‘The Biggest Loser’: Producers Are Looking for Contestants for the Controversial Weight-Loss Show
Looking to lose a lot of weight? The Biggest Loser is returning to TV, and producers are looking for people who are interested in being on the show.
The weight-loss competition show last aired new episodes in 2016. The new, reimagined version of the show will have “a new holistic 360-degree look at wellness,” according to Chris McCumber, president, entertainment networks for USA Network and SYFY, but will retain the memorable competition format.
Producers are looking for people who want to lose 100 pounds or more
While many people would like to trim that extra 5 or 10 pounds from their frame, a little bit of pudge isn’t enough to get you onto The Biggest Loser. Producers are looking for people who are hoping to lose a large amount of weight — 90 to 100 pounds, or more.
Aside from wanting to slim down, applicants must also be available for filming between August 26 and November 4, 2019. You also need to be available again on select days in December. Contestants also need to be over 18, a legal U.S. resident, be willing to submit to a background check as well as a physical and psychological screening, and meet other eligibility requirements.
How to audition for The Biggest Loser
Anyone interested in appearing on The Biggest Loser should apply online at the show’s casting website. Be prepared to provide personal details and a brief bio as well as information about any family members who are overweight, your job history, your personality traits, accomplishments, and obstacles you’ve faced.
The application also asks about events in your life that have affected your weight gain, why you want to lose weight, and how athletic you are. Finally, you’ll need to upload a current photo of yourself. If you’ve ever been at or near your goal weight, you can include a photo of that too. The application deadline is August 1.
Several open casting calls are also scheduled, though you don’t have to attend one in order to be on the show. Open calls are happening in the following cities:
- New York: June 29 at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
- Dallas: June 29 from at Gilley’s Dallas
- Kansas City, Kansas: June 29 at Nebraska Furniture Mart
- Philadelphia: July 6 at the Shops at Liberty Place
- Atlanta: July 6 at The Pop Up Up Stop at Atlantic Station (across from Athleta)
- Nashville: July 13 at Wildhorse Saloon
- Chicago: July 13 at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
All calls run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must complete an online application before attending an open call.
The Biggest Loser has been controversial
While producers are promising a fresh take on the weight-loss competition format, audiences will have to wait and see if the new version of the show is significantly different from the one that went off the air in the 2016.
Toward the end of its initial run, The Biggest Loser was dogged by controversy, with some contestants alleging they were fed weight-loss drugs, fat-shamed by trainers, and forced to exercise even though they risked injuring themselves. After the show ended, many contestants regained the weight they had lost.
“It was the biggest mistake of my life,” Season 7 Kai Hibbard told the Guardian of her decision to go on the show.
Read more: How Much Weight Did Al Roker Really Lose on the Keto Diet?
Check out Showbiz Cheat Sheet on Facebook!
