The Biggest Loser, Special Edition: Families

Last night NBC aired a 2-hr, single-episode special edition of The Biggest Loser which pitted two families against each other for prizes and $50,000 in cash. I have to admit, the new format still retained all the excitement and inspiration of the original series. In fact, it probably has more impact, since you see all 5 months of transformations in one night. They used the "live" grand finale format with the dramatic final weigh-in.

The transformations were impressive. Everyone lost about 25% of their body weight, and changed their lives. They used the usual 24 Hour Fitness ranch, and trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Greene. But, the families were only on the ranch for a week (the first two weigh-ins), and did the final 5 months on their own. They received a suprise visit from their trainers, and probably had some instruction, but otherwise they all lost weight by exercise -- stength and cardio.

This show should convince anyone that they can lose weight and transform their lives in less than 6 months. The parents lost as much or more weight than the teenage daughters. This show has done so much to counter all the misinformation otherwise put out by the gimicky weightloss product industry, that I'm regaining my faith in capitalism.

Next week, they're starting another Special Edition: Engaged Couples. Ahhh, another reason to live.