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The Dr. Francavilla Show

Carolynn Francavilla, MD is Board Certified in Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She owns and operates Green Mountain Partners for Health and Colorado Weight Care. Dr. Francavilla is a nationally recognized obesity expert, lecturing on the topic obesity as well as through her own platform HelpYourPatientsLoseWeight.com. She serves on the Obesity Medicine Association Board of Trustees. She is an Assistant Professor at Rocky Vista University and Volunteer Faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is passionate about helping people lose weight to treat and prevent medical problems. Dr. Francavilla has learned that losing weight and keeping it off is complex and not a matter of will power, but biology, and seeks to help others finds healthy longterm solutions to their weight.

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Reflections on the Biggest Loser

October 13, 2025 • Dr. Francavilla

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Did The Biggest Loser actually help people—or did it just sell a story that wasn’t built to last?

Looking back, the show sits at a crossroads of entertainment, cultural attitudes toward weight, and evolving science. When it first aired in the early 2000s, it felt fresh and inspiring. Producers, trainers, and contestants all shared a genuine intention to help people transform their lives.

Of course, it was still reality TV—full of drama, public shaming, and humiliating moments that were never acceptable. At the time, many viewers believed the show was making a difference, but with hindsight, there’s a lot to unpack about its intentions, methods, and lasting impact.

In this week’s episode, “Reflections on The Biggest Loser,” we dive into:

What the Show Was Trying to Do
The Harm of ‘Tough Love’ in Weight Loss
The Myth That Weight Loss Fixes Your Life
Separating Identity from Weight
Extreme Doesn’t Mean Healthy
Why Blaming Yourself Doesn’t Move You Forward
Metabolic Adaptation Is Real — and It Matters

We explore what really happened behind the scenes, share surprising research on contestants’ journeys, and discuss the lessons we can take from it today.

Curious to hear the lessons and data that might surprise you? Tune in to hear the full story behind the episode.

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