Former contestants of the reality TV show Survivor have opened up about the extreme physical toll the game takes on their bodies, from severe weight loss to parasitic infections and long-term health issues. One castaway, who was the runner-up on Survivor 33: Millennials vs. GenX, described losing over 20 pounds and suffering from bites and tangled hair, while another reported losing up to 12% of their body weight and battling hookworms and tapeworms for over a year.
The physical challenges begin early, with one contestant recalling a first night spent huddling for warmth during a cyclone that destroyed their camp. Another described bugs so relentless that they stayed awake waiting for the tide to drive them away. Medical emergencies are not uncommon; during Survivor 32: Kaôh Rōng, Caleb Reynolds was evacuated, and host Jeff Probst praised the medical team led by Dr. Joe Rowles for their crisis management.
Long-term effects include a weakened metabolism, kidney infections, and even a hole in the heart discovered after a severe infection. One contestant noted that their metabolism has never been the same after three seasons of starvation, while another developed melasma, a skin condition, from the intense sun. Despite the hardships, all agreed the experience was worth it, with one saying, 'I’d still do it all over again!'
