Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Inside The Biggest Loser: Controversies and Extreme Measures Revealed

One of The Biggest Loser's controversies came in 2014, when season 15 winner Rachel Frederickson showed off her very slim frame, prompting trainer Jillian Michaels to look visibly shocked and mouth 'Oh my God'

The Dark Side of The Biggest Loser: Contestants Reveal Shocking Secrets and a Culture of Toxicity

Get ready for a juicy expose that will leave you speechless! A new three-part documentary series, Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, has dropped on Netflix, and it's packed with explosive revelations about the popular weight-loss show. Contestants from various seasons have come forward to share their harrowing experiences, including extreme measures taken to shed pounds, allegations of illicit medication use, and a culture of toxicity that left some contestants traumatized.

The Shocking Measures Taken by Contestants

Trainer Jillian Michaels (who did not appear in the Netflix docuseries) is pictured during season nine with contestant Drea

Ryan Benson, Season 1 winner, admitted that he engaged in "super dangerous things" to win the $250,000 prize. He revealed that during the final days leading up to the weigh-in, he fasted for 10 days and survived on minimal calories while undergoing intense exercise regimes. Ryan even confessed that he sometimes feels he has PTSD from his experience on the show!

But Ryan's shocking revelation was just the tip of the iceberg. Joelle Gwynn, a contestant from Season 7, shared that contestants were required to burn an astonishing 6,000 calories per day during the early weeks of the competition. Danny Cahill, who won Season 8 and lost a staggering 239 pounds in just over six months, revealed that he was eating as few as 800 calories while burning between 6,000 to 8,000 calories daily.

The Caffeine Scandal

Extreme weight loss show The Biggest Loser ran from 2004 until 2016, before it was rebooted for a single season in 2020

Jillian Michaels, one of the show's trainers, has been accused of giving her team caffeine supplements during the competition. While she and Bob Harper have denied these allegations, it's clear that the producers prioritized ratings over contestant safety.

In a shocking admission, trainer Bob Harper revealed that the producers wanted contestants to push themselves to the limit, even if it meant collapsing or vomiting on camera. "We want them to puke, we want the madness of it all," he quoted the producers as saying.

The Life-Threatening Incident

Danny Cahill (pictured in the docuseries) who won season eight of The Biggest Loser, revealed that at one point, he was consuming just 800 calories a day - while burning up to 8,000

During Season 8, contestant Tracey Yukich collapsed on the beach during a challenge and was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening rhabdomyolysis. She was diagnosed with damaged muscle tissue breaking down into her bloodstream. While she recovered, Dr. Robert Huizenga banned her from participating in workouts temporarily.

The Unhealthy Obsession

Rachel Frederickson, Season 15 winner, sparked controversy when she dropped from 260 pounds to a shocking 105 pounds, leaving many concerned about her overall health and well-being. When asked about the comments on her size, Rachel admitted that they were upsetting and revealed that she had gained around 20 pounds since wrapping up the show.

THEN: Trainer Bob Harper is pictured during season seven of The Biggest Loser, which aired in 2009

The Toxic Culture

Multiple contestants have come forward to share their negative experiences on the show, including Season 2's Suzanne Mendonca, who called it "the biggest mistake of [her] life." But not all former contestants feel this way. Sisters Olivia Ward and Hannah Curlee, Season 11 winners, have maintained their weight loss over the years and credited the show with helping them achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The Verdict

NOW: Bob Harper (pictured while appearing in Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser) said in the docuseries that producers said they wanted to see the contestants 'puke'

While some contestants have spoken out about their positive experiences on The Biggest Loser, it's clear that the show prioritized ratings over contestant safety. The allegations of illicit medication use and the extreme measures taken by contestants to shed pounds raise serious questions about the show's ethics.

As the documentary series continues to drop more bombshells, one thing is certain: The Biggest Loser has a dark side that needs to be exposed. Will you be watching Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser on Netflix?

Joelle Gwynn, who appeared in season seven of The Biggest Loser in 2009 (pictured) said the contestants were burning 6,000 calories a day during the first week of the show

Joelle said that quotes she made that were cited in a New York Post article about The Biggest Loser were taken out of context

The Biggest Loser's physician, Dr Robert Huizenga is pictured with season eight contestant Tracey Yukich

Sisters Olivia Ward and Hannah Curlee, who scooped first and second place in season 11, have maintained their weight loss

The sisters said during the docuseries that taking part in The Biggest Loser was 'the best thing [they] ever did'