I'll admit I'm a fan of the show and watch it regularly.
That being said, I definitely agree there are problems. It shows unrealistic weight loss, I can't stand how they cut contestants before even entering the ranch, they perpetuate many myths of weight loss (you must lose quickly, you'll have a perfect life after losing weight, the thinner the better etc), and they advertise foods that I doubt many of the contestants are actually eating. So, yeah, you'd think i'd hate it after all that, right?
Well, I have to say, I've seen it long enough to say that it really does change lives. I'm a fan of many of the former contestants on facebook and the ones that I keep track of all appear to have maintained their loss. Most have not lost anything further (as far as I can tell) but still those are major losses that they have maintained.
I also get very wrapped up in the personal stories. There are individuals who have really been through the wringer who I can honestly say probably wouldn't have ever lost the weight on their own. I can certainly believe that without that show they really might have passed away quite a bit younger (and there are contestants on there who have lost an obese family member at a young age. I know a former contestant Adam lost his mother and I remember another lost a son).
The show also gives hope to many. I know I watched it a few seasons before I finally started making changes to my life. But it definitely affected me. I always knew that I wouldn't see the changes that the contestants on the show saw but just knowing that it was possible really helped me.
I also have to say that I've gotten many ideas for workouts from watching the trainers and even recipe ideas too.
There was another show Heavy that was more sensible in it's approach (although they certainly still have extremely quick weight loss because that's what brings in viewers). Essentially, the contestants stayed in some sort of enclosed environment but eventually they went back home and helped them transition to their home lives more.
Oh, as for pushing the contestants, I've noticed lately that they've been discussing injuries more and have been showing alternative methods for working out with an injury. As someone who can't do a lot because of my knees, I have to agree with Bob. It's extremely hard to burn off enough calories and get your heart rate up when you can't do squats, lunges or run! It IS annoying. Also, when they did the marathon last season they pulled out many contestants with injuries and wouldn't let them run.
Basically, the show certainly is imperfect (and I'd love to see some major changes in the format!!), there's no denying that but I still find it worthwhile to watch.