Bob Harper Slams ‘The Biggest Loser’ Temptation Challenges as ‘So Dumb’ in Netflix Docuseries Reveal

In a rare behind-the-scenes look at The Biggest Loser, former trainer Bob Harper and host Alison Sweeney didn’t hold back their opinions on the show’s most criticized challenge format. Speaking in Netflix’s latest docuseries, Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser, the two veteran personalities revealed how the “temptation challenges” not only contradicted the core values of the show but also left both cast and crew emotionally torn.

Harper, 59, and Sweeney, 48, reflected on the mental toll these segments took on the contestants—forcing them to binge on unhealthy food for the chance to briefly reunite with family members. The docuseries premiered on August 15 and has already stirred significant debate about reality TV ethics and the blurred lines between entertainment and exploitation.

Why Bob Harper Criticized “The Biggest Loser” Temptation Challenges

Bob Harper didn’t mince words when describing how he felt about the show’s infamous temptation challenges. According to Harper, the idea of contestants being rewarded for eating junk food—despite the show’s mission to promote health—was fundamentally flawed.

“There’d be just like, all this stupid stuff,” Harper says in the series. “Candy, cake, cookies, pop — anything. All the things. It was so dumb to me.” Harper specifically called out the show’s producers, Dave Broome and JD Roth, for designing these segments. “Well, thank [The Biggest Loser producers] Dave Broome and JD Roth. I mean, it was their show.”

Former ‘Biggest Loser’ Contestant Recalls On-Screen Altercation with Bob Harper. Image:people.com

These challenges typically placed contestants alone in a room with a buffet of unhealthy food for five minutes. Whoever consumed the most calories would earn a temporary visit with their family. Meanwhile, they still had to weigh in later and face the same weight-loss expectations—an unfair trade-off that created stress and confusion for many participants.

What Alison Sweeney Said About the Emotional Toll

Alison Sweeney, who hosted The Biggest Loser during its most watched seasons, echoed Harper’s frustrations. “The temptation challenges were the hardest part of the show for me,” she said, expressing visible discomfort in the docuseries.

Sweeney shared that she often struggled to reconcile the show’s motivational tone with the pressure placed on contestants to engage in unhealthy behaviors for momentary rewards. Her concerns align with past criticism from viewers and health professionals who questioned the psychological ethics behind such challenges.

Joelle Gwynn, a former contestant from Season 7, also weighed in. “That’s mean,” she said. “We go through enough stuff. We’re trying to do better.”

Producers Defend the Challenge Concept

In defense of the controversial format, executive producer JD Roth explained in the series that the temptation challenges were designed to reflect real-world obstacles. “What is a temptation? A temptation is real life,” Roth stated. “I can’t say 100% of the temptations we got right. But I can say that life is full of temptations.”

Broome added that the goal was to make the show relatable to viewers outside the weight-loss bubble. “You pass a cupcake in your refrigerator or a fast food joint on your way home from work. How can we get that in The Biggest Loser?”

While the intentions may have been grounded in realism, the emotional backlash from cast members and public audiences indicates that the execution missed the mark. The contradiction between encouraging wellness and promoting food binges as rewards has long been viewed as a credibility issue for the franchise.

Why It Matters: The Larger Discussion on Wellness in Reality TV

This latest controversy revives an ongoing discussion about how weight-loss shows frame health and self-worth. Bob Harper, as both a trainer and a survivor of a heart attack, has long been vocal about taking a more holistic approach to health—focusing on sustainable habits, mental wellness, and real-world challenges.

The revelations in Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser are timely, especially as more reality TV formats face scrutiny for prioritizing dramatic effect over the well-being of participants. With mental health and body positivity gaining traction in mainstream conversations, producers may have to rethink traditional formats moving forward.

Bob Harper’s honest critique serves as a reminder that not all “motivational” content is created equal—and that even successful shows must evolve to remain ethical and effective.

For your information:

What were the temptation challenges on The Biggest Loser?
Temptation challenges involved contestants being left alone with unhealthy food for five minutes. The person who consumed the most calories won a chance to visit their family—despite the overall weight-loss goals of the show.

Why did Bob Harper criticize The Biggest Loser producers?
Harper called the temptation challenges “so dumb” and held producers accountable for putting contestants in emotionally and physically conflicting situations that contradicted the show’s health mission.

What did Alison Sweeney say about the show?
Sweeney admitted the temptation challenges were the hardest part for her, revealing how the emotional toll of asking contestants to binge eat went against the purpose of the show.

What is the Netflix docuseries about The Biggest Loser?
Titled Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser, the three-part docuseries explores behind-the-scenes truths, controversies, and emotional struggles from the hit NBC show.

Are producers defending the challenges now?
Yes, executive producers JD Roth and Dave Broome defended the segment, arguing that temptation reflects real-life challenges people face in weight loss and wellness journeys.

Sources: Netflix, PEOPLE, Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser