The first Pinoy Biggest Loser winner was named tonight, October 09, 2011 at the Ynares Sports Arena and it was who I have expected all along, Larry Martin (Read previous blog HERE).The reality show was such a big hit that ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez announced that the 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd placers will all receive P500,000 cash prize instead of the originally lower cash prizes.
The success story of the former policeman who lost his job after failing a waistline limit set by the PNP leadership in 2000 was inspiring. I was one of the loyal viewers of the top rater show who may have missed just a few airings, therefore, I was able to monitor the progress as well as the evictions of the original 16 contenders. From the start, the "Shrinking Man" Larry Martin showed so much potential of winning the weight loss competition.
Obesity is feared to be becoming one of the deadliest diseases in the world leading to reduced life expectancy and increased health problems. Its causes may include a combination of any of the following:
2. Sedentary Lifestyle - denotes a kind of lifestyle that has an irregular physical activity or none at all. A sedentary person is often called a "couch potato," who do not enjoy vigorous activities and prefers to do things either in sitting or lying position like reading, watching television or using the computer.
3. Genetics, Physical and Mental Illnesses - Some diseases are known to have obesity as a symptom, one example is the Cushing's Syndrome (a hormone disorder). Genetics are said to be one of the factors for being obese. Inheriting a genetic disorder from a parent such as having the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common female endocrine disorder includes symptom of having a tendency towards central obesity. The Laurence-Moon-Biedl Syndrome is also a genetic disorder that is principally characterized by obesity. Another genetic disorder that includes obesity as a symptom is the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Physical and mental stress as well as other psychological factors are also known causes of obesity.
4. Social Determinants (social class, environment and culture) - Out of the original 16 contestants of the Pinoy Biggest Loser, around 75%-80% belong to the middle and upper social classes. Here's Wikipedia's explanation on obesity's social determinants:
The correlation between social class and BMI (Body Mass Index) varies globally. A review in 1989 found that in developed countries women of a high social class were less likely to be obese. No significant differences were seen among men of different social classes. In the developing world, women, men, and children from high social classes had greater rates of obesity. An update of this review carried out in 2007 found the same relationships, but they were weaker. The decrease in strength of correlation was felt to be due to the effects of globalization. Among developed countries, levels of adult obesity, and percentage of teenage children who are overweight, are correlated with income inequality. A similar relationship is seen among US states: more adults, even in higher social classes, are obese in more unequal states. Many explanations have been put forth for associations between BMI and social class. It is thought that in developed countries, the wealthy are able to afford more nutritious food, they are under greater social pressure to remain slim, and have more opportunities along with greater expectations for physical fitness. In undeveloped countries the ability to afford food, high energy expenditure with physical labor, and cultural values favoring a larger body size are believed to contribute to the observed patterns. Attitudes toward body mass held by people in one's life may also play a role in obesity. A correlation in BMI changes over time has been found among friends, siblings, and spouses. Stress and perceived low social status appear to increase risk of obesity
5. Drugs - Certain prescription drugs are said to cause abnormal or rapid weight gain such as steroids and anti-depressant pills. However, stopping the medication without consulting your physician may pose serious consequences. Many oral and injectible contraceptives are also perceived to cause rapid weight gain.
All are acceptable and reasonable causes of obesity except the controllable improper diet and sedentary lifestyle! Sadly, most obesity cases may have actually sprung from gluttony that has become a way of life or worse developed into an addiction. Gluttony and Sloth are a deadly combination that lead to obesity and eventually, death!
Food addiction unlike alcohol or drug addiction goes unnoticed because the euphoric state of the loaded "victim" is not as obvious because the "food high" does not accompany hallucinations and delusions that could lead to violence. The food addict is not perceived to be a threat to society and excessive food intake is not punishable by law. Therefore, food binging is mostly tolerated until the bulges become too bloated to miss.
The Pinoy Biggest Loser Camp served as the rehabilitation center of the contestants. Like in any other addiction, the "rehabilitation and cleansing program" took some time, 125 days in this case. In tobacco, alcohol and drugs, there is what they call a chemical addiction but the real key to healing the disease is by first addressing the psychological or mental addiction to the substances. This is very true in the case of food addiction because it is mostly a psychological dependency to food that affects the normal interaction and functions of the person suffering from it.
There are four key points in my opinion that the "Shrinking Man" possessed more than the other contenders that made him victorious:
1. Acknowledgment and Decision
During the first few weeks of the competition, the contestants were shown a video of their first day on the Pinoy Biggest Loser Camp. The video showed them feasting on food. The reaction of the contestants seemed like seeing and realizing for the first time that they indeed have a very BIG eating problem. The video captured vividly the description of the word "gluttony." From this point, the strong contenders would be the ones who were able to acknowledge their eating problems and have decided 100 percent to correct it.
2. Motivation
After the acknowledgment of the problem and the decision to change for the better, the most probable winner would be the one who was able to internalize his own reason and intention that would motivate and inspire him to reach his goal. The motivation could be family, money, fame or whatever but the "who" and the "what" really do not matter, what matters is "HOW" badly does he want the change and "WHY?"
3. Will Power, Discipline and Strategy
If the motivation is strong, the mind is strong. The contest seemed to be physical in nature but it was actually a mind game. It required physical endurance but the survivor must have the will power, discipline and strategy to last the game and emerge as the sole winner. As they say, what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.
4. Faith in Self and God
Lastly, without faith, all effort is futile.
The Biggest Loser reality show is a consistently top rating program not only in the Philippines but all over the world where it is aired simply because it is a proof that ...
"Everything is Possible."
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