The Biggest Loser: Heroes and Celebrities

            The Biggest Loser definitely has its share of both heroes and celebrities.  Heroes are thought to be people who are courageous, modest, and empathetic, possess good morals and ethics, and help others around them.  Celebrities on the other hand, are people who are famous; which may be because they are talented, know someone who is talented, or have made a decision that has stood out to others either good or bad.  Celebrities often times put themselves before others unlike heroes.

            There are several people that come to mind that would be heroes from The Biggest Loser.  These heroes are made up of trainers from the show, former contestants, and other show personnel like the chefs.  The first two heroes that I have to mention are Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper.  These trainers have been on the most seasons of the show and have really changed peoples’ lives for the better.  Even though it may be hard to see at times, they are empathetic to the contestants, share good values when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, and have the courage to uncover what got the contestants in the shape that they are in, so that the contestants can begin to change.  Many of the previous contestants, including past winners, can act as heroes to current or future contestants.  In other words, they are role models.  The chefs from the show are also heroes.  These are people that teach the contestants how to eat healthy.  This includes what foods to buy, how to prepare the food, and simplifying the process of healthy living.

            The show has also had its share of celebrities.  Most often the show brings on celebrities that the contestants will recognize during special challenges.  This helps motivate the contestants and makes them feel like they can become famous if they accomplish their goals.  One famous celebrity is the host, Alison Sweeney.  Alison is an actress on the soap opera, “Days of our Lives” but brings no specialty talent to The Biggest Loser.  In recent years, the show has had an NFL week when famous football players like Drew Brees have come onto the show to motivate the contestants.  The show has also brought on celebrities to be contestants on the show which includes two Olympic athletes: Rulon Gardner and Emily Joy.  The two of them were both Olympic weightlifters at one time.  Olympic athletes are thought to be the most superior athletes in the world.  By bringing these celebrity athletes to the show as contestants, it inspired the other contestants to work hard with the possibility of beating a celebrity.  Anna Kournikova was a celebrity that was brought onto the show as a trainer last year.  She’s an extremely talented tennis player but didn’t really posses any talents that would make her an outstanding trainer as Jillian and Bob have proven to be.

            The Biggest Loser has been able to produce its own heroes and celebrities.  Several of the past contestants now find their pictures on The Biggest Loser’s gym walls as motivational posters with quotes from the contestants.  Some of the contestants have gone onto write cookbooks or become personal trainers themselves.  Jillian Micheals and Bob Harper are now celebrities because of the show.

            The Biggest Loser has helped to motivate me to become healthier from both its heroes and celebrities of the show.  I’ve been really motivated by some of the contestants on the show especially those who I can relate to.  I work in a male dominated career field and have been told many times that I’m not strong enough to do my job when someone first meets me.  I love to prove them wrong and I see that same strength in the heroes that are made on the show.  I serve my community everyday to try to help those in need and can also relate to Bob and Jillian as they are trying to do the same thing with their contestants.  They are not only helping the contestants who are on the show but many Americans who are at home watching.  I’m looking to live a healthier lifestyle, to feel better and look better but by no means do I want to become a celebrity because of the change that I’m making.