Former lead trainer of "The Biggest Loser," Jillian Michaels, has fired back at accusations leveled by co-hosts and other critics in a new Netflix documentary series titled "Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser." Through a sequence of Instagram postings, Michaels refutes the allegations made by her former co-host Bob Harper and Dr. Robert Huizenga, a sports physician who collaborated with contestants on the show. Premiering on August 15th, the Netflix docuseries alleges that during season 15 of the weight loss reality show, Michaels was caught administering caffeine supplements to her team, in violation of the show's regulations.
In one social media missive, Michaels categorically denies covertly doling out caffeine pills to contestants to maximize their workout intensity. She presents an email thread asserting that "Dr. Huizenga approved the use of caffeine pills in numerous seasons of 'Biggest Loser,'" and further accuses Harper of not only being aware of the caffeine pills but also suggesting the use of "stackers fat burner." Michaels claims, "I opted to use my brand instead because they were purer and contained no more than 200mg of caffeine, equivalent to a robust cup of coffee."
"The Biggest Loser," which aired on NBC for 17 seasons, featured contestants vying to lose the most weight for a cash prize. A 2020 reboot of the series ran for one season on sister network USA Network. Notably, Michaels was not interviewed for the Netflix docuseries.
In another post, she counters "the accusation that I restricted contestants' caloric intake" by showcasing a December 2010 email to season 11 winner Olivia Ward, who does appear in the Netflix docuseries. The email reveals that during a filming break, Michaels "explicitly instructed her to consume 1,600 calories per day."
Michaels further asserts in her social media post, "Additionally, the other two emails shared here are routine communications with the show's producers and medical team, underscoring the constant priority of ensuring contestants were adequately nourished and the necessity of a consistent supply of fresh food in the 'Biggest Loser' house to guarantee easy access to calories."
The Netflix docuseries contends that season 15 winner Rachel Frederickson, who began the show at 260 pounds and ended at a mere 105 pounds, exemplifies how the controversial series went too far as contestants strove for extreme weight loss. In response to this claim, Michaels argues on Instagram, writing, "Not only did I never have the chance to work personally with Rachel Frederickson in any capacity, but I also raised significant concerns, both publicly and directly to NBC, about contestant health and specifically Rachel's condition at the Season 15 finale. In retaliation, I received a direct email from Paul Telegdy, then-chairman of NBC Entertainment, making it clear that if I didn't publicly endorse Rachel Frederickson's appearance at the finale, NBC would take legal action against me. I promptly resigned from 'The Biggest Loser' thereafter."
