Rapid weight loss 'dangerous'

Lisa Hose (centre front) lost almost 50 per cent of her original body weight to claim the Biggest Loser title and $370,000 in Sunday night’s final.

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CHANNEL Ten’s ratings winner The Biggest Loser came to an end on Sunday night with mother of two Lisa Hose receiving the weight-loss crown.

The West Australian contestant entered the competition weighing 121.9kg, but managed to lose 56.2kg during three months of intensive training.

Ms Hose also took home $370,000 in prize money from the show, which is said to be the closest final of the show’s history.

While the weight-loss journey of the contestants seems miraculous, Tweed health professionals are worried that this sensationalised version of weight loss is misleading to Tweed wannabe weight-loss candidates.

Tweed/Byron Community Allied Health Service senior dietician Julie Hill said excessive weight loss could lead to harmful side effects.

“We don’t believe that rapid weight loss is healthy. People who lose weight extremely quickly are more likely to put it back on,” Ms Hill said.

“The best way to lose weight is through a healthy diet and exercise; nothing extreme.”

Ms Hill said that intensive weight-loss programs could be a positive step for weight-loss candidates, but they then have to adapt those practices to their everyday life.

“For some people, taking part in a program or a weight-loss package is what they need to get started, but then they have to learn to do this at home,” Ms Hill said.

“Rapid weight loss can be a problem for the body; it can impact you heavily.”

Tweed residents are encouraged to lose weight through a gradual process of healthy eating and exercise. It is best to consult a dietician or a healthcare professional before embarking on a weight-loss regime.