#8 - That Biggest Loser Study

Today’s we’re talking about That Biggest Loser Study. The media exploded last week when the New York Times reported a new study of Biggest Loser Season 8 contestants that found that their bodies had “fought to regain weight”. After six years:

• all but one contestant had regained a significant portion of their lost weight
• an average of 70% - their resting metabolisms had permanently slowed, burning an average 500 fewer calories a day
• they had significantly lower levels of leptin, the body’s satiety hormone.

You won’t be surprised to discover that Bernie and I have a lot to say about this. We unpack the findings and talk about what they mean for the rest of us. I’ve also got some great advice on how to find a healthy, body kindness way forward. So if the news of this study made you want to throw your hands in the air with despair ‒ or left you feeling more confused than ever ‒ don’t miss this episode.

Here’s what we talked about…

• I explained why this study is significant. It’s extremely rare for a study to run for six years - most studies only last months, usually due to funding.
• Bernie was floored by the news. There is some hurt and anger, yet relief to hear that there are biological reasons for his post-Loser struggles.
• I expressed my annoyance that the researchers don’t seem to learn anything significant from their own study by concluding that The Biggest Loser results are still better than other methods out there. Their call to action is to “fight” and find a way to turn leptin into medication.
• We talked about the contestant's metabolic slowdown. The low levels post-show are expected as the body needs fewer calories as it loses weight. What confounded the researchers was as participants regained weight, metabolism didn't increase proportionately.
• Danny Cahill had the biggest discrepancy in metabolic rate, burning 800 fewer calories per day.
• The other significant finding was that contestant’s leptin levels were extremely low, and reached only 50% of predicted levels vin the following years. The conclusion here is that the body fights back.
• Bernie asked me what we should do with these findings. I believe the answer lies in supporting wellbeing and true health first. You can be healthy and unhealthy at a wide variety of sizes.
• I encouraged Bernie to find peace with the past. While there may be metabolic impact, he's in charge his other choices. I encouraged him not check out of self care and continue his Body Kindness path. Being restrictive will only reduce leptin levels.
• I gently challenged Bernie to call a truce with his weight-based approach and try focusing on habits. Is he willing to pursue the idea of being in his current body while taking care of himself?

Links mentioned

• New York Times - After ‘The Biggest Loser’, Their Bodies Fought To Regain Weight - http://nyti.ms/21Rx8sh
• Obesity - Persistent metabolic adaptation 6 years after “The Biggest Loser” competition - http://bit.ly/21Rxf7a
• Medical Daily: No One's A Winner On 'The Biggest Loser' - http://bit.ly/21RxlM7
• New York Times: Why You Can’t Lose Weight On A Diet - http://nyti.ms/21Rxoro
• Abbey’s Kitchen: Dangerous Secrets from The Biggest Loser - http://bit.ly/21RHuZc
• List of weight cycling studies - http://bit.ly/21RPFot

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