Bob Harper, the longest-serving trainer on the reality TV show The Biggest Loser, has defended the programme's focus on weight loss, stating that society is 'obsessed with looks'. In a new Netflix documentary, Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, former contestant Joelle Gwynn is seen telling Harper: 'Fuck you, Bob Harper.' The comment follows a clip of Harper shouting at her during a treadmill session.
The Biggest Loser ran for 18 seasons in the US, attracting over 10 million viewers at its peak, and spawned more than 30 international versions, including a UK edition hosted by Davina McCall in 2012. The show's format involved contestants living on a ranch, undergoing intense workouts, and facing weekly weigh-ins, with the goal of losing the highest percentage of body weight to win $250,000.
Harper, now 60, acknowledges the emphasis on appearance: 'We're all obsessed with our looks. I know that probably sounds really shallow, but I have worked in the fitness business for a long, long time. I want to look good when I go to the beach.' He also reveals that producers initially made him cover his tattoos with long sleeves, fearing audience reaction, until they saw him training shirtless and changed their minds.
Harper, who came out as gay at 15, says producers were nervous about him discussing his sexuality on the show. 'Why would I not talk about it? I'm not ashamed of who I am,' he says. Reflecting on the criticism, Harper adds: 'That Joelle, she just does not like me, does she? I've learned to not take things personally.'
