Are The Biggest Loser's Weight Loss Methods Safe?

"The Biggest Loser" has already been under fire for its controversial weight-loss techniques. But how many of those 18, 200 pounds lost on the show were shed through medically-responsible methods? Experts and former contestants alike are sounding the alarm, and trainer Jillian Michaels admits contestants aren't always losing weight the right way.

Take Ryan Benson: The 2005 champ admitted he was urinating blood after fasting and dehydrating himself toward the $250,000 prize. Not very admirable press for "The Biggest Loser," and Benson believes he's been ignored by the show in return. It's true he was nowhere to be seen on NBC's reunion special that aired last week. Then there's Season 3's Kai Hibbard, who has blogged she and others would dehydrate before weigh-ins and stack on clothing during workouts when cameras weren't rolling. She gained 31 pounds in two weeks after the show, mostly by staying hydrated. Great, about 10 million viewers unknowingly tuning in to dehydration TV.

But while winners from the first four seasons regained at least 20 percent to their respective weights after the show, let's note this trend stopped with Season 5's champ, Ali Vincent. She weighed 122 pounds at the finale and weighs 125 today. No dehydration win there. Notice she's also one of the show's most successful spokespersons. Season 6 winner, Michelle Aguilar, and Season 7 winner, Helen Phillips, did not reveal their current weight during the reunion special. But they looked slim and Helen just ran a half marathon.

Self-induced or not, dehydration can be medically dangerous. This very season Tracey was helicoptered to the hospital after collapsing on a day one, mile-run at the beach. As a viewer, it was terrifying to watch. Turns out she had heat stroke. After that same beach run, Mo was hospitalized for dehydration, low blood sugar and low blood pressure. "If we had to do it over, we wouldn't do it [the one-mile race]. It was an unexpected complication and we're going to do better," the show's Dr. Huizenga told the "New York Times."

Here's the thought most of us are wondering, "I'm waiting for the first person to have a heart attack," Dr. Charles Burant, a professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Health System and director of the Michigan Metabolomics and Obesity Center, also told the New York Times. He thinks the show is exploitive.

That's Fit asked nutritionist and fitness expert Jonny Bowden for his take. "I've always thought [the show] was ridiculous, ever since the first season when the guy lost 17 pounds in a week and the following week people who didn't lose that much were considered 'bad.' It sets up absolutely ridiculous standards for weight loss, makes a very difficult and personal issue into entertainment," said Bowden. "Clearly, there are also huge dangers involved as well."

He did, however, acknowledge the show could serve as inspiration to many -- that losing weight when you're morbidly obese is possible. Yet losing healthy weight under real circumstances isn't exactly exciting TV. "If I were a TV producer I'd love this show. As a health professional I think it's horrible."

"Contestants can get a little too crazy and they can get too thin," admitted trainer Jillian Michaels to the "New York Times." She says Benson and Hibbard are examples of the dark side of the show. Maybe Benson and Hibbard aren't cashing in on their fame because they've been post-finale disqualified. Michaels states contestants are disqualified if they are dehydrated or found to be taking drugs or diuretics. And it's not exactly a candid environment after the show is over -- the "New York Times" found contestants must have permission from NBC before chatting with a reporter.

Unless contestants are under lock and key, the show can't exactly force them to drink eight glasses of water a day in the at-home weeks leading up to the finale. Some may very well put their health at stake for the prize money, as others play it smart and straight.

The fact remains that a majority of the 40 contestants featured in the reunion special have maintained significant weight loss. Shedding morbid obesity has literally changed their lives. Of the 206 contestants so far, 50 percent have reportedly kept the weight off -- respectable numbers. Then there are the flood of fans testifying they've lost significant weight thanks to the show.

Season 8 cast Shay, the heaviest contestant yet, at 476 pounds. Will Season 9 feature even larger contestants? Has the show's extreme nature gone too far? Let us know, then check out how many That's Fit readers tuned out after all that early Season 8 cursing.