Newest Biggest Loser Is More Intense Than Ever

“The Biggest Loser” is back and, in the immortal words of Bob, “This group has got a lot of baggage.” In regard to season eight, we see that this is a gross understatement. This two-hour premiere starts off with the stories of people who need to lose a substantial amount of weight. There’s Abby who lost her entire family in a car accident, and the return of season-seven favorite Daniel – and then there’s Shay. She’s not only the heaviest woman, but the largest person in “Biggest Loser” history – and she has issues. Being a product of the foster-care system due to her mother’s heroin addiction, Shay has a lot inside of her. She’s also the only one in the show’s history who actually quits during a workout. With Jillian around, that’s a huge no-no.

Speaking of trainers Jillian and Bob, they now work in tandem to get these contestants in shape. There’s a lot of cursing going on, and it’s not from Jillian. We see Bob as the evil one, and you’ll love it.

A challenge for immunity is conducted within the first 10 minutes of the show and, as a result, a challenger is airlifted to a hospital. The workouts are intense: As a group this is the heaviest season, and as they sweat the weight off and throw up during workouts, they are being encouraged to carry on. Considering what they are all working for makes their stories compelling – it is the real reason why so many people watch “Biggest Loser.” Yes, some watch to see the pain being inflicted on the contestants, some might even laugh, but their stories are what have you rooting for these people. You want them to succeed, lose the weight and keep it off. Yes, money is involved, but what does money matter if you don’t have your health to enjoy it?

Of course, there is drama. The weigh in is intense, and one man is left to save his team. Once the weigh in is over, the competition begins and the maneuvering starts to see who can stay and who gets eliminated.

In this upcoming season there will be tears, surprises and lots of backstabbing. There will also be people who will build self-esteem and determination in the knowledge that they have overcome a major obstacle. If nothing else, season eight will be far from boring.