
The new season of “The Biggest Loser” reality weight loss show features two 13-year-olds, sparking controversy. Season 14 will include the two young teens and a 16-year-old, causing The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance to denounce the move, accusing the show of attempting to “profit off the bullying and stigmatization of fat kids.” “I am concerned that ‘The Biggest Loser’ promotes short-term weight loss and does long-term harm to the bodies, minds and spirits of many of its contestants and viewers – precipitating eating disorders, weight gain, depression and weight-based bullying,” said Barbara Altman Bruno, a NAAFA advisory board member and clinical social worker. “That they are now involving teenagers is appalling.” The addition of adolescents to the show is an attempt to start a national dialogue about obesity among youngsters, a rep for the show said. The children are never weighed in or subjected to difficult workouts or low-intake diets, but are encouraged and shown how to become more active and make more healthful food choices, said the show’s executive producer, Lisa Hennessy.





