weight loss - Jezebel

posts about #weightloss more →
Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
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Do Plus-Size TV Shows Inspire Or Disgust?

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TallyCola
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
There was (is?) a UK reality show called "Supersize versus Super Skinny" where they take an obese person and an underweight person, both with ridiculous/awful eating habits, and get them to switch diets. You have two people who are already unhealthy trying a different diet which is equally unhealthy just to gain or lose weight.

It's disgusting.
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thecameralovesyou
11/25/09

@TallyCola: Oh god, I've watched that show and it IS awful. And they make them meet each other while standing in their skivvies and measuring each other up with their eyes. In most (all?) cases, both people have some sort of disordered eating, and it's.. it's just awful! I don't know how they think it's helpful to either person!
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Justine
11/26/09

@TallyCola: There's also a UK show that I've seen that's pretty interesting called 'Freaky Eaters' where they find someone with an eating problem -- and I mean, a fairly large malnutrition causing one -- and try to transition them into a more healthy, balanced diet over the course of a month, I believe. It really shows that unhealthy people can come in any size -- all of the episodes I've seen so far have featured thin or slightly overweight people who they run blood tests on to prove ill health -- there's no weigh-ins, so far.
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Plum-Pie
11/26/09

@TallyCola: But they only eat like eachother for a couple of days - then they get plans from a nutritionist and go off and eat properly for a month or two before meeting up again and holding hands and talking about how it wasn't until they experienced someone elses eating disorder that they realised they had one and now they're happy that they're eating 3 balanced meals a day. The joint weigh-in is very creepy though.

@Justine: I rather like that show - people who are scared of vegetables or meat and only eat biscuits or crisps!
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ahpooks
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
One woman who won a couple of seasons ago clearly went home and starved herself to come back and win at the finale. The other finalist who had kicked ass all season didn't appear to starve herself and ended up losing. I was so mad because it was so obvious that they promoted weight loss tactics like wrestlers trying to make weight that I haven't been able to watch again.
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sequined
11/25/09

@ahpooks: I think that was this most recently ended season. I don't watch much, but I'd followed that season just cuz my friend was into it, and we were OUTRAGED that the woman who had kicked ass all season (Tara?) lost in the finale.
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Here There Everywhere in the Bean
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
One of my main beefs with the show is the seemingly weekly interview with a kicked-off contestant who ever so earnestly asserts, "if I can do it [lose 80 lbs in 8 weeks], ANYONE can do it." Because every time they leave out the key missing part of that quote, which is, of course, "if I can do it, ANYONE who can spend ten weeks in an isolated environment with a closely controlled and monitored diet while working out six to ten hours a day seven days a week with professional trainers and supportive teammates can do it!"

Way to make average people with weight issues feel even more inadequate about themselves, guys!
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echoparkgal
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
Ugh. People just love Jililan Michaels and I detest that mean woman. I find it interesting that some of my lezebel friends I know watching it are crazy obsessive about witnessing powertrips and envisioning a future dom-sub gym relationship with Jillian.

But seriously, I wonder if Stockholm Syndrome comes into play in a high stress environ like The Biggest Loser training sessions.
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Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd)
11/25/09

@echoparkgal: Have you ever seen the commercials for her diet pills? She is so aggressive, like YELLING at you to take her scary-probably-make-your-heart-explode pills.
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echoparkgal
11/25/09

@Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd): She is pretty foul in real life. I've spent some time with her on set filming a video and shooting headshots. I console myself that she has less than 3-5 years to famewhore herself as her inner evil will eventually burn its way out to the exterior.
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waverly
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
"Now we get to watch real people...abuse themselves for free."

The solution is simple: turn off the T.V.

Seriously, how is this hard? If the show is bothersome and annoying and putting forth ideas about weight loss that you find unhealthy...change the channel. Or turn off the T.V.

If enough people do this, maybe T.V. execs will start to get the hint that this isn't the T.V. we want to watch. But until then...it kind of IS the T.V. that we want to watch, isn't it?
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SUNNY1
11/25/09

@waverly: It's not that simple though. Chances are, the people who disapprove of the show already aren't watching, and yet the show is still successful. There are still so many people who eat this stuff up and are being given this as a model for how to lose weight/be healthy.
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tiredfairy
11/25/09

@SUNNY1: Exactly. I can't stand most reality TV, so I don't watch it. But many, may people do. How do you reach them? By talking about it. And in some ways, staying aware of what's going on.
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Edited by tiredfairy at 11/25/09 7:14 PM tiredfairy was starred tiredfairy was unstarred

tiredfairy
11/25/09

@waverly: We find it unhealthy because of articles like this, because a lot of women on here are aware of complicated and damaging ideas put forth. Most people are not that media literate. Most people take what they're shown and don't question it. If they did, most of this stuff wouldn't be very popular.

So yes, people want to watch it. Because they're conditioned to. That's the part we have to break.
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Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd)
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
JD Roth, an executive producer of the series who created its current format, said that while the show was extreme, "it needs to be extreme in my opinion."

"For some of these people this is their last chance," he said. "And in a country right now that is wrestling with health care issues and the billions of dollars that are spent on obesity issues per year, in a way what a public service to have a show that inspires people to be healthier."

I guess to them peeing blood is healthier than fat, which is not only unhealthy, but icky, yucky, and gross. What a selfless public servant.
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Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd)
11/25/09

@Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd): Those first two paragraphs are from the NYT article, in case it's not obvious.
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Edited by Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd) at 11/25/09 4:36 PM

SUNNY1
11/25/09

@Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd): "I guess to them peeing blood is healthier than fat"
I read this wrong at first, and thought you meant peeing fat was better than peeing blood. Needless to say, it was a bit of a scare.
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graciousplum
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
Um, you seem to be missing the point.

I became a runner because I was inspired by the changes in contestant's lives, bodies, attitudes, all because of exercise. I have also read quotes from Jillian that basically say, don't watch this show and think you can lose 20 lbs in a week- these people are on severely restricted diets, exercising hours and hours per day- it's not realistic for everyone. Instead take the message about using fitness to change your life and apply it: if they can lose weight, you can too, on a smaller scale.

This show has negative aspects, yes. But I think it has a lot of positive aspects. I would certainly choose a show like this over 'Man v. Food' any day.
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NellMood
11/25/09

@graciousplum: Yes, but they're losing weight under highly unusual and unhealthy circumstances, and it's pretty clear that that weight loss isn't always sustainable. How is that inspiring? Do people watch this show and feel frustrated that they don't lose such large amounts of weight per week?
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tiredfairy
11/25/09

@graciousplum: I think the point was that the shows purpose isn't exactly inspiration, it's ratings. Because the reality of sustainable weight loss takes longer, is less dramatic, and the results aren't what your average person is going to be.

The fact that it may be inspirational for some people doesn't make the premise or execution any less problematic or exploitive or unrealistic.

The idea that the only choices we have are Biggest Loser and Man v. Food is pretty telling.
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graciousplum
11/26/09

@NellMood: Probably some do have unrealistic expectations, and I can't speak for everyone who watches and likes it, but I think the message is inspiring: there is no magic bullet, but eating less and moving more does help. I find that so inspiring. And I think what they do is extreme, but honestly, stuffing yourself with junk until you're on death's door isn't exactly the way to health either.
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graciousplum
11/26/09

@tiredfairy: The execution is totally unrealistic, absolutely! I think if that's not a takeaway for you, you have a problem. The average, intelligent individual is not going to believe that a half hour of lifting weights every other day is going to produce the same results you get on a show where the people are isolated and live for weeks solely to focus on weight loss. I think the dramatic nature of their weight loss is almost necessary for some of them in that it is a quick result, which can be really inspiring. Also, I wouldn't say it isn't sustainable- sure, people gain weight back, but plenty keep it off. And the way past contestants talk about how their lives are improved by fitness and healthy eating really is inspiring, for me at least, on those down days where I just think, what's the point? It's good to see a show that highlights the struggles of others- it's in extremes, yes. But the message is good, I think.

And yeah, America's focus on food extremes is pretty terrible. I do like the Travel Channel's Andrew Zimmern (sp?); his show highlighting unique foods from different cultures seems to have a pretty positive attitude regarding enjoying food for its taste and texture and history, not because it's covered in cheese and fried three times and is AMURICUN. Ugh....
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Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
I love how people STILL continue to say "Eat less and exercise a little more and you will lose weight." HONESTLY! If it was that easy don't you think I would have done it? Why is it so hard to understand that not all people lose weight the same way? I mean, everyone knows that person that can eat whatever the want and not gain a pound, why is it so inconceivable that there are people who can eat healthy and not lose a pound?

* If one person replies with "But for the vast majority of fat people....." I will fucking self-combust.
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Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd)
11/25/09

@Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.: Well, what if it's a lifestyle change and not a diet?

*kidding. don't burst into flames just yet.
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rixatrix
11/25/09

@Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.: I think there are several reasons - I know if I don't measure my food, and I mean weigh it out by grams, I'm either over or underestimating how much I'm eating. People can blow their deficit just by eyeballing. Also, the people who eat whatever they want and stay thin also tend to skip meals, move around a LOT, or exercise some other form of natural balance. Me, I like to sit around on the couch and watch movies, so I have to be conscious of how much I'm moving all day long (not just workouts) to see the scale move.

I've recently gotten into the work of Leigh Peele, she's a personal trainer, and a genius. Honestly. If you *are* looking for help with weight loss (not that you should or need to, but I do believe you can accept yourself as you are, and still want to change - or at least, that's how I feel), you should google her. Or if you want to PM me, we can chat.
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zombies.like.lattés.too
11/25/09

@Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.: what you're describing is called the fundamental attribution error. It's a basic belief that whatever problems befall us personally are the result of difficult (read: special) circumstances, while the same problems in other people are the result of their bad choices.

It's that type of cognitive dissonance that allows pro-lifers to take THEIR children to the abortion clinic while demonizing all the other sluts who were careless and got pregnant.

Same thing applies to fat hatred and the belief that we're fat because we're uninformed and lazy.
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Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny. promoted this comment

Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.
11/25/09

@zombies.like.lattés.too: I love smart people. And I love it when I find out that my mostly guttural rants actually have name. So basically what I am trying to say is you are now hearted.
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Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd)
11/25/09

@rixatrix: Are you joking?
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Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.
11/25/09

@rixatrix: Thanks, but I'm not. (and I know you are trying to be helpful, which is why I'm not offended) I recently lost a shit ton of weight by not eating. The medication that I am on makes it so that I eat less that 500 calories on most days. I am less healthy now than I was when I was fatter.
The point is, I tried everything, measuring, exercise, EVERYTHING, but nothing stuck until I was literally starving myself because of my medication. Did I have less will power than others? Was I less committed? Not on your life. What works for one person won't work for another, and I don't see why that is so difficult to understand. Why must we insist on universalizing our experiences?
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rixatrix
11/25/09

@Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd): I don't know, are you laughing?

What exactly do you find so funny? My post came from a place of non-judgmental sincerity, so either you think I'm stupid or just a jerk. Please do elaborate.
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Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd)
11/25/09

@rixatrix: Vivelafat says she's not offended, so I'm not going to get into it.
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Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.
11/25/09

@Benevolent_Dictatrix (patently absurd): My response was the same as yours, but it's the day before Thanksgiving and I'm feeling charitable. Also, rixatrix has a track record of descent comments so I can only assume that the s/he hasn't been around long enough to know my very loud opinion in this matter.
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Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.
11/25/09

@rixatrix: The humor of what you just said is that most of us have heard it a million times. "x is brilliant, it will change the way you lose weight," or "most diets don't work, but this one will"
Most of us have heard the "they just move more," and the "you don't really know how much your eating" before, and the truth is, we believe it be bullshit. We believe that the truth is the majority of diets (and yes lifestyle changes are a diet) don't work in the long term.
There are many here on Jezebel that believe differently and it has inspired a range of discourse ranging from civil to not-so-civil. Either way, each is entitled to their opinion.
Also, I have been extremely vocal about my opinion (given my screen name and all) so, it could be seen as humorous that you offered me weight loss advice. I just assumed you didn't know because I know your commenting history, but if I didn't know you, my response would probably have been quite different.
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TheUptightMidwesterner
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
THANK YOU NYT!! I get so mad at this show for pushing all these totally dangerous, reckless expectations on the public. Losing 16 pounds in one fucking week is totally not right unless you have given birth to twins. Working out for 5 hours every day is not normal EVER.
God, I hate this show. It needs to be taken off the air, like, yesterday.
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Ruby_de_la_Booby
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
A show where an 8 lb weight loss in a given week is considered a failure...that's way messed up.

Plus, it sets up ridiculous expectations to maintain the weight loss. Moderation, in eating AND in exercising, is not taught on the ranch.
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spamanda
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
I've often wondered how many people on this show were also starving themselves to loose that extra pound or two.
Also, I really like to watch Biggest Loser while eating ice cream. I do this a LOT.
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kemperboyd
11/25/09

@spamanda: I watch it eating crisps (chips) and chocolate bars, usualy drinking Irn Bru. I do not feel guilty. *ok I feel a little guilty*
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Edited by kemperboyd at 11/25/09 6:06 PM kemperboyd was starred kemperboyd was unstarred

Sputnik_Sweetheart
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
trainer Jillian Michaels says, "Contestants can get a little too crazy and they can get too thin. [...] It's just part of the nature of reality TV."

It really makes me uncomfortable that this came out of the mouth of someone whose job is to guide people to better health. "Sure, it's kinda dangerous, but you wouldn't believe how good the ratings are!"

Edit: Ok, I just read the full quote at NYT and it is not as bad as it reads here. However, I still think it is pretty irresponsible for a trainer to shrug off unhealthy weight loss (and I don't necessarily mean just starvation, dehydration, etc, but the accelerated pace of the loss is also unhealthy) as the "nature of Reality TV."
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Edited by Sputnik_Sweetheart at 11/25/09 4:28 PM Sputnik_Sweetheart was starred

morninggloria
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
The best part of The Biggest Loser is the shameless promotions and how they try to pass them off as genuine, totes casual conversations. "Hey, brosephs! It's Jillian Michaels, just chilling at the kitchen table. Want to have a conversation about Multi Grain Cheerios? Or Ziplock bags?"

Cut to the contestants, usually very bad at acting, testifying about the merits of this particular Proctor & Gamble product.
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GirlFailer
11/25/09

@morninggloria: What? You don't casually hang out with your buds discussing how convenient putting your Multigrain Cheerios in Snack Sized Ziplock Bags is? They make the perfect 100 calorie snack bags!
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bluebears
11/25/09

@morninggloria: this is something that annoys me about Bravo reality shows, particularly Top Chef.
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sassyredhead
11/25/09

@morninggloria: Have you noticed how sneaky they have gotten this season? I am just about to buy Bob's pep talk to Amanda and BAM!...here's the Extra Gum ad. Makes me feel so gullible.
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NellMood
11/25/09

@bluebears: I haaate it on Top Chef. "We drove in our Sequoias to Whole Foods to buy Whole Foods brand chicken broth, which we packed in Gladware." It's so unnatural sounding when they try to work the product placement into conversation.
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SUNNY1
11/25/09

@GirlFailer: We may not sit around discussing Cheerios and Ziplocks, but my friends and I do go to clubs and talk about Yaz.
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GirlFailer
11/25/09

@SUNNY1: Is one of your friends an attractive, young OBGYN? OMG mine too!

#tips
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SUNNY1
11/25/09

@GirlFailer: She didn't go to med school for nothing!

#tips
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biancajames
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
I saw an episode of this show for the first time recently (at the gym ironically, I don't own a TV) and was HORRIFIED. Encouraging people to lose 12 pounds in a week is suicide and sends the wrong message to people who want to lose weight in a healthy sustainable way.
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bluebears
11/25/09

In reply to Surprisingly, TV Reality Show Not Healthiest Path To Weight Loss
It sounds horrible and morbid but I'm surprised someone hasn't dropped dead on that show yet.
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didntmeanto
11/25/09

@bluebears: Me too! I admit this is a guilty pleasure of mine and know that people have come close. At times it has felt a little weird watching it, like uhm...are these people okay?
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LaFemme
11/25/09

@bluebears: That thought has crossed my mind as well. A lot of the people make it pretty clear they do NOT normally exercise, and then the trainers have them doing all these crazy strenuous stunts... seems like a good way to give yourself a heart attack.
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bluebears
11/25/09

@didntmeanto: I hardly ever watch it, I find the show incredibly boring actually. To many like, dramatic pauses type moments.

#tips
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BetteD
11/25/09

@bluebears: Ugh. I know. I can't watch that show, it just makes me depressed on about eighty different levels.

Teaching people who already obsess about food to obsess more about food and also obsess about exercise in order to lose vast amounts of weight in a competition is anti-health.

Once upon a time, I had an eating disorder. Recovery came from NOT making food and exercise the centerpiece of my goals and self-worth. It came from re-discovering the things I love to do other than binge, purge, over-exercise and starve on an endless loop.

Now when I go for a run it's because it makes me feel good and powerful and helps me relax. When I eat something healthy it's because I'm respecting my body, not trying to meet some standard.

These shows feed into (sorry for the pun) our society's need to exalt extreme behavior. They have about as much to do with health as the celebrity diets featured in Star and Us Weekly.
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bluebears
11/25/09

@LaFemme: yes, the level they have them exercising at seem incredibly intense from the get go, which is just not healthy. Not because they're over weight but because, like you say, they normally don't exercise.
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bluebears
11/25/09

@BetteD: agreed. I love running and it has nothing to do with weight loss, its an enjoyable activity. I feel like everything that is emphasized on that show is so almost punitive if that makes sense.
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didntmeanto
11/25/09

@bluebears: The way they do the weigh ins is painful. My husband is right with you - he's pretty tolerant of my reality tv watching - (even sitting through Say Yes to the Dress) but that is one show I watch when he is not around. Its not something I'm proud of...
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bluebears
11/25/09

@didntmeanto: I don't judge, I watch all the Real Housewife shows religiously.
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RunningCori
11/25/09

@bluebears: On the first episode of the season they had them all run 1 mile on the beach. One contestant collapsed not far from the end, ending up in the hospital for what looked like a week. She did end up coming back, but then she wasn't allowed to exercise because she had astoundingly high levels of an enzyme that indicates serious muscle damage. And she still lost large amounts of weight!

I;m really surprised that most of them don't have shin splints, or other overuse injuries...
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bluebears
11/25/09

@RunningCori: me too! and honestly I bet they do but that gets edited out. I'm sure they sign all sorts of confidentiality agreements.
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RunningCori
11/25/09

@bluebears: You ooccasionally see someone with shin or knee wraps, but they never talk about it unless they have to. I remember a couple of stress fractures from last season, but they didn't go into. (And what a teaching moment that would've been!) And I say this as a person who has been running for a little over 2.5 years who was continually suffering from shin splints until I was diagnosed with a leg length discrepancy. (And I finally finished a marathon last Sunday!)

#tips
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bluebears
11/25/09

@RunningCori: congratulations! that's awesome.

#tips
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rah29
11/25/09

@BetteD: So well put. I think that's what's so scary about the show--the idea that weight loss can and should be the be-all-end-all of your life, and that your self worth is tied up completely in your weight. Even the 'inspirational' aspect of it feeds into that--it's always emphasised how weight gain was a sign of the contestants' lack of self-worth, and how their weight loss is, omg, the single greatest accomplishment of their lives. I've read interviews with former contestants and they always make me so sad. They repeat mantras over and over like 'food is fuel, not a pleasure'. Now, food isn't a cure for emotional problems. But it's clear that the contestants haven't learned to have a 'healthy' relationship with food. They've learned to see it as part of an equation, which is exactly what they're told on the show. Obsession with food in order to lose/maintain weight is not really better in terms of a well-rounded, healthy life than obsession with food as an emotional crutch.
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phantom lady
11/25/09

@RunningCori: I think it was last season that they showed some of the contestants with ice bags ace bandaged to their legs. I remember thinking Its about time you show those at home there is a lot of pain going on.
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tiredfairy
11/25/09

@BetteD: You put this so perfectly. I know some people think this is inspirational, but what I mostly see is substituting one unhealthy behavior for another and exploiting people in the process. But because one version "looks" healthier and is more socially acceptable, people don't see the problem. It still revolves around obsessive behaviors, viewing food and the body as an enemy, and the focal point of your life and worth. In the end, it's just not healthy.
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