A new season of the weight-loss show will air in January and producers have allowed children as young as 13 to come compete at the ranch. According to The Daily Mail , the show’s secured pediatricians and childhood obesity experts, but the decision to bring pre-teens on is still drawing criticisms… In a bid to tackle childhood obesity The Biggest Loser is welcoming 13-year-old contestants for the first time in its eight-year history. Traditionally the hit NBC show has helped adults shift extra pounds, but Season 14 will address America’s growing epidemic with the help of three overweight teens. Talking about the upcoming series, returning trainer and new mother Jillian Michaels, told People: ‘This is about an introduction to an active lifestyle and helping them feel better about themselves.’ She added: ‘This is not their fault… It is about reeducating them and working on their goals.’ Michaels – along with fellow trainers Bob Harper and Dolvett Quince – will mentor Sanjana Chandrasekar, 16, Lindsay Bravo, 13, and Noah Gray, 13. Dr Joanna Dolgoff, a childhood obesity expert and pediatrician will also work closely with the team, helping tlo formulate age-appropriate diet and exercise plans. In addition to the teens, 15 adults will also feature, including the show’s first openly gay contestant, 21-year-old Jackson Carter; former college football player Joe Ostaszewski; and police officer David Jones, 51. The teens will not be asked to weigh in on camera and they will train predominately at home. They will also not be up for elimination. We’re glad they won’t be asked to step up on the scale but, do you think their participation still puts them in vulnerable positions? We wish all of the contestants luck! Images via youtube/tumblr
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For Discussion: Are 13-Year Old Contestants Too Young To Be The Biggest Loser?? [Video]
