The US reality TV series Survivor may be entertaining for viewers, but it is a gruelling experience for the contestants. Participants are placed in isolated locations and must secure their own food, shelter, fire, and water. Contestants face both physical and mental challenges, competing against each other for a $1 million prize. The show's name, Survivor, reflects the demanding nature of the competition. By the end of their time on the show, many contestants are significantly changed, often appearing as a shadow of their former selves.
Dramatic Weight Loss: A Common Transformation
The drastic transformations experienced by Survivor contestants highlight the impact of sleep deprivation, food scarcity, and exposure to the elements. The show, which originally spanned 39 days, was reduced to 26 days due to COVID, yet contestants still undergo significant changes in a short period.
One notable example is Spencer Bledsoe, who competed in two seasons, Cagayan and Cambodia, lasting 39 and 38 days, respectively. Before-and-after photos of Bledsoe have circulated on social media, with fans using them to demonstrate the show's authenticity. His weight loss has left many viewers stunned. Some have described the show as a real-life Hunger Games, with contestants pushed to the brink of death for entertainment. Others have recalled early seasons where contestants were weighed at the end, revealing dramatic weight loss.
Bledsoe himself acknowledged the shock his body experienced upon returning to society. He described trust issues, food-related anxieties, and a fear of rain, as well as a re-acclimation to American consumerism and obsession with appearances. He felt that escaping these societal pressures on Survivor was a "blessing in disguise."
Beyond Weight Loss: The Broader Physical Impact
Weight loss is just one aspect of the physical toll Survivor takes on its contestants. Other former castaways have shared their experiences with parasites, infections, and long-term health issues.
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Kellyn Bechtold, from Survivor: Ghost Island, spent 35 days on the island. She gained about 10 pounds before the game but lost it all, plus an additional amount, during her time on the show, totaling almost 12% of her body weight. Her weight fluctuated significantly during and after the game. Bechtold also contracted multiple parasites, hookworms, and tapeworms, which took over a year to resolve. The medication she took to eliminate the parasites caused issues with her urinary tract, requiring further treatment.
Andrea Boehlke, a three-time Survivor contestant, lost 11 pounds during her third season. She developed a severe kidney infection, likely contracted on the island, which led to a week-long hospital stay. Her family feared for her life as her organs were not functioning correctly. Boehlke also learned she had a PFO, a small hole in her heart, during this time. Additionally, she noted a decline in her metabolism and developed scars from infected bug bites and melasma from sun exposure.
Jay Starrett, from Survivor: Millennials Vs. GenX, sprained his ankle and cut his foot on the reef during the game. Adrenaline masked the pain and the severity of the infection in his foot, which worsened after he was voted out. His foot swelled significantly and required medical attention, including the removal of the infection and antibiotics.
Wendell Holland, the winner of Survivor: Ghost Island, lost 26 pounds during his 39 days on the island. He described himself as emaciated and struggled with his physical performance upon returning home. He also emphasized the mental toll of the game, including trust issues and heightened sensitivity.
Neal Gottlieb, from Survivor: Kaoh Rong, was medically evacuated on Day 19 due to a severe infection. He described the harsh environment, sleep deprivation, and the physical demands of finding food. Gottlieb developed a painful infection near his knee, which grew into a large, open wound despite treatment. He was hospitalized and underwent a procedure to remove the infection.
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Mike Holloway, the winner of Survivor: Worlds Apart, lost 35 pounds and 20% of his muscle mass during his 39 days on the show. He experienced difficulty eating after returning home and suffered from stomach issues.
Sunday Burquest, from Survivor: Millennials Vs. GenX, lost 25 pounds during her 35 days on the island. After being voted out, she developed a severe infection from a bug bite on her arm, requiring emergency surgery. Doctors were concerned about her malnourished state, iron deficiency, and dangerously low blood pressure.
Hannah Shapiro, a runner-up on Survivor: Millennials vs. GenX, spent 39 days on an island in Fiji. She lost over 20 pounds, and her body was covered in bites.
Medical Oversight on Survivor
Despite the risks, Survivor has a dedicated medical team, including doctors like Doctor Joe Rowles, who are ready to assist contestants at a moment's notice. Medical evacuations occur when necessary, as seen with Caleb Reynolds in Survivor 32: Koah Rong and Neal Gottlieb.
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