Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Reality Television: The Biggest Loser Case Study

This teaching idea presents a heuristic example using reality television as a tool for applying health behavior theory. It utilizes The Biggest Loser (TBL) to provide "real world" cases depicting how individuals progress through/experience the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Observing TBL contestants provides students practice grounding actions of patients/program participants in health behavior theoretical constructs. Understanding which TTM stage an individual resides in provides a framework from which change strategies and overall health recommendations can be tailored to unique needs and context. Incorporating reality television in health education classrooms allows students to become engaged/stimulated while also fostering the conceptual link between course work and reality.