My name is Rochelle Rice, The Plus Size Movement Expert, and I do NOT want first lady Michelle Obama to appear on The Biggest Loser. Since 1995, I have been working passionately with the plus population. I believe all people have the right to a movement program that works FOR the larger body– not against it. The abuse that The Biggest Loser trainers lay on contestants is unacceptable. I felt the show was so over the top that in 2009 I auditioned for the show hoping to be cast as the compassionate trainer.

If Michelle Obama was to appear on this program, I am concerned this would further endorse the trainer to client abuse. When people are passing out, falling off their treadmills, puking and conducting ridiculous activities such as pushing a tire down a football field while being screamed at– tell me, HOW is this inspiring people to have a healthy relationship with their bodies? It’s our job as trainers to empower our clients through movement. The Biggest Loser does nothing but exploit the overweight person, and the trainers are an ethical disgrace to the fitness industry at large.

We absolutely need to lead an active lifestyle. But you should NEVER be disgraced, humiliated, cursed at, or set up for injury. I believe in helping clients develop a pleasurable experience with movement based on the Health at Every Size paradigm. I believe in teaching clients solid technique to avoid injury. And above all, I believe in helping clients create a peaceful relationship with their body. We must do this by teaching the JOY in movement. This is what we can do as health professionals to facilitate and encourage LASTING, POSITIVE change.

This is where I stand. I am asking the fitness industry associations like IDEA, ACE, AFAA and ACSM to review their code of ethics to include an end to weight discrimination. If you stand with me, you can begin by signing the change.org petition pleading Michelle Obama to not appear on The Biggest Loser. Thank you.

If you would like to get more involved:

Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/petitions/first-lady-michelle-obama-please-do-not-appear-on-the-biggest-loser-and-instead-engage-with-the-advocacy-communities-specializing-in-weight-stigma

Call: and ask her to please reconsider her appearance and to study the contents of the package she receives from BingeBehavior.com and the Binge Eating Disorder Association. The comments line is 202-456-1111.

Write: First Lady Michelle Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500

Tweet: RETWEET IF YOU AGREE @FLOTUS Raising my voice & asking others DO NOT APPEAR ON @BiggestLoserNBC. It is harmful & unhealthy entertainment.

If you are interested in the letter or other components of the package being sent to Michelle Obama, please visit: http://bingebehavior.com/biggest-loserfirst-lady-protest