The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Cory Reed OSU instructor Tucker Readdy teaches EXSS 381: Analysis of Critical Issues in Sports and Exercise Science Tuesday afternoon. Readdy is researching reasons for people watching "The Biggest Loser."

Reality TV shows have captured the attentions of audience members for years. Some, however, view the shows not only for the entertainment value but also as models for living their own lives.

NBC's hit show, "The Biggest Loser," inspires many to participate in the constant battle to fight obesity. With a title that suggests more than simply weight loss, others question the show as being a vehicle of healthy habits.

Tucker Readdy is a graduate student in sport and exercise psychology with a minor in women studies; he is also an instructor at the university. He is currently conducting a study that he will use to write his dissertation to finish his degree.

The study will involve loyal viewers to the show "The Biggest Loser." Readdy wants to find out exactly why people watch the show, what sticks out from different episodes and what the desired effect is of their viewing.

The name of the show has a lot to do with answering these questions. At face value, the show is about the person who loses the most weight. However, as the title suggests, the contestants are viewed as losers in our society.

Readdy said the entertainment value of this is intriguing, as it is presented as being comical. It becomes a national and moral issue that each person must look a certain way to avoid the title of "loser."

"The show is sending a complex message," Readdy said. "I want to delve into the intricate details of what happens when viewers watch the show at face value."

Readdy wasn't expecting such an interest in his study and said getting such a big response was pure luck.

A press release was written and sent out, two radio interviews were conducted and even a few TV news plugs were aired, all looking for people to participate in his study.

He's gotten many e-mails and calls from people who have watched the show, and said he has heard from more than 120 people after only a week. Readdy only needs 40 people to participate in the actual interview.

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