Alleged illegal drug use on "The Biggest Loser" investigated
LOS ANGELES -- Sheriff's investigators confirmed Tuesday they are looking into possible illegal drug use on the set of "The Biggest Loser," CBS Los Angeles reported.
An investigation got underway earlier this month after "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 television reality show, 'The Biggest Loser,"' according to sheriff's Lt. James Royal.
The NBC show "was filmed in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County within the Malibu/Lost Hills station area. Based on the information contained in the news report, Malibu/Lost Hills Station personnel are conducting an inquiry regarding the unsubstantiated allegations," he said.
Last week, the New York Post quoted contestants saying they were encouraged to take drugs or throw up to lose weight.
"People would take amphetamines, water pills, diuretics, and throw up in the bathroom," Season 2 contestant Suzanne Mendonca told the paper. "They would take their spin bikes into the steam room to work up a sweat. I vomited every single day. Bob Harper tells people to throw up: 'Good,' he says. 'You'll lose more calories.'"
A representative of the show could not immediately be reached for comment.