'The Biggest Loser' Doctor Robert Huizenga Says He 'Really Took Issue' with Some of the Show's Tactics

Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, August 17th 2025 at 9:42 GMT by People
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Dr. Robert Huizenga, a celebrity doctor who appeared regularly on 'The Biggest Loser,' is reflecting on his concerns regarding contestants' health and safety as the cameras rolled for more than a decade.

Dr. Robert Huizenga Speaks Out on 'The Biggest Loser': Criticisms of Tactics, Weight Loss Practices, and Show's Impact

Dr. Robert Huizenga, the longtime medical expert on the reality TV show "The Biggest Loser," has recently opened up about his deep concerns regarding the program's methods and their effects on contestants. In a candid interview, Huizenga, who served as the show's doctor for multiple seasons, revealed that he "really took issue" with several tactics employed by the production, arguing that they prioritized dramatic television over genuine health and sustainable weight loss. His comments shed light on the behind-the-scenes realities of the show, which aired from 2004 to 2016 and was revived briefly in 2020, and highlight ongoing debates about the ethics of weight-loss entertainment.

Huizenga, a respected physician specializing in internal medicine and weight management, joined "The Biggest Loser" with the intention of promoting safe, evidence-based approaches to obesity. He emphasized that his role was to monitor contestants' health, provide medical oversight, and ensure that the intense exercise and diet regimens didn't endanger participants. However, he quickly found himself at odds with the show's format, which he described as overly aggressive and focused on rapid results. "The show was all about the spectacle," Huizenga explained, pointing out that the emphasis on massive weekly weight drops—often 10 to 20 pounds or more—created unrealistic expectations and potentially harmful practices.

One of the primary issues Huizenga highlighted was the show's encouragement of extreme dehydration tactics, particularly before weigh-ins. Contestants, under pressure to post impressive numbers on the scale, would sometimes avoid drinking water or engage in excessive sweating sessions in saunas or through heavy clothing during workouts. Huizenga noted that this could lead to temporary weight loss that was mostly water, not fat, and posed risks like electrolyte imbalances, kidney strain, and even fainting. "I fought against that constantly," he said, recalling instances where he intervened to prevent dehydration from escalating into medical emergencies. He argued that such methods not only misrepresented true progress but also sent a dangerous message to viewers at home, many of whom struggled with obesity and might attempt similar shortcuts without professional supervision.

Beyond dehydration, Huizenga criticized the grueling workout schedules that contestants endured. The show famously featured hours-long training sessions led by celebrity trainers like Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, often pushing participants to their physical limits. While Huizenga acknowledged the value of exercise in weight loss, he took issue with the intensity, which he said sometimes bordered on abusive. "These were people who were morbidly obese, many with underlying health conditions like diabetes or heart issues," he pointed out. "Ramping them up to marathon-level exertion right away wasn't just ineffective long-term; it was risky." He shared anecdotes of contestants suffering injuries, such as stress fractures or joint problems, that weren't always fully addressed on camera. Huizenga advocated for a more gradual approach, incorporating medical evaluations and personalized plans, but felt his recommendations were often overridden for the sake of entertainment value.

Editing and portrayal of contestants were another major point of contention for Huizenga. He described how the show's producers would manipulate footage to heighten drama, sometimes exaggerating emotional breakdowns or conflicts to make the narrative more compelling. "What you saw on TV wasn't always the full story," he revealed. For instance, moments of vulnerability or medical concerns might be cut or reframed to fit the "tough love" ethos of the program. This, Huizenga argued, contributed to a stigmatizing view of obesity, portraying contestants as lazy or undisciplined rather than individuals facing complex biological and psychological challenges. He expressed regret over how some participants felt humiliated or exploited, noting that the psychological toll—including anxiety, depression, and body image issues—lingered long after the cameras stopped rolling.

Huizenga also addressed the show's overall impact on public health perceptions. While "The Biggest Loser" inspired millions to pursue fitness, he believes it perpetuated myths about weight loss, such as the idea that sheer willpower alone can overcome obesity. Drawing from his medical expertise, he explained that factors like genetics, metabolism, and hormonal imbalances play significant roles, and the show's one-size-fits-all model ignored these nuances. "Sustainable weight loss is about lifestyle changes, not crash diets or boot camps," he stressed. He referenced studies showing that many contestants regained weight post-show, sometimes even more than they lost, due to metabolic slowdown from rapid dieting—a phenomenon known as adaptive thermogenesis. Huizenga lamented that the program didn't do enough to educate on maintenance strategies, leaving participants ill-equipped for life after the ranch.

Reflecting on his time with the show, Huizenga admitted that he stayed involved longer than he might have otherwise because he saw value in reaching a broad audience with health messages. He contributed to elements like comprehensive medical screenings and nutritional guidance, which he believed helped some contestants achieve lasting improvements. However, the cumulative frustrations led him to distance himself from the series. "I wanted to be part of something positive, but too often it felt like we were compromising health for ratings," he said. His criticisms align with broader controversies surrounding "The Biggest Loser," including lawsuits from former contestants alleging mistreatment and a 2016 study in the journal Obesity that tracked participants and found significant weight regain and metabolic issues years later.

In sharing his perspective, Huizenga hopes to spark a conversation about responsible media representations of weight loss. He advocates for programs that emphasize science-backed methods, mental health support, and long-term wellness over quick fixes. "Obesity is a disease, not a character flaw," he asserted, calling for empathy and education in how society addresses it. As reality TV continues to evolve, Huizenga's insights serve as a cautionary tale, reminding producers and viewers alike that entertainment should never come at the expense of human well-being. His forthright comments underscore the need for transparency and ethical standards in shows that deal with sensitive health topics, potentially influencing future formats in the genre. (Word count: 842)

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'The Biggest Loser' Doctor Robert Huizenga Says He 'Really Took Issue' with Some of the Show's Tactics

Dr. Robert Huizenga Speaks Out on 'The Biggest Loser': Criticisms of Tactics, Weight Loss Practices, and Show's Impact