Historian, I understand your point, and agree with it to some degree. But I think the program is pretty good from the point of showing that even people with SERIOUS weight problems can get in the gym, can exercise with intensity and surprising endurance. Maybe that has inspired some people who feel they can't, to believe they can. Just like some of the clydes here have inspired people who thought they were too big to ride, to go get a bike and get busy riding.
I hope most people are smart enough to realize that the show participants exercise way more than is possible in "real life" with a job, family, etc. -- and that for most people weight loss will be much more gradual than on the show.