Fitness expert Jillian Michaels has expressed strong disapproval of the new Netflix documentary about the reality show “The Biggest Loser.” Titled “Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser,” the documentary claims to expose the “intense, damaging reality” behind the show’s facade. However, Michaels, who was a prominent coach on the series from its start in 2004 until her departure in 2014, refused to partake in the documentary. “Zero regrets about not doing it because I would have simply lent credibility to something that is an egregious lie,” she remarked. She has described the show’s portrayal as “literally just lie upon lie.”
Michaels has not definitively ruled out legal action against Netflix, former co-trainer Bob Harper, or the show’s physician, Dr. Robert Huizenga. However, she is weighing her options carefully. “To be totally honest with you, at the moment I’m choosing my battles because there are a lot to fight,” she said, indicating a thoughtful approach to the situation. “I have to determine what I want my legacy to be, and that is going to be a result of which fight I pick.”
The documentary has sparked controversy, with Michaels suggesting she might consider creating her own documentary to offer a different perspective. “I might do that. There is talk of that,” she said. She cited the hefty costs associated with legal battles, hinting that pursuing a lawsuit may not be the most prudent path at this time.
Specific allegations in the documentary have drawn Michaels’ ire. One contestant from the show’s inaugural season alleged that she said, “You’re gonna make me a millionaire,” after a dramatic moment. Michaels sharply rejected this claim. “I was wearing a mic, so like, there’s this, apparently there’s a contestant from season one… who magically remembers this moment,” she said, challenging the feasibility of such an exchange happening on air. She emphasized, “You can actually watch the moment, and the hug is like a second. There’s no possible way that exchange could have happened.”
Dr. Huizenga countered claims about the health risks some contestants faced, stating that urinating blood can result from vigorous exercise and is not a reason to disqualify participants. While discussing “The Biggest Loser” rules, he explained that contestants who were dehydrated, thereby affecting their weight loss, faced penalties for their condition.
Michaels also dismissed accusations linked to contestant Rachel Fredrickson, who was discussed within the context of taking performance-enhancing substances like caffeine pills. “In the documentary, they try to make it look like she was my contestant and I gave her caffeine pills. I was never actually fortunate enough to have trained Rachel Fredrickson one time, let alone give her a caffeine pill,” she asserted, questioning the supposed effectiveness of caffeine as a weight-loss aid.
On a personal note, Michaels recalled the emotional toll she experienced concerning weight loss and health standards on the show. She mentioned her concerns about Fredrickson’s dramatic weight loss as a major factor in her decision to exit “The Biggest Loser.” She revealed that network executives responded to her apprehensions with threats, stating, “you better get in line, otherwise we’re gonna sue you.” Michaels chose to resign over continuing with a show environment that felt increasingly toxic. “I resigned immediately, and that’s where I can tell you definitively that the bad outweighed the good,” she concluded.
Michaels stands firmly against the recent portrayal of her involvement with “The Biggest Loser,” emphasizing her commitment to truth and integrity in a world filled with misleading narratives. Her insights reflect not just her personal experiences but a broader industry discussion on fitness, health, and the responsibility that comes with them.
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