Wow..I have lots of comments!
This response won't be too popular, but here is what I think...
I think MOST of these people are NOT on the show to learn how to lose weight. I mean, really, how much is there to learn? You need to reduce your calorie intake and increase your exercise. There are plenty of on-line calculators to figure out exactly how many calories you burn, etc. I think by now anyone (anyone who really WANTS the info) knows that white carbs are bad, refined sugars are bad, whole grains are good, always pair a protein with a carb, etc, etc.
I think these people are looking for the MOTIVATION to lose weight. Whether it be the money or the "humiliation" factor. That is why I think that some of the contestants voted off early (in previous seasons) sometimes do as well or better than those on the ranch. Of course, the people at the ranch have the luxury of devoting their ENTIRE day to losing weight, which those at home cannot do.
You make a very interesting point with the medical tests, though. I wonder if there isn't a way for them to put the cost for at least part of those tests through the contestants' health insurance. Hmm...
I agree totally. Everyone knows what you have to do to lose weight..eat less and move more. It's a bit more complicated than that maybe, but in theory it's simple. There are many reasons why people become overweight. When people go on the show they are looking for motivation. They are looking for a totally supportive enviornment where all they have to focus on is weight loss. They don't have the same obstacles as in the real world, and that is what they were looking for. If I didn't have to worry about a job and everything else I could lose weight too. It's much harder in real life.
As for the cost, yes those tests are expensive but the cost to produce the show is so minimal compared to a weekly sitcom or drama, it's just a drop in the bucket to NBC. It would be expensive for you or I to have those tests done, but in the end, it's all absorbed in the budget..no need to make health insurance or the contestants pay for them.
I'm thinkin' I really like Tara. She has such a determined attitude in all of this- and I agree about the black team.
I like her too. Her friend Laura, she's got some issues to get through, but Tara could be the next Alli of Michelle. She's very determined.
I totally was screaming at Joelle. Seriously. I like her as a person. But, she has some serious road blocks!! However, I've had those same roadblocks
Joelle's partner, Carla, who was dancing in her living room is the BEST! I loooove that she's groovin' for all America to see!
Which leads me to this thought: I like HALF of everyone's teams! For example:
Orange: What the Heck? David chose HOT DOGS and FRIES???? He doesn't LIKE diet food?????How could he do that to Dan? Grrrr.
Pink: Love the mom,Helen ! The daughter, Shanon, is just plain making me
What kind of "tip" is
singing? Seemed weak to me!
I agree with all yout thoughts. Seriously, I like Joelle. I think she is actually kind of funny. What I don't like is her half assing it! She needs to get it together and she seriously needs some therapy because she has reasons for her attitude. I don't know if the show works with any mental health professionals, but if so I hope she gets the help she needs. Bob could only do so much and I think he just felt like he had a good talk with her and he thought he was helping her, and she kept stopping. There is a reason why she kept stopping and he had enough of it.
The "singing" tip..yeah that was a stretch! Can you see people at the gym on their treadmills, singing? Ummm..not gonna happen!
So far I am liking this season, a lot. I don't feel there is as much "game" going on as last year.
What do you all think of Blaine (I think that is the right name) possibly missing the birth of his baby?
I agree. I like that there is not any game playing so far. I hope that continues.
As for Blaine missing his child's birth. It's tough and I feel bad, but missing the birth is nothing compared to missing his child's life down the road.
OK, BL
DISer's...what the HECK happened last night??? OMG, they all looked like they were working out sooooo hard and the weight losses were SAD!
That's just how week 2 goes. Usually at least one person gains during week 2, so the fact that everyone lost something is a miracle.
I am so unhappy things turned out the way they did. I didn't want Jerry to go, but I am so happy he's doing so well and I can't wait to see him at the finale. I am sure he and Estella will look fabulous. Even in his progress so far, he looks so much younger!
I think Dan truly needs to be there more than anyone and I hope he doesn't let us all down.
His friend Dave made me so mad with the hot dogs, but then again 2 dogs are probably a far cry from what he used to eat. If he ate them and got it out of his system and it stopped him from binging on them later, I am okay with that. I think he has a tough road ahead as it appears his family is just as unhealthy as he is.
As for the freak out...
IT WAS AWESOME!!! Bob is just so zen and all about calmness and balance and one with the earth..and I love that he lost it!! It makes him seem like a real person, for once! If I were Jillian I would have been laughing too! (Actually, I was laughing!) It was so not funny, but yet so funny at the same time!
...how about you, you need to get over here to CA and enjoy this FAB weather we are having....it is suppose to be 50's-60's this time of year BUT it has been 80's all week!!! 
Sheesh, that was pretty crazy!! 
His veins were popping out of his face, neck, arms!! 
Those plaid shorts on Bob were all but falling off and Jillian being pulled by Jerry, she is just sooo tiny!!!
