At least, that’s the newest angle the media is using to grab attention in the lead up to the season premiere tonight.

Senior writer for The Sunday Age, Jill Stark, reports on the efforts of Ella Graham from eating disorders advocacy group Fed Up NSW Health to have production on the series halted and the show pulled off the air entirely.

This despite a proven track record of the show turning around people’s lives and inspiring viewers to begin their own weightloss journeys.

The argument seems to be that a restrictive diet and excessive exercise can lead to eating disorders. Of course many of the contestants already have eating disorders, that’s how they got fat. And I particularly like how a well balanced, healthy diet is characterised as “restrictive” and the exercise is “excessive” because… oh, I guess they work up a sweat over something other than eating too much damn food?

They’re literally at Fat Camp. Of course their diet is restricted and they’re expected to exercise. You don’t lose weight and get fit by eating the same things and not exercising.

The argument ultimately boils down to this: doing it this way is less healthy than the old fashioned eat less, exercise more. And it’s probably true, in the long term. Assuming you can stick to the plan. The contestants on Biggest Loser are not, typically, people who have gained all this weight within a year, or two. They’re often people who have tried many times in the past, often with even more unhealthy options (surgery, “cleanse” diets, etc) and have failed to shift the weight permanently. Or they have been overweight since they were in school and declining health has finally made them realise they have to change.

The Biggest Loser is a way to kickstart that change. You’re taken away from the usual temptations, given expert advice from some of the best trainers and health professionals in the country, encouraged to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regime and there’s a chance you’ll come away from the show significantly richer.

If, once the cameras go off, you put that weight back on, is that the show’s fault? Or your own? You were given all the tools you needed, what you do with them is up to you.

The other angle of attack is the introduction of much younger contestants this year, though it’s still only as young as 15 (Todd) and 19 (Katie), with the rest 20 or older. It’s not the case that most are younger than usual, only Todd breaks the pattern.

And to be honest the only one that concerns me is Todd, as 15 is quite young to be appearing on this show. I think it’s important to recognise that Todd is already a hefty lad and without intervention he is likely to follow in his Dad’s footsteps. But at 15 he may not be as aware of the lasting consequences of appearing on the show and he is young enough that he could have realistically done it outside the show, particularly if he wants to become a famous baseball player, as he claims. The work required to improve his game to the point where he might get scouted is not inconsiderable and coupled with a healthier diet would likely see him shed the weight outside, if he has the willpower.

But what about his Dad? Gerald is 52 and has already developed Type 2 Diabetes. Without Todd being prepared to go on the show Gerald couldn’t go, either. While this is likely to be fairly easy on a young, sporty lad like Todd, the support of his son should make Gerald’s experience that little bit easier.

It’s entirely appropriate to be concerned for Todd’s welfare during his time on the show but it’s also important to remember his health is already at risk due to his weight. If he’s not going to do it on the outside, maybe he’ll do it for the sake of his Dad.

In any event, taking it off the air won’t help anyone – the show has been in production for months. All you’d do is block the yearly batch of inspired viewers from doing something about their own health, surely a worse result for everyone.