Pet Fit Club, "Biggest Loser"-style Competition, Battles Pet Obesity

Published April 9, 2012

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The "Pet Fit Club", a "Biggest Loser"-style weight loss competition for pets, battles the pet obesity epidemic.

Is "The Biggest Loser", a television show that focuses on the weight loss aspirations for individuals, releasing an edition of the show for pets? Not quite, but one British charity interested in helping animals is riffing off the hit reality show, adopting their format for their own pet weight loss competition.

According to the New York Daily News, a charity called the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals is running a "Biggest Loser"-style weight loss competition titled the "Pet Fit Club". The aim of the competition is to help extremely overweight pets lose the weight they need in order to be deemed healthy again.

The finalists in this year's competition are dangerously overweight, far beyond the acceptable realm of being cute in a pleasantly plump kind of way. On the contrary, the pets involved have obesity issues that are hindering their quality of life. In a YouTube video put out by the charity that displays the finalists in the Pet Fit Club competition, viewers see how daily tasks, such as climbing a flight of stairs, become difficult and laborious.

Read: Are our pets losing the battle to obesity?

So what will the Pet Fit Club entail? The competition will feature a six-month regimen of healthy eating and exercise for the pets, marked by periodic weigh-ins overseen by trained veterinary professionals. In addition to helping shape up these out of shape pets, the program will provide education and advice to owners, a crucial part of the Pet Fit Club since most pet obesity problems begin due to owner's not being informed.

While the competition is helping animals on an individual level, it is also raising awareness about the pet obesity epidemic on a macro scale. While the competition focuses mainly on how this epidemic is affecting the UK, it simultaneously works to raise awareness about an issue which has quickly become a global trend.

Watch the PDSA's YouTube video of its Pet Fit Club finalists below:

What do you think about the Pet Fit Club's efforts to combat pet obesity? Share your thoughts in a comment!

Ryan Karpusiewicz Ryan Karpusiewicz is the Assistant Editor, Lifestyle, for Digital Works @ NBC U, whose main…

Filed Under: Health & Home, News & Blogs, Nutrition, News
Tags: Cats, Dogs, fat cat, overweight animals, pet obesity

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Comments (17)

jaime (Unverified)

Added 04-14-2012 12:22am

It is sad that people can't be responsible enough to take care of their pets properly. Although I think most people are just naive and believe they are making their pets happy by giving them treats and food. In that case this can be a great awareness and offer knowledge of the deadly results of animal obesity.

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Anonymous

Added 04-13-2012 10:29pm

I'm proud to say that I know and am friends with Mr. Pie, a finalist in last year's PDSA Pet Fit Club. Mr. Pie is a great kitty and an even greater pal! Hugzzzzzzzz ... RAY, CHASE & TIPPER -- @DaneRay ...

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Anonymous (Unverified)

Added 04-13-2012 06:00pm

It's the owner's fault not the pets. What a Shame. These pets can get Heart Disease & Diabetes from being so Fat. :(

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Anonymous (Unverified)

Added 04-13-2012 03:26pm

How can their owners let them get so big???????

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Anonymous (Unverified)

Added 04-13-2012 02:35pm

".......it is evident that Proctor and Gamble is less than a trustworthy and caring company. To add further concern regarding Proctor & Gamble’s place in our society, you may be interested to know that Proctor & Gamble shares the same institutional owners as biotech giant Monsanto. Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/new-chapter-supplement-company-bought-by-monsanto-linked-proctor-gamble/#ixzz1rwkZv0gz " I would not put my faith in anything Monsanto has control or a part in. They are just trying to take over every part of our (and our pets' lives) and get richer and richer with their Genectically Modified or Engineered foods. Be careful where you place your trust if you care about your pets. Kit

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redguru (Unverified)

Added 04-13-2012 12:00pm

Yes, tinned pet food is the best. Take it easy on those treats and other dry food.

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Diane (Unverified)

Added 04-13-2012 11:49am

Yes, dry food definitely contributes to obesity (and kidney disease in cats). Raw meat diets, which are easy to find now in better pet food stores combined with canned for taste or convenience are the healthiest I believe. Make the conversion very slowly and stay positive. Playing with your animal is also key - you can find something you cat enjoys such as lasers to chase around a bit.