Royal Purple

Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: Opinion

Bremer [Click to enlarge]

Its official; Spring has most definitely sprung. People everywhere are slipping on their flip flops and embracing the arrival of warmer weather. However, we all must inevitably crash from our sun-induced high as we come to the realization that beach season isn't too far off in the horizon. With the Summer days looming and the desire to shed some layers and expose some bare skin intensifies, its time to get in shape, retire the Cheetos and tear ourselves away from the Wii.

Ali Vincent just barely beat the clock in the race to achieve the perfect bikini body for the season. The thirty-three-year-old hairstylist from Arizona became the first female to win "The Biggest Loser," after losing 112 pounds.

In the past four seasons, the NBC show has had difficulty crowning a female champion. It is generally easier for men to lose weight than it it is for women because higher testosterone levels allow men to build muscle and burn fats faster.

But Vincent rose to the challenge and became the victor. Though fellow contestant Roger Shultz lost 50 pounds more than than her, the competition is based upon total body-percentage loss.

I happen to have a sister who is addicted to the show. I've been attached to many a reality show in my day, but never quite got into "The Biggest Loser" until I watched it with my sister. It is one of those rare shows that is actually quite inspirational and has the viewer rooting for every contestant, even the "villain." Watching it, you really see how obesity has controlled the contestants' lives and prohibited them from living the way they wish. They suffer health issues, physical and mental, and must deal with the scrutiny from an intolerant and ignorant society.

While surgical options such as gastric bypass have saved the lives of many obese Americans, it can't hold a candle to good old-fashioned diet and exercise. Yes, surgery may often be the only way for some to lose the weight, but it doesn't seem like a thorough "makeover." Going under the knife can only fix the body.

I can't quite relate to those with weight issues; however, it would seem to me that achieving a goal through dedication and determination would be the ultimate feeling of accomplishment. The contestants on "The Biggest Loser" have the satisfaction of knowing that they themselves are responsible for their success, and have done everything in their power to succeed naturally. Not only do they now feel healthy, but they've grown stronger mentally because of the will and drive that is required to persevere.

With a slew of shows like "Dr. 90210" and "Extreme Makeover" dominating the airwaves, so much focus has been put on physical perfection by way of medical intervention. But even the losers on "The Biggest Loser" have still won something. They may not have taken the $250,000 prize but they have new lease on life and confidence that was earned, not molded for them in the form of a rhinoplasty or tummy tuck.

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