Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Bell
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
TV-based fitness sim emphasizes nutrition and weight loss.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Biggest Loser
What's It About?
THE BIGGEST LOSER is a fitness simulation based on the TV show of the same name, where overweight contestants compete to lose the most weight and earn a cash prize to become "The Biggest Loser." In the video game, payers can select a full 4-week, 8-week or 12-week fitness and nutrition program that tracks calories consumed and burned, and overall weight loss. Alternately, players can jump into preset routines of various lengths, or create their own by selecting from full body, upper body, lower body, core, and yoga exercises. There are also four challenge games that incorporate exercises, like flying a virtual hang glider with Tricep Dips and Leg Lifts, or staying on an elevated treadmill above a pool using Skaters and Side Step exercises.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of the TV show will feel right at home being coached by digital versions of hosts Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, reading tips from past show contestants, and watching video clips of Bob and Jillian dispensing workout and nutrition advice. Aside from the TV show theme, a few other nice things help set The Biggest Loser apart from other fitness sims on the Wii: one is a nutrition section that includes 50 healthy recipes that players can try at home, and the other is a system of measurement that doesn't rely on the sometimes unreliable Body Mass Index (BMI) scale. The main game's emphasis on weight loss makes it especially suitable for obese people looking to shed dozens of pounds or more (just like the TV show), but the make-up-your-own-routine and quickplay modes are suitable for those who simply want to maintain an ideal weight or stay active, making The Biggest Loser well-rounded fitness package.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether it's more fun or easier to work out alone or with a "workout buddy."
Does having a personal trainer make you more motivated to finish the whole workout?
The Biggest Loser contains 50 real recipes to try at home. Which of the recipes did you try, and were they tasty?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo DS , Nintendo Wii
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : THQ
- Release date : October 6, 2009
- Genre : Exergaming
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 19, 2019
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