|
TV weight loss shows 'risky'
22/02/2006 12:26 - (SA)
Sydney - Weight-loss competitions on television pose a serious health threat to their overweight participants, an Australian medical expert said on Wednesday.
David Bishop, president of the Association for Exercise and Sports Science, said popular programmes like The Biggest Loser were even dangerous for viewers because they were likely to copy the crash diets of their Lycra-clad heroes.
"The 'no pain, no gain' philosophy practised on the show is sending a dangerous message to all those who are overweight or obese," Bishop told Australia's AAP news agency.
Bishop warned that fitness professionals were being harried to adopt similar strategies by clients desperate to get slim.
"The boot-camp style of training used on the show is entirely inappropriate for people with multiple risk factors who are unaccustomed to exercise," Bishop said.
Over 60% of Australian adults and one-third of children are now either overweight or obese. -Sapa-dpa
- SAPA
|
South Africa
