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CORVALLIS, Ore. – If you a regular viewer of the NBC reality TV show “Biggest Loser,” you may be eligible to participate in a new study.

Tucker Readdy, a graduate student in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences at Oregon State University, is seeking people 18 years of age or older to be part of a research study. Participants must have watched all episodes of season six, which aired from September to December 2008.

Participants will be interviewed for about an hour about their views on the show, and will receive a $25 gift card to Fred Meyer.

The TV show “Biggest Loser” features contestants trying to lose weight and competing for a prize of $250,000. Professional trainers are provided to help them achieve the goal.

“I am interested to see if people watch the show because they think they can accomplish the same results,” said Readdy, adding that many of the weight loss methods used on the show are “not realistic.”

“Or, if people know it’s kind of a fantasy, then why do they watch it? What do they get out of the experience?” Readdy said.

Readdy said he is looking for about 40 participants to do interviews about the TV show. Interviews can be conducted in a location that is convenient for the participant.

Those interested in participating in this study should contact Readdy at (541) 737-4111 or e-mail readdyr@onid.orst.edu