‘The Biggest Loser’ Drug Scandal — NBC Show Being Investigated For Using Illegal Drugs, Diet Pills, And Diuretics

The latest drug scandal is not looking good for The Biggest Loser. Police are now investigating the allegations that the show used drugs to induce weight loss in contestants.

According to People, investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have officially confirmed their search into illegal drug use on The Biggest Loser.

“A journalist advised Malibu/Lost Hills station personnel of a news report regarding unsubstantiated allegations of illegal narcotics use in the past on the set of the reality television show, The Biggest Loser,” the official statement read. “Based on the information contained in the news report, Malibu/Lost Hills Station personnel are conducting an inquiry regarding the unsubstantiated allegations.”

Of course, producers have outright denied all allegations of drug use on the show.

Although producers have recognized the police investigation, they remain adamant that the reports of illegal drugs on set are false.

“We believe these allegations are without merit and false. The safety and well-being of our contestants is, and has always been, paramount. Contestants are told at the start of the show that there is zero tolerance for any weight loss drugs,” producers shared in a statement. “We prohibit the use of any illegal substances, in addition to the many other rules and procedures of the show that are designed to ensure safety.”

One of the show’s longtime trainers, Bob Harper, has also spoken out against the allegations.

Harper flat out denied that any of the contestants used drugs to help lose more weight. Not only did he claim the rumors are false, but Harper stated that they go against his devotion to healthy living.

In addition to Harper, former contestants have also come forward and backed the show.

Patrick House, who won Season 10 of The Biggest Loser, explained that producers were very clear on where they stood in regards to weight loss pills.

“From the very beginning, NBC, The Biggest Loser, all the executive producers were very up front that certain things had a zero tolerance policy – weight loss pills, diet pills, diuretics,” House stated. “I find it hard to believe that there would be rules involved in not using them from the same people that would encourage and hand them out to other contestants.”

Despite the support, the police investigation follows what has been a controversial month for the hit weight loss competition.

According to Us Magazine, reports of drug use first surfaced after former contestant Suzanne Mendonca’s interview last month.

When speaking with the New York Post, Mendonca revealed that trainers pushed contestants to extreme lengths in order to get them to lose weight.

This included encouraging them to take drugs, weight loss pills, and diuretics. According to Mendonca, Harper was at the center of it all.

“They would take their spin bikes into the steam room to work up a sweat. I vomited every single day,” she revealed. “Bob Harper tells people to throw up: ‘Good,’ he says, ‘You’ll lose more calories.’ ”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Mendonca is ready to sue the network for damages and claims that The Biggest Loser caused her to regain some 150 pounds.

Mendonca sighted a study from the National Institutes of Health which found former Biggest Loser contestants actually experience a lowered metabolic rate after their time on the show.

In light of the drug use allegations and weight gain, Mendonca has taken her case to the legal system.

“We’re in the process of filing a civil class action against them,” Mendonca revealed. “They deserve to be responsible.”

Despite the lawsuit, there is a strong chance that NBC and The Biggest Loser producers will win the case, especially considering all the waivers contestants likely had to sign before appearing on the show.

Tell us! Do you think there is any truth to the drug use rumors on The Biggest Loser? Let us know in the comments below.

[Image via NBC]