[Puffin]

I'm in Australia too and like WolfLady says, it has just ended here. The results were amazing and the winners are now doing the rounds of talk shows and radio interviews. I actually don't watch it (I've seen two episodes and it put me off!) and I agree with all the reasons above, especially the unrealistic expectations about weightloss and fitness and the fact (which is overlooked) that the people are very carefully 'screened' before being 'chosen' for the show, they are away from their usual homes/habits and work on their health 24/7. I hate the competitive nature of the program and the snippets we see on TV, but hey, it's a 'reality' TV program so sensationalism is the name of the game.
The ONLY bonus to the show is that a lot of my friends see it as inspiring (although they admit to watching it while eating a block of chocolate (??). Although the inspiration they feel is to support someone on the show, not to actually get off the couch themselves. As a TV show that needs ratings, it has hit the jack pot. As a guide to healthy living, weight loss, and decency, it's a failure (in my opinion). I shuddered the other day to hear that my friends daughters were being called "Losers" at school because they've lost some weight through walking. Eek!! There's a lot I don't like about the show, but it has a phenomenal following here.