged me and made my mental health feel worse. Like I found a dress that I fell in love with and my mom said that she didn't like how it looked on me because of my weight. She said that in a public store. I went back to the dressing room, silently crying. We got the dress under the promise that if I lost weight, I could wear it to school. I slowly stopped wearing dresses. I no longer wore dresses unless on special occasions. When I did start to love myself, someone would come out of the blue and remind me of the fact that I'm overweight. I started to lose weight and I am losing weight now, slowly, but surely. But hearing you talk at 36:42, hearing you say those words just made me cry because I have struggled to love myself for who I am and my appearance for years. I used to do sports even with being overweight. My riding instructor even said that sports was doing so much better for me. But after moving states, I don't know why my parents suddenly are like "You'll be rejected because of your weight and your asthma" or "You need to lose weight before you can get back into sports again". Yet I did badminton, soccer, basketball, volleyball, horseback riding, I did many sports. I loved being athletic. I feel like you are the first person who has brought a light to me. I want to try and do better. Try and find the courage in me to actually love myself despite my appearance and maybe even lose weight in a healthy manner rather than cutting meals and avoiding snacking.

[@LucyBeauti]

“Petty is a compliment - petty means you are pissed, and you are saying something about it” Wow, that hit me! I grew up in a toxic home, where anger was never a valid emotion or reaction. I was raised to be sympathetic, never stand up for myself. As I moved away as a young adult, I started experiencing anger, frustration, and pettiness. You have really helped me accept this site of myself and see it as a healthy sign of growth. So, for this Christmas, I really want to allow myself to honor my own growth (something I am learning to exercise, thank you therapy) with a Petty University sweatshirt - but shipping to EU is expensive, and on a disability-income (fibromyalgia queen!) it is not possible for me this year. But I just really wanted to tell you, that I wish I could support you with more than love. You are awesome, and you have really helped me discovering many things, including understanding my own role as a victim of a DARVO-manipulator. Thank you

[@patiencejones694]

Ya know, this shows exactly why researching, talking to doctors, and finding the right personal trainer is important. A co-worker of mine is wanting to do a massive 6 month transformation starting January and he ignored me when I told him he should get a pt to get at least close to what he wants. I'm planning on getting one bc I plan to hike very long trails and I can't do that if I'm out of shape.

[@dougshow9736]

I appreciate the words about Hurricane Katrina. I lived through it and am thankful, still, for being alive. That being said, several areas are still in limbo and untouched acting as a reminder every time we see them. Its sad. Prayers for those forgotten and those still suffering.

[@devinsauls9137]

Using television to body shame people and make their lives a living nightmare is just *UNACCEPTABLE!* 👿 Thank you for opening my eyes & Happy Holidays SWOOP!

[@TonberryV]

The whole weight/health conflation thing is really tragic and I wish more people understood that the process of starting to move towards a healthier lifestyle is a constant and ever changing process. It is so context dependent as well so it really just... one big ole nope. Should not be made into a contest.

[@SweetlySickening13]

I remember watching the biggest loser. I remember distinctly how disgusted I felt by it. I felt heartbroken that these poor people were being forced through such grueling situations. Learning about how much worse it was is more than a little disturbing. I myself have had weight issues since adolescents and have been weight shamed despite how young I was. These types of shows are poison and as a generation, we absolutely should revolt by refusing to ingest even a single minute.

[@Sar-ahG]

They could’ve left at any time…

[@rosered5485]

I've lost about 30 pounds so far, but that was in small increments for a long time. Even then, my doctor has recommended that I stop attempting to loose weight for the moment even though I'm not in the 'healthy' ramge yet. This is because of my metabolism. She wants to make sure that my body has a chance to adjust to it's new normal before I attempt it again. I'm proud of myself so far, but shows like this are so predatory. They don't set you up for success at all. They definitely don't teach you how to maintain your new weight with healthy eating and reasonable exercise.

[@arcticfoxnikiforon1267]

This helped a lot especially the talk at the end. Been have body image issues lately and comparing myself lately. This as well as help from my partner really helped me feel better. Thank you swoop love you and I’m sending all my love and support to you ❤

[@hemulek]

I’m not a professional athlete, I’m a normal woman 45 years of age, without sports background, who’s getting ready for the half-marathon. I train usually 6 hours a week (this contains long runs, tempo runs and workout sessions), I eat at 1800 kcal when I’m not training, when I’m doing long run I eat approximately 2200-2500. I can NOT imagine working out 6 hours every day and eating 1200 kcal! I would be dead by the end of week two.

[@neacrown]

Really love you covering this show. I had a very problematic relationship to another show called supersize vs superskinny. What they put on tv matters and what one consumes of that content. I am in a bad place with my bulimia at the moment and felt it being trigged just by the subject, so I am going to watch when I am in a better place, continue doing what you are doing! Mostly leaving a comment to boost interactions even if I cannot watch it❤️

[@HereTheThea]

You have just unlocked a core memory from my younger days 😅 My mom and I used to watch this show & I, at the time, was impressed on how the participants lose weight. But as time goes on & I am getting older & wiser, uhhhh I just realize how mentally draining to watch Jilian (yes you Jilian I am watching you...) screamed at the participants 😒😒😒

[@magin10011]

The Biggest Looser is NOT a healthy way of losing weight. Weight loss is such a complicated conversation and process. I am an obese person. I used to weigh 300+ pounds at 5’7”. There is no possible way this was or is healthy for me. I struggle with high blood pressure, pre diabetes, and chronic fatigue and pain. I’m trying so hard to lose weight and I have lost 50lbs in the past year. When people hear that I’m trying to lose weight and go “oh you’re beautiful no matter your weight” it’s so frustrating. I’m not trying to lose weight to make myself more beautiful. I’m trying to lose weight so that I don’t die of a heart attack by the time I’m 40. A nice side benefit of losing weight will be a better mental state. There is such a mental strain that being this large has. I don’t fit into this world, literally. I’m always afraid I’m going to break chairs, or not fit between cars. I always feel like I take up more literally space in the world than I should. There is a huge mental aspect of loosing weight. Shame and embarrassing someone NEVER works.

[@orphic5167]

Thank you so much Swoop for always being so gentle and caring about sensitive subjects, while also being educational.