Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! According to new research done by Jacinta Hawkins, reality television shows can be just as frightening to children, so frightening in fact that they may be helpful in keeping children from becoming obese. Although reality television often gets a bad rap for corrupting children, there may be new, unexplored benefits.
While reality television shows about obesity are entertaining for the rest of us, the images of obese people may scare kids into living healthier lifestyles. In Hawkins study, she was able to prove that children are receptive to the content. The children in this study were learning patterns of eating and exercise from television shows. Along with learning healthy lifestyle habits, most children were able to recognize the role families played in the obesity of their children. This could lead to many discussion of obesity within families, and ultimately the prevention of childhood obesity.
The "fear factor" of exposing kids to obese body images does not seem to cross the line of too scary, but it does drive home an image of what these children could become. Obesity is something that could potentially be in all of our futures if we don't take care of ourselves. No one is immune, and because many reality shows focus on young people or families, it gives children an image to relate to. If reality television is further explored, there may be other possible learning uses and benefits that could come from it. There will always be television shows that are trashy, and contribute nothing to society, but it's refreshing to see that some good may still come from reality television.
There are shows out there that attempt to better society and make an impact. Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution is certainly out there trying to teach families and children to make healthy eating choices. He has focused on children, because our decisions start young. Most of us did not develop a sweet tooth in our 40s, but instead in childhood. The longer we live our lives eating junk food and not exercising, the harder it is to start. Oliver goes straight to the source of one of the biggest problems facing America today: delicious, greasy, unhealthy fast food. He tries to teach people that there are healthy, tasty options, and also tries to scare people away from unhealthy food by showing them just how bad it can be. This show is certainly educational, and while some children on the show may not be grossed out by how chicken nuggets are made, it appears that an impact is being made on children watching at home.
The ease of which an impact can be made on children is certainly useful in positive situations, however, it could definitely turn out to be something harmful. If children are consuming only shows with a beneficial message, then ensuring that those messages are reaching children is comforting. However, with so many negative images and trashy reality shows, it is hard to know what children are watching and watch is impacting them. Hopefully television producers will be able to use this information wisely, and will make a conscious effort to create educational and useful content. After so many years of hearing about how television made people fat, who knew it could one day have the opposite effect?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Food Revolution
While television has taken several different approaches to the obesity epidemic in America, in the end almost all of these shows end up being a weight loss competition. This is helpful for the millions of Americans looking to change their lifestyles and lose weight, but it only offers solutions for people who have already gained the weight. Jamie Oliver is taking a completely different approach. So how is one man going to stop obesity at the source? By changing what Americans are consuming day in and day out.
He starts out in Huntington, West Virginia, one of the most obese towns in America. Although some of his tactics seem overly dramatic, such as dumping a mountain of animal fat onto the school lawn, his intentions are good and his findings are shocking. Is it possible to avoid weight gain and obesity when unhealthy foods are all that surround us? Parents rely on schools to educate their children and keep them safe, but the reality is that schools are part of the obesity problem. Many of the kids on this show could not name basic vegetables, and while Oliver was not expecting these kids to be master chefs, it is horrifying to think that there are people out there who have never been exposed to fresh vegetables.
The school worries that if they stop serving lunchtime favorites like pizza and chicken nuggets the kids won't eat lunch, and while it's true that some kids might be upset, how can we know until we try? It's not that children are resistant to healthy foods, and if they became exposed to healthy alternatives and fresh food they would be able to find something they really enjoy. Lets be serious, everyone loves some fresh fruit for breakfast and a delicious homemade meal.
What people don't realize is that cooking is not as intimidating as it sounds. And fresh food is not nearly as expensive as one might think. It's easy to throw together a salad and grill some chicken, and this is certainly much healthier than that cheeseburger and fries from the drive-thru. Maybe it's time we all reevaluated what we've been eating and what we're being served in schools and restaurants.
He starts out in Huntington, West Virginia, one of the most obese towns in America. Although some of his tactics seem overly dramatic, such as dumping a mountain of animal fat onto the school lawn, his intentions are good and his findings are shocking. Is it possible to avoid weight gain and obesity when unhealthy foods are all that surround us? Parents rely on schools to educate their children and keep them safe, but the reality is that schools are part of the obesity problem. Many of the kids on this show could not name basic vegetables, and while Oliver was not expecting these kids to be master chefs, it is horrifying to think that there are people out there who have never been exposed to fresh vegetables.
The school worries that if they stop serving lunchtime favorites like pizza and chicken nuggets the kids won't eat lunch, and while it's true that some kids might be upset, how can we know until we try? It's not that children are resistant to healthy foods, and if they became exposed to healthy alternatives and fresh food they would be able to find something they really enjoy. Lets be serious, everyone loves some fresh fruit for breakfast and a delicious homemade meal.
What people don't realize is that cooking is not as intimidating as it sounds. And fresh food is not nearly as expensive as one might think. It's easy to throw together a salad and grill some chicken, and this is certainly much healthier than that cheeseburger and fries from the drive-thru. Maybe it's time we all reevaluated what we've been eating and what we're being served in schools and restaurants.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Overweight Overload
Since starting this blog I've become more sensitive to the societal bombardment of weight loss advertisements. This is the generation of instant gratification, and weight loss is not exempt. This week on The Biggest Loser, a show that in some ways promotes healthy weight loss, and in other ways gives people false hope, a contestant was upset and angry about losing only four pounds that week. This contestant was a woman, and she was under 200 pounds. While that may sound heavy to the average reader, in relation to other contestants on the show, she is relatively light. Losing four pounds in one week is a lot for most people, in fact a healthy weight loss is one to two pounds per week. But despite this knowledge, many people are disappointed when they can't seem to drop five or ten pounds a week.
Although we are in an economic recession, there are some businesses that are still thriving, and one of them is the diet and nutrition supplement business. Apparently we have grown impatient with good old fashioned diet and exercise, and now need to turn to something new. This instant gratification culture has left us wanting faster results with less work. We watch commercials thinking, well if Kim Kardashian used it and it worked, I should use it too. What we fail to realize is that Kim Kardashian has made a living off of looking good. Her job is predicated on her looks, and in order to maintain the career that she has built, she must eat right and exercise constantly. While she may in fact use diet supplements, the truth is that there is no magic pill out there, and so in order to look like Kim Kardashian, more than just the supplements she endorses are needed.
Even those who pride themselves on teaching people healthy weight loss practices can fall victim to the seduction of money the supplement business has. Jillian Michaels, one of two trainers on the Biggest Loser. These trainers pride themselves on teaching people to lead healthy lifestyles. They do not recommend surgery for even contestants who are morbidly obese, but instead believe that eating healthy and exercising are enough for anyone to lose weight. While the show has its fair share of advertising and product placement, they always advertise healthy foods, and natural products, never diet pills or weight loss supplements. However, outside of the show, Jillian Michaels began endorsing diet pills, despite her stance on the show that healthy weight loss can be achieved through diet and exercise. She is not only endorsing diet pills, but it being sued because the diet pills do not work.
In this culture of instant gratification, is there any way to make people realize that when it comes to weight loss slow and steady win the race? As society becomes filled with more options, such as the lap band, diet pills, and in some cases gastric bypass surgery, it seems as if diet and exercise will only get pushed out and forgotten about.
Although we are in an economic recession, there are some businesses that are still thriving, and one of them is the diet and nutrition supplement business. Apparently we have grown impatient with good old fashioned diet and exercise, and now need to turn to something new. This instant gratification culture has left us wanting faster results with less work. We watch commercials thinking, well if Kim Kardashian used it and it worked, I should use it too. What we fail to realize is that Kim Kardashian has made a living off of looking good. Her job is predicated on her looks, and in order to maintain the career that she has built, she must eat right and exercise constantly. While she may in fact use diet supplements, the truth is that there is no magic pill out there, and so in order to look like Kim Kardashian, more than just the supplements she endorses are needed.
Even those who pride themselves on teaching people healthy weight loss practices can fall victim to the seduction of money the supplement business has. Jillian Michaels, one of two trainers on the Biggest Loser. These trainers pride themselves on teaching people to lead healthy lifestyles. They do not recommend surgery for even contestants who are morbidly obese, but instead believe that eating healthy and exercising are enough for anyone to lose weight. While the show has its fair share of advertising and product placement, they always advertise healthy foods, and natural products, never diet pills or weight loss supplements. However, outside of the show, Jillian Michaels began endorsing diet pills, despite her stance on the show that healthy weight loss can be achieved through diet and exercise. She is not only endorsing diet pills, but it being sued because the diet pills do not work.
In this culture of instant gratification, is there any way to make people realize that when it comes to weight loss slow and steady win the race? As society becomes filled with more options, such as the lap band, diet pills, and in some cases gastric bypass surgery, it seems as if diet and exercise will only get pushed out and forgotten about.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Dear Ice Cream, We're Over
Although I happen to be a healthy weight (for now), I just took a quiz and learned that it might be only a matter of time until I too join the ranks of the overweight. I scored a 50% on this nutrition quiz, and while I am well aware that I should stay away from many of my favorite foods, there were many things that I did not know about. While I have always wondered how many people allow themselves to reach weights of over 500 pounds, when I look at even my own eating habits, I realize that self control is hard to exercise, and that nutrition knowledge is not something most people have. Shows such as "The Biggest Loser" attempt to give their audience this knowledge, teaching them how to exercise, what to eat, and what obesity does to your health. The real question is, are shows like this an effective way to send a message to the American public?
There are many out there, NBC in particular, who believe that these shows inspire people to lose weight and get healthy. But there are just as many people who seriously doubt the effectiveness of these shows, and believe that they may do more harm than good. Stephanie Pappas, of LiveScience.com, is in this latter group of non-believers. She feels that these shows are not only unable to inspire, but may actually be dangerous to the health of the contestants. "The Biggest Loser" is taking obese Americans, some of them upwards of 500 pounds, and throwing them into strenuous activity. The amount of exercise that they are required to do would exhaust even a healthy and fit person. This season started with a 26.2 mile bike ride split between two partners. 13 miles is a pretty serious ride for someone who exercises, but for someone who weighs more than 500 pounds this ride is almost unthinkable. While this makes for good television, is it really safe to push the limits this far?
Beyond pushing the physical limits of weight loss, the show may also be pushing the psychological boundaries. Losing weight is not something set in a time frame, but it is instead an ongoing struggle. Losing weight and keeping it off requires making a life change, and some people are not capable of that level of self control. There is a reason why many of these contestants have reached these weights, and while the show tries to tap into deep emotional reasons why each turned to food, the simpler answer is that many of us can't say no to our cravings (which of course come late at night and always ask for sugar). On "The Biggest Loser," the diet of each contestant is heavily regulated, and they have trainers pushing them everyday for four to five hours a day. If that wasn't enough each contestant has $250,000 looming over their heads and the pressure of being filmed day in and day out. On the show the contestants drop double digit numbers each week, never realizing that in the real world healthy weight loss is one to two pounds per week. Once they are back in the real world, many contestants fall back into their old lifestyles and eating habits, regain the weight, and then become discouraged. Despite being told that one to two pounds is a healthy and reasonable weight loss, it would be hard for anyone used to losing 15 pounds a week to start losing only two pounds a week when they still had so much weight to lose.
What I've learned this week is that I better start thinking more about what I eat. Dietary habits can catch up to you at anytime, and they are difficult to change. The longer I allow myself to indulge all those cravings the harder it is to change. Goodbye late night ice cream binge, you will be missed.
There are many out there, NBC in particular, who believe that these shows inspire people to lose weight and get healthy. But there are just as many people who seriously doubt the effectiveness of these shows, and believe that they may do more harm than good. Stephanie Pappas, of LiveScience.com, is in this latter group of non-believers. She feels that these shows are not only unable to inspire, but may actually be dangerous to the health of the contestants. "The Biggest Loser" is taking obese Americans, some of them upwards of 500 pounds, and throwing them into strenuous activity. The amount of exercise that they are required to do would exhaust even a healthy and fit person. This season started with a 26.2 mile bike ride split between two partners. 13 miles is a pretty serious ride for someone who exercises, but for someone who weighs more than 500 pounds this ride is almost unthinkable. While this makes for good television, is it really safe to push the limits this far?
Beyond pushing the physical limits of weight loss, the show may also be pushing the psychological boundaries. Losing weight is not something set in a time frame, but it is instead an ongoing struggle. Losing weight and keeping it off requires making a life change, and some people are not capable of that level of self control. There is a reason why many of these contestants have reached these weights, and while the show tries to tap into deep emotional reasons why each turned to food, the simpler answer is that many of us can't say no to our cravings (which of course come late at night and always ask for sugar). On "The Biggest Loser," the diet of each contestant is heavily regulated, and they have trainers pushing them everyday for four to five hours a day. If that wasn't enough each contestant has $250,000 looming over their heads and the pressure of being filmed day in and day out. On the show the contestants drop double digit numbers each week, never realizing that in the real world healthy weight loss is one to two pounds per week. Once they are back in the real world, many contestants fall back into their old lifestyles and eating habits, regain the weight, and then become discouraged. Despite being told that one to two pounds is a healthy and reasonable weight loss, it would be hard for anyone used to losing 15 pounds a week to start losing only two pounds a week when they still had so much weight to lose.
What I've learned this week is that I better start thinking more about what I eat. Dietary habits can catch up to you at anytime, and they are difficult to change. The longer I allow myself to indulge all those cravings the harder it is to change. Goodbye late night ice cream binge, you will be missed.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Love at first tag?
This Valentine’s Day weekend I started thinking about the idea of a soul mate. What makes someone your soul mate? Shared interests were something that ranked high on my list of soul mate criteria, and while I may not have found a romantic soul mate this weekend, I did discover my bookmarking soul mate. I am always searching through tags and bookmarks, and I have found that this often leads me to sources I never would have found on my own. My bookmarking soul mate was iNvPlusStyle, and as we got to know each other better (by looking through their bookmarks and reading their articles, of course), I could tell that we would have a long relationship together.
iNvPlusStyle had over 300 pages bookmarked, and almost all 103 tags were topics that I was also interested in. I have currently been looking into how the media and entertainment, specifically reality TV shows, can positively or negatively affect the body image of viewers. iNvPlusStyle was also looking at how the media viewed weight. The focus seemed to be put on how overweight actresses were accepted in the media, and less on how this affected audiences, but by discussing the way these actresses and models are viewed, iNvPlusStyle is essentially pointing out how this acceptance, or lack thereof, is going to affect viewers. By focusing on media, there is definitely a large focus on reality TV shows that portray overweight contestants or characters.
Many of the articles iNvPlusStyle had bookmarked I could use for my own research. I was especially intrigued with an article discussing The Biggest Loser and the economic realities it sheds light on. Last week I discussed another blog about a similar topic. Geoff Williams was using saving money as a reason to lose weight. He calculated the savings on each meal and snack that he was able to resist. Tara takes this a step farther. While she calculates her saving by cutting out junk food, walking instead of taking a taxi, and meals she no longer indulges, she also gathers some seriously big savings from The Biggest Loser. Healthcare costs are something that many of us do not think about in our everyday lives. However, $147 billion dollars are spent on obesity related health issues each year, and an obese person earns on average $7,000 less than a non-obese person. These figures should not be ignored, and by bookmarking this page, iNvPlusStyle is bringing attention to these figures, and acknowledging the positive power and potential that reality TV shows hold to share information with the audience. Beyond that, these figures are significant enough to spark change in obese viewers.
Something that iNvPlusStyle does a good job of is focusing on positive plus-size influences in the media. Although most entertainment outlets are flooded with teeny tiny skinny girls, there has been an increase in positive plus size role models in the media. This blog focuses on how beautiful overweight girls can be. Many of these women are seen as role models, and they prove that you can be beautiful without being a size 2. Beyond that, many are trying to get healthy. They are not losing so much weight that they lose the curves that made them famous, but stars like Jennifer Hudson and eating healthier and working out, proving that it is possible, and inspiring others out there to do the same.
Without the discovery of iNvPlusStyle’s many tags, I would not have been able to find many of the resources I plan on using in future blogs. Although as far as romance goes, all I found this weekend was a box of chocolates, I was lucky enough to find my bookmarking soul mate.
iNvPlusStyle had over 300 pages bookmarked, and almost all 103 tags were topics that I was also interested in. I have currently been looking into how the media and entertainment, specifically reality TV shows, can positively or negatively affect the body image of viewers. iNvPlusStyle was also looking at how the media viewed weight. The focus seemed to be put on how overweight actresses were accepted in the media, and less on how this affected audiences, but by discussing the way these actresses and models are viewed, iNvPlusStyle is essentially pointing out how this acceptance, or lack thereof, is going to affect viewers. By focusing on media, there is definitely a large focus on reality TV shows that portray overweight contestants or characters.
Many of the articles iNvPlusStyle had bookmarked I could use for my own research. I was especially intrigued with an article discussing The Biggest Loser and the economic realities it sheds light on. Last week I discussed another blog about a similar topic. Geoff Williams was using saving money as a reason to lose weight. He calculated the savings on each meal and snack that he was able to resist. Tara takes this a step farther. While she calculates her saving by cutting out junk food, walking instead of taking a taxi, and meals she no longer indulges, she also gathers some seriously big savings from The Biggest Loser. Healthcare costs are something that many of us do not think about in our everyday lives. However, $147 billion dollars are spent on obesity related health issues each year, and an obese person earns on average $7,000 less than a non-obese person. These figures should not be ignored, and by bookmarking this page, iNvPlusStyle is bringing attention to these figures, and acknowledging the positive power and potential that reality TV shows hold to share information with the audience. Beyond that, these figures are significant enough to spark change in obese viewers.
Something that iNvPlusStyle does a good job of is focusing on positive plus-size influences in the media. Although most entertainment outlets are flooded with teeny tiny skinny girls, there has been an increase in positive plus size role models in the media. This blog focuses on how beautiful overweight girls can be. Many of these women are seen as role models, and they prove that you can be beautiful without being a size 2. Beyond that, many are trying to get healthy. They are not losing so much weight that they lose the curves that made them famous, but stars like Jennifer Hudson and eating healthier and working out, proving that it is possible, and inspiring others out there to do the same.
Without the discovery of iNvPlusStyle’s many tags, I would not have been able to find many of the resources I plan on using in future blogs. Although as far as romance goes, all I found this weekend was a box of chocolates, I was lucky enough to find my bookmarking soul mate.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Trifecta
Hello World
When we drive down the street or go out to a restaurant, it is not hard to see why 64% of adults in America are overweight or obese. There is a McDonalds on every corner, and while fast food is trying to change it’s image with “healthy choices” such as the new Taco Bell “drive through diet,” most of us are not seriously trying to be “healthy” as we sit in the McDonalds drive through and super size our order. Our meals are super sized, our population is becoming super sized, and now reality television is catching on to the trend. Reality weight loss shows are popping up on every network. NBC has “The Biggest Loser,” Oxygen has “Dance Your Ass Off,” and ABC has a new show coming tentatively titled “Obese.” Although the closest I’ve come to battling with weight issues is my battle with late night fast food cravings, I am still fascinated by these weight loss shows. I want to look into why Americans are so invested in the battle to lose weight, and to see if these shows are positively influencing our nation, or if they are simply good television.
There are two different views of weight in this country. Television shows bombarded us with unnaturally pretty and thin characters (lets be serious, not everyone in this country can be a Victoria's Secret model). But back in the real world, over half the adults in this population are overweight, and childhood obesity is not far behind. This discrepancy between the reality of the weight epidemic in America and the celebrities shown on television and in movies has lead to unhealthy eating habits in both men and women, including anorexia and bulimia. According to Teen magazine, 35% of girls 6 to 12 have been on at least one diet, and 50% to 70% of normal weight girls believe that they are overweight. While there is no way to pin point the exact cause of this distorted body image in young girls, many studies have shown that there is a connection between the images of women in media and the perceived body image of the audience, particularly young girls.
In a landmark study, Dr. Anne Becker documented the effects television had on the eating habits and body images of the people of Fiji. Before the introduction of television, Fijians wanted to have strong and healthy bodies because it showed that they were able to take care of their families. A robust and healthy woman was the ideal, and skinny was viewed as an insult. Television was introduced in 1995, and from 1995 to 1998 the rate of dieting went from 0 in 1995 to 69% in 1998. When young people were asked about their reasons for dieting, they cited the celebrities that they saw in television shows. Since this study the amount of advertisements for weight loss supplements, diet programs, and thin women on television has only increased.
With the rise in reality TV, especially television addressing the obesity issue, can television take a turn and have a positive impact on the weight and health of Americans? Many of these shows are drawing in large audiences, and people are captivated by the emotional struggle that the contestants go through to lose weight, and the shocking results as contestants drop pounds, some losing more than half of their starting weight. These shows pick larger than life characters, such as The Biggest Losers newest largest player ever, Michael, weighing in at 526 pounds. And while these weight loss reality shows have proven themselves to be entertaining (I’m as guilty as anyone in indulging in these reality TV shows), are they sending the right message out to overweight adults and children in America?
On the one hand, shows like "The Biggest Loser" attempt to inspire audiences by showing the stories of people overcoming their emotional and physical battle with weight. They give tips about healthy eating habits (and at times shamelessly promote products), about the right way to exercise, and give the contestants and the audience information about the health costs of being overweight. On the other hand, weight loss shows may be setting unrealistic expectations for others who may be trying to lose weight. The contestants on these shows are given trainers and nutritionists, and because they are on a show they have nothing to do except work out. They are taken out of their lives and given a chance to focus on losing weight and regaining their health, a luxury that most Americans cannot afford. Another aspect often forgotten about is what happens to these contestants once they have returned to their normal lives? While some may be able to keep the weight off, contestants must continue to eat right and exercise. Once weight is lost, it is a constant struggle to stay healthy, and some contestants on these shows put all the weight they lost back on.
As the prevalence of weight loss shows increases, it will be interesting to see whether or not these shows can have a positive impact on Americans. The obesity epidemic in America is a serious issue, and while the media cannot solve obesity or eating disorders, it can hopefully create shows that will promote positive self-image and healthy eating and exercise habits to the American public. For now, at least we know we'll be entertained.
Thoughts on Effective Weight Loss
While surfing the Internet this weekend, I stumbled upon a blog offering motivation to the many Americans trying to lose weight. This blog was called Effective Weight Loss, and I thought it did a great job of offering advice to people trying to lose weight, keeping people motivated and answering questions that those looking to start dieting and exercising might have. I am not sure who the author of this blog was, but it seemed as if they had a great deal of knowledge on diet and exercise (maybe a trainer?), and it also seemed as if they had once struggled with weight loss. The author was able to relate to the audience while offering solid advice. They had a great deal of knowledge about supplements that may or may not help with weight loss, and may have even had experience trying out different ways to lose weight. There is a new post every couple days, which is great, because even if you are not trying to lose weight, there are tips on ways to start exercising and eating better, areas I know a lot of us could use some help in.
One post I really enjoyed was “Weight Loss Breakfast Recipes.” Although I am not personally trying to lose weight, I am always trying to find ways to eat healthy (which is difficult between my massive sweet tooth and endless appetite). We are always hearing about how breakfast is the most important meal of the day, for everyone, regardless of size, and I thought that these tips were really helpful. The video posted at the bottom of each blog post adds some pizzazz, especially since not everyone likes to read. This video shows that healthy breakfast can look good (I’m really excited to try the peanut butter banana wrap), and can be made even if you’re in a rush in the morning. The foods listed in the actual blog can be had at any time of the day, and the author references medical journals that explain why these foods burn more fat than others. This gives readers a list of good foods to eat, and a starting point when they go to the store. Being overweight can often come with a love of food, and this blog post opens readers up to the idea that healthy food can also be tasty food.
Another post I enjoyed was one about weight loss reality shows. This is a topic that I plan on covering in my blog, and I was interested in seeing another opinion about the inspirational quality (or lack thereof) of reality weight loss television shows. This blog post focuses on “The Biggest Loser”, and the author mentions that this is one of his favorite shows because it proves that surgery is not the only option for people who are obese. This show proves that diet and exercise can be used to get healthy, no matter how big a person may be. Although I think that reality weight loss shows may prove to be a real inspiration to the overweight and obese people in this country, I also wonder if the dramatic results that these shows are able to produce may be discouraging to people. This blog highlights that issue, providing a disclaimer that although weight loss can be achieved through diet and exercise, it isn’t realistic, or for that matter healthy, to lose 5-15 pounds a week. The author notes that the people on reality shows have trainers, nutritionists, gyms, and not to mention the allure of money and the pressures of the audience. In the real world you have to be able to motivate yourself.
So to the writer of Effective Weight Loss, I will definitely be checking in to see what other postings you’re going to have. Although this blog is geared toward people who are trying to lose weight, I think that there are great tips about living a healthy lifestyle that anybody would benefit from. There are a lot of different posts about exercise, eating right, and the best ways to chart and keep track of weight loss, and this blog covers many different issues of weight loss, including the risks and benefits of surgery. I think it promotes losing weight naturally, and answers the questions that people have about the best ways to lose weight and stay motivated. The clips at the end of most posts were a great addition to the usually information rich content as well. My favorite was the audition tape for a reality weight loss show, it was lighthearted, while also addressing the very serious issue that this man was 530 pounds. He was definitely a contestant I would be rooting for on “The Biggest Loser.”
Humor and Sarcasm as Weight Loss Motivators
I stumbled upon a blog with another interesting take on what can motivate people to lose weight, and although I’ve been looking into whether or not weight loss TV shows can play a role in motivating people to lose weight, it might benefit me to see what else can inspire people. Geoff Williams, like many Americans, made a new years resolution to lose weight, and he knew that he would need some extra motivation to work out and eat healthy. There are different motivating factors for each individual, and Geoff decided that saving money would be his motivation to lose weight. He created “The Money Diet,” and recorded all the foods he resisted buying, then calculated how much not buying junk food and fast food saved him. Although this may not be saving much in the long run (organic and healthy food tends to be more expensive than fast food), it makes the weight loss tangible in a different way. Plus, money is usually a much better motivator than salad and the treadmill.
What I found intriguing, along with the use of money as motivator, was the overall cynicism and sarcastic attitude that the blog took on. Most diet blogs are meant to be motivating, and in order to inspire others, you often must be inspired yourself. But, if we’re being serious with ourselves, thousands of people pledge every January first to lose weight, and yet the waistline of our country seems to be growing every year. This overall skepticism and the use of self-deprecating humor allow Geoff to relate to others out there. Most of us are not able to achieve all the goals we set, especially when they require a complete lifestyle change. Eating healthy and exercising are hard habits to get into, and it can be discouraging to go to the gym and jump on the elliptical next to the gorgeous, perfectly toned girl who doesn’t sweat, or to completely change your eating habits and not see immediate results. This cynicism draws an audience in and makes them wonder if this “money diet” is something that can work. If it works for Geoff (and it has for 4 weeks), then maybe it will work for others out there.
As the diet continues, Geoff is able to praise himself for what he has done right, while also coming to grips with the realities of dieting and weight loss. He knows that all that old food will still be calling out to him. He also knows that his weight loss is not going to be as dramatic as all the reality shows make it seem. Weight loss is a slow process, especially when factors like work, family and the junk food that we are constantly surrounded with come into the mix. Geoff is not only able to relate to the audience, but he is able to make the audience laugh.
With his blog, Geoff is able to add humor, realism, and a touch of skeptism to the issue of weight loss. He relates to others in the same situation, but also gives people some motivation. Geoff is not only losing weight, but he is also saving about $100 a month. And when you really think about it, wouldn’t you rather spend that money on a fabulous pair of shoes instead of that burger at In n’ Out?
When we drive down the street or go out to a restaurant, it is not hard to see why 64% of adults in America are overweight or obese. There is a McDonalds on every corner, and while fast food is trying to change it’s image with “healthy choices” such as the new Taco Bell “drive through diet,” most of us are not seriously trying to be “healthy” as we sit in the McDonalds drive through and super size our order. Our meals are super sized, our population is becoming super sized, and now reality television is catching on to the trend. Reality weight loss shows are popping up on every network. NBC has “The Biggest Loser,” Oxygen has “Dance Your Ass Off,” and ABC has a new show coming tentatively titled “Obese.” Although the closest I’ve come to battling with weight issues is my battle with late night fast food cravings, I am still fascinated by these weight loss shows. I want to look into why Americans are so invested in the battle to lose weight, and to see if these shows are positively influencing our nation, or if they are simply good television.
There are two different views of weight in this country. Television shows bombarded us with unnaturally pretty and thin characters (lets be serious, not everyone in this country can be a Victoria's Secret model). But back in the real world, over half the adults in this population are overweight, and childhood obesity is not far behind. This discrepancy between the reality of the weight epidemic in America and the celebrities shown on television and in movies has lead to unhealthy eating habits in both men and women, including anorexia and bulimia. According to Teen magazine, 35% of girls 6 to 12 have been on at least one diet, and 50% to 70% of normal weight girls believe that they are overweight. While there is no way to pin point the exact cause of this distorted body image in young girls, many studies have shown that there is a connection between the images of women in media and the perceived body image of the audience, particularly young girls.
In a landmark study, Dr. Anne Becker documented the effects television had on the eating habits and body images of the people of Fiji. Before the introduction of television, Fijians wanted to have strong and healthy bodies because it showed that they were able to take care of their families. A robust and healthy woman was the ideal, and skinny was viewed as an insult. Television was introduced in 1995, and from 1995 to 1998 the rate of dieting went from 0 in 1995 to 69% in 1998. When young people were asked about their reasons for dieting, they cited the celebrities that they saw in television shows. Since this study the amount of advertisements for weight loss supplements, diet programs, and thin women on television has only increased.
With the rise in reality TV, especially television addressing the obesity issue, can television take a turn and have a positive impact on the weight and health of Americans? Many of these shows are drawing in large audiences, and people are captivated by the emotional struggle that the contestants go through to lose weight, and the shocking results as contestants drop pounds, some losing more than half of their starting weight. These shows pick larger than life characters, such as The Biggest Losers newest largest player ever, Michael, weighing in at 526 pounds. And while these weight loss reality shows have proven themselves to be entertaining (I’m as guilty as anyone in indulging in these reality TV shows), are they sending the right message out to overweight adults and children in America?
On the one hand, shows like "The Biggest Loser" attempt to inspire audiences by showing the stories of people overcoming their emotional and physical battle with weight. They give tips about healthy eating habits (and at times shamelessly promote products), about the right way to exercise, and give the contestants and the audience information about the health costs of being overweight. On the other hand, weight loss shows may be setting unrealistic expectations for others who may be trying to lose weight. The contestants on these shows are given trainers and nutritionists, and because they are on a show they have nothing to do except work out. They are taken out of their lives and given a chance to focus on losing weight and regaining their health, a luxury that most Americans cannot afford. Another aspect often forgotten about is what happens to these contestants once they have returned to their normal lives? While some may be able to keep the weight off, contestants must continue to eat right and exercise. Once weight is lost, it is a constant struggle to stay healthy, and some contestants on these shows put all the weight they lost back on.
As the prevalence of weight loss shows increases, it will be interesting to see whether or not these shows can have a positive impact on Americans. The obesity epidemic in America is a serious issue, and while the media cannot solve obesity or eating disorders, it can hopefully create shows that will promote positive self-image and healthy eating and exercise habits to the American public. For now, at least we know we'll be entertained.
Thoughts on Effective Weight Loss
While surfing the Internet this weekend, I stumbled upon a blog offering motivation to the many Americans trying to lose weight. This blog was called Effective Weight Loss, and I thought it did a great job of offering advice to people trying to lose weight, keeping people motivated and answering questions that those looking to start dieting and exercising might have. I am not sure who the author of this blog was, but it seemed as if they had a great deal of knowledge on diet and exercise (maybe a trainer?), and it also seemed as if they had once struggled with weight loss. The author was able to relate to the audience while offering solid advice. They had a great deal of knowledge about supplements that may or may not help with weight loss, and may have even had experience trying out different ways to lose weight. There is a new post every couple days, which is great, because even if you are not trying to lose weight, there are tips on ways to start exercising and eating better, areas I know a lot of us could use some help in.
One post I really enjoyed was “Weight Loss Breakfast Recipes.” Although I am not personally trying to lose weight, I am always trying to find ways to eat healthy (which is difficult between my massive sweet tooth and endless appetite). We are always hearing about how breakfast is the most important meal of the day, for everyone, regardless of size, and I thought that these tips were really helpful. The video posted at the bottom of each blog post adds some pizzazz, especially since not everyone likes to read. This video shows that healthy breakfast can look good (I’m really excited to try the peanut butter banana wrap), and can be made even if you’re in a rush in the morning. The foods listed in the actual blog can be had at any time of the day, and the author references medical journals that explain why these foods burn more fat than others. This gives readers a list of good foods to eat, and a starting point when they go to the store. Being overweight can often come with a love of food, and this blog post opens readers up to the idea that healthy food can also be tasty food.
Another post I enjoyed was one about weight loss reality shows. This is a topic that I plan on covering in my blog, and I was interested in seeing another opinion about the inspirational quality (or lack thereof) of reality weight loss television shows. This blog post focuses on “The Biggest Loser”, and the author mentions that this is one of his favorite shows because it proves that surgery is not the only option for people who are obese. This show proves that diet and exercise can be used to get healthy, no matter how big a person may be. Although I think that reality weight loss shows may prove to be a real inspiration to the overweight and obese people in this country, I also wonder if the dramatic results that these shows are able to produce may be discouraging to people. This blog highlights that issue, providing a disclaimer that although weight loss can be achieved through diet and exercise, it isn’t realistic, or for that matter healthy, to lose 5-15 pounds a week. The author notes that the people on reality shows have trainers, nutritionists, gyms, and not to mention the allure of money and the pressures of the audience. In the real world you have to be able to motivate yourself.
So to the writer of Effective Weight Loss, I will definitely be checking in to see what other postings you’re going to have. Although this blog is geared toward people who are trying to lose weight, I think that there are great tips about living a healthy lifestyle that anybody would benefit from. There are a lot of different posts about exercise, eating right, and the best ways to chart and keep track of weight loss, and this blog covers many different issues of weight loss, including the risks and benefits of surgery. I think it promotes losing weight naturally, and answers the questions that people have about the best ways to lose weight and stay motivated. The clips at the end of most posts were a great addition to the usually information rich content as well. My favorite was the audition tape for a reality weight loss show, it was lighthearted, while also addressing the very serious issue that this man was 530 pounds. He was definitely a contestant I would be rooting for on “The Biggest Loser.”
Humor and Sarcasm as Weight Loss Motivators
I stumbled upon a blog with another interesting take on what can motivate people to lose weight, and although I’ve been looking into whether or not weight loss TV shows can play a role in motivating people to lose weight, it might benefit me to see what else can inspire people. Geoff Williams, like many Americans, made a new years resolution to lose weight, and he knew that he would need some extra motivation to work out and eat healthy. There are different motivating factors for each individual, and Geoff decided that saving money would be his motivation to lose weight. He created “The Money Diet,” and recorded all the foods he resisted buying, then calculated how much not buying junk food and fast food saved him. Although this may not be saving much in the long run (organic and healthy food tends to be more expensive than fast food), it makes the weight loss tangible in a different way. Plus, money is usually a much better motivator than salad and the treadmill.
What I found intriguing, along with the use of money as motivator, was the overall cynicism and sarcastic attitude that the blog took on. Most diet blogs are meant to be motivating, and in order to inspire others, you often must be inspired yourself. But, if we’re being serious with ourselves, thousands of people pledge every January first to lose weight, and yet the waistline of our country seems to be growing every year. This overall skepticism and the use of self-deprecating humor allow Geoff to relate to others out there. Most of us are not able to achieve all the goals we set, especially when they require a complete lifestyle change. Eating healthy and exercising are hard habits to get into, and it can be discouraging to go to the gym and jump on the elliptical next to the gorgeous, perfectly toned girl who doesn’t sweat, or to completely change your eating habits and not see immediate results. This cynicism draws an audience in and makes them wonder if this “money diet” is something that can work. If it works for Geoff (and it has for 4 weeks), then maybe it will work for others out there.
Like many (or should I say most?) Americans, I'm going to go on a diet, starting today, Jan. 1, 2010. And I'm going to stick to it this time. If no one believes me, I understand. Even I don't entirely believe what I'm writing right now.From the beginning, Geoff makes it clear that although he is making a pledge to himself and his audience, if he is being completely honest he doesn’t know if he will be able to stick to it. It’s the same for many Americans every year, and I am totally guilty of this too. We make pledges to lose weight, to exercise, to eat healthy, but it is so much easier to go to the drive thru, to sit on the couch, and to avoid the scale. With this cynicism and sarcasm, Geoff is able to relate to the audience. Geoff is also able to acknowledge his shortcomings in a humorous way. While many fast food companies are trying to include healthy options in their menus, this isn’t the reason most of us are going there (I’m usually in the drive thru with a serious craving for fries and a shake). We know that those options would be better for us, but the temptations are too great, and Geoff sums this feeling up perfectly.
(And, yes, I know that McDonald's has salads and I'm envisioning the email I'm going to get from their marketing department, but historically, my willpower in bypassing the non-healthy fare for the healthier stuff isn't that great ...take that as a culinary compliment, McDonald's).In this first post he is able to map out what his plan is, why he thinks it will work, and some of the fears he has for why it won’t work.
I'm thinking that if I can start training myself to say, "Hey, don't buy that eighty-nine-cent candy bar," when I'm at, say, a Walgreen's (no offense, Walgreen's), and I jot down that 89 cents in a journal, maybe I'll start to see some progress, not just on my scale, but in my bank account, too.
As the diet continues, Geoff is able to praise himself for what he has done right, while also coming to grips with the realities of dieting and weight loss. He knows that all that old food will still be calling out to him. He also knows that his weight loss is not going to be as dramatic as all the reality shows make it seem. Weight loss is a slow process, especially when factors like work, family and the junk food that we are constantly surrounded with come into the mix. Geoff is not only able to relate to the audience, but he is able to make the audience laugh.
It's slow progress, yes, but I'm at least convinced that this diet is working. Granted, nobody's going to make a reality TV series based on my diet experiences. I did have a comical moment when I went to the gym the first week, climbed aboard one of those StairMaster-like contraptions and almost fell off. Maybe there would be some melodramatic footage if someone filmed me every time I went through a McDonald's drive-thru to buy my kids the occasional Happy Meal or ice cream. I'm sure that I look like a tragic romantic figure every time I pass by the posters and pictures of McDonald's Angus burger.
-Angus, I only met you several months before I began this diet. Angus, I hardly knew ye.
-"Dad, would you stop kissing the menu?"
-Angus, call me--
-"Dad!"With this scenario, the temptations of dieting are exaggerated, and the food personified. The angus burger becomes an old lover, someone you shouldn’t be seeing but you just can’t resist. Food has taken on a persona, and when it is taken away from you, food really can start to have this effect.
With his blog, Geoff is able to add humor, realism, and a touch of skeptism to the issue of weight loss. He relates to others in the same situation, but also gives people some motivation. Geoff is not only losing weight, but he is also saving about $100 a month. And when you really think about it, wouldn’t you rather spend that money on a fabulous pair of shoes instead of that burger at In n’ Out?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Humor and Sarcasm as Weight Loss Motivators
Although I’ve been looking into whether or not weight loss TV shows can play a role in motivating people to lose weight, I stumbled upon a blog with another interesting take on what can motivate people to lose weight. Geoff Williams, like many Americans, made a new years resolution to lose weight, and he knew that he would need some extra motivation to work out and eat healthy. There are different motivating factors for each individual, and Geoff decided that saving money would be his motivation to lose weight. He created “The Money Diet,” and recorded all the foods he resisted buying, then calculated how much not buying junk food and fast food saved him. Although this may not be saving much in the long run (organic and healthy food tends to be more expensive than fast food), it makes the weight loss tangible in a different way. Plus, money is usually a much better motivator than salad and the treadmill.
What I found intriguing, along with the use of money as motivator, was the overall cynicism and sarcastic attitude that the blog took on. Most diet blogs are meant to be motivating, and in order to inspire others, you often must be inspired yourself. But, if we’re being serious with ourselves, thousands of people pledge every January first to lose weight, and yet the waistline of our country seems to be growing every year. This overall skepticism and the use of self-deprecating humor allow Geoff to relate to others out there. Most of are not able to achieve all our goals, especially when they require a complete lifestyle change. Eating healthy and exercising are hard habits to get into, and it can be discouraging to go to the gym and jump on the elliptical next to the gorgeous, perfectly toned girl who doesn’t sweat, or to completely change your eating habits and not see immediate results. This cynicism draws an audience in and makes them wonder if this “money diet” is something that can work. If it works for Geoff (and it has for 4 weeks), then maybe it will work for others out there.
As the diet continues, Geoff is able to praise himself for what he has done right, while also coming to grips with the realities of dieting and weight loss. He knows that all that old food will still be calling out to him. He also knows that his weight loss is not going to be as dramatic as all the reality shows make it seem. Weight loss is a slow process, especially when factors like work, family and the junk food that we are constantly surrounded with come into the mix. Geoff is not only able to relate to the audience, but he is able to make the audience laugh.
With his blog Geoff is able to add humor, realism, and a touch of sarcasm to the issue of weight loss. He relates to others in the same situation, but also gives people some motivation. Geoff is not only losing weight, but he is also saving about $100 a month. And that adds up fast.
What I found intriguing, along with the use of money as motivator, was the overall cynicism and sarcastic attitude that the blog took on. Most diet blogs are meant to be motivating, and in order to inspire others, you often must be inspired yourself. But, if we’re being serious with ourselves, thousands of people pledge every January first to lose weight, and yet the waistline of our country seems to be growing every year. This overall skepticism and the use of self-deprecating humor allow Geoff to relate to others out there. Most of are not able to achieve all our goals, especially when they require a complete lifestyle change. Eating healthy and exercising are hard habits to get into, and it can be discouraging to go to the gym and jump on the elliptical next to the gorgeous, perfectly toned girl who doesn’t sweat, or to completely change your eating habits and not see immediate results. This cynicism draws an audience in and makes them wonder if this “money diet” is something that can work. If it works for Geoff (and it has for 4 weeks), then maybe it will work for others out there.
Like many (or should I say most?) Americans, I'm going to go on a diet, starting today, Jan. 1, 2010. And I'm going to stick to it this time.From the beginning, Geoff makes it clear that although he is making a pledge to himself and his audience, if he is being completely honest he doesn’t know if he will be able to stick to it. It’s the same for many Americans every year, and I am totally guilty of this too. We make pledges to lose weight, to exercise, to eat healthy, but it is so much easier to go to the drive thru, to sit on the couch, and to avoid the scale. Geoff is also able to acknowledge his shortcomings in a humorous way. While many fast food companies are trying to include healthy options in their menus, this isn’t the reason most of us are going there (I’m usually in the drive thru with a serious craving for fries and a shake). We know that those options would be better for us, but the temptations are too great, and Geoff sums this feeling up perfectly.
If no one believes me, I understand. Even I don't entirely believe what I'm writing right now.
(And, yes, I know that McDonald's has salads and I'm envisioning the email I'm going to get from their marketing department, but historically, my willpower in bypassing the non-healthy fare for the healthier stuff isn't that great ...take that as a culinary compliment, McDonald's).In this first post he is able to map out what his plan is, why he thinks it will work “I'm thinking that if I can start training myself to say, "Hey, don't buy that eighty-nine-cent candy bar," when I'm at, say, a Walgreen's (no offense, Walgreen's), and I jot down that 89 cents in a journal, maybe I'll start to see some progress, not just on my scale, but in my bank account, too,” and some of the fears he has for why it won’t work.
As the diet continues, Geoff is able to praise himself for what he has done right, while also coming to grips with the realities of dieting and weight loss. He knows that all that old food will still be calling out to him. He also knows that his weight loss is not going to be as dramatic as all the reality shows make it seem. Weight loss is a slow process, especially when factors like work, family and the junk food that we are constantly surrounded with come into the mix. Geoff is not only able to relate to the audience, but he is able to make the audience laugh.
It's slow progress, yes, but I'm at least convinced that this diet is working. Granted, nobody's going to make a reality TV series based on my diet experiences. I did have a comical moment when I went to the gym the first week, climbed aboard one of those StairMaster-like contraptions and almost fell off. Maybe there would be some melodramatic footage if someone filmed me every time I went through a McDonald's drive-thru to buy my kids the occasional Happy Meal or ice cream. I'm sure that I look like a tragic romantic figure every time I pass by the posters and pictures of McDonald's Angus burger.With this scenario, the temptations of dieting are exaggerated. The angus burger becomes an old lover, someone you shouldn’t be seeing but you just can’t resist. Food has taken on a persona, and when it is taken away from you food really can start to have this effect.
-Angus, I only met you several months before I began this diet. Angus, I hardly knew ye.
-"Dad, would you stop kissing the menu?"
-Angus, call me--
-"Dad!"
With his blog Geoff is able to add humor, realism, and a touch of sarcasm to the issue of weight loss. He relates to others in the same situation, but also gives people some motivation. Geoff is not only losing weight, but he is also saving about $100 a month. And that adds up fast.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thoughts on Effective Weight Loss
While surfing the Internet this weekend, I stumbled upon a blog offering motivation to those trying to lose weight. This blog was called Effective Weight Loss, and I thought it did a great job of offering advice to people trying to lose weight, keeping people motivated and answering questions that those looking to start dieting and exercising might have. I am not sure who the author of this blog was, but it seemed as if they had a great deal of knowledge on diet and exercise (maybe a trainer?), but it also seemed as if they had once struggled with weight loss. The author was able to relate to the audience while offering solid advice. The author had a great deal of knowledge about supplements that may or may not help with weight loss, and may have even had experience trying out different ways to lose weight. There is a new post every couple days, which is great because even if you are not trying to lose weight, there are tips on getting healthy, exercising better and eating better, areas I know a lot of us could use some help in.
One post I really enjoyed was “Weight Loss Breakfast Recipes,”. Although I am not personally trying to lose weight, I am always trying to find ways to eat healthy (which is difficult between my massive sweet tooth and endless appetite). We are always hearing about how breakfast is the most important meal of the day, for anyone regardless of size, and I thought that these tips were really helpful. The video posted at the bottom of the blog adds some pizzazz to the blog, especially since not everyone likes to read. The video shows that healthy breakfast can look good (I’m really excited to try the peanut butter banana wrap), and can be made even if you’re in a rush in the morning. The foods listed in the actual blog can be had at any time of the day, and the author references medical journals that explain why these foods burn more fat than others. Giving readers a list of good foods to eat gives readers a starting point when they go to the store. For those who are overweight, they often don’t know what to buy, much less how to cook tasty healthy food, but this blog not only lists the raw foods, but gives low calorie recipes and links to even more superfoods.
Another post I enjoyed was one about weight loss reality shows. This is a topic that I plan on covering in my blog, and I was interested in seeing another opinion about the inspirational quality (or lack thereof) of reality weight loss television shows. This blog post highlights The Biggest Loser, and the author mentions that this is one of his favorite shows because it proves that surgery is not the only option for people who are obese, and that diet and exercise can be used to get healthy, no matter how big. Although I think that reality weight loss shows may prove to be a real inspiration to the overweight and obese people in this country, I also wonder if the dramatic results that these shows are able to produce may be discouraging to people. This blog highlights that, issuing a disclaimer that although weight loss can be achieved through diet and exercise, it isn’t realistic, or for that matter healthy, to lose 5-15 pounds a week. The author notes that the people on reality shows have trainers, nutritionists, gyms, and not to mention the allure of money and the pressures of the audience. In the real world you have to be able to motivate yourself.
So to the writer of Effective Weight Loss, I will definitely be checking in to see what other postings you’re going to have. Although this blog is geared toward people who are trying to lose weight, I think that there are great tips about living a healthy lifestyle that anybody would benefit from. There are a lot of different posts about exercise, eating right, and the best ways to chart and keep track of weight loss, and this blog covers many different issues of weight loss, including the risks and benefits of surgery. I think it promotes losing weight naturally, and answers the questions that people have about the best ways to lose weight and stay motivated. The clips at the end of most posts were a great addition to the usually information rich content as well. My favorite was the audition tape for a reality weight loss show, it was lighthearted, while also addressing the very serious issue that this man was 530 pounds. He was definitely a character the audience would be rooting for on the show.
One post I really enjoyed was “Weight Loss Breakfast Recipes,”. Although I am not personally trying to lose weight, I am always trying to find ways to eat healthy (which is difficult between my massive sweet tooth and endless appetite). We are always hearing about how breakfast is the most important meal of the day, for anyone regardless of size, and I thought that these tips were really helpful. The video posted at the bottom of the blog adds some pizzazz to the blog, especially since not everyone likes to read. The video shows that healthy breakfast can look good (I’m really excited to try the peanut butter banana wrap), and can be made even if you’re in a rush in the morning. The foods listed in the actual blog can be had at any time of the day, and the author references medical journals that explain why these foods burn more fat than others. Giving readers a list of good foods to eat gives readers a starting point when they go to the store. For those who are overweight, they often don’t know what to buy, much less how to cook tasty healthy food, but this blog not only lists the raw foods, but gives low calorie recipes and links to even more superfoods.
Another post I enjoyed was one about weight loss reality shows. This is a topic that I plan on covering in my blog, and I was interested in seeing another opinion about the inspirational quality (or lack thereof) of reality weight loss television shows. This blog post highlights The Biggest Loser, and the author mentions that this is one of his favorite shows because it proves that surgery is not the only option for people who are obese, and that diet and exercise can be used to get healthy, no matter how big. Although I think that reality weight loss shows may prove to be a real inspiration to the overweight and obese people in this country, I also wonder if the dramatic results that these shows are able to produce may be discouraging to people. This blog highlights that, issuing a disclaimer that although weight loss can be achieved through diet and exercise, it isn’t realistic, or for that matter healthy, to lose 5-15 pounds a week. The author notes that the people on reality shows have trainers, nutritionists, gyms, and not to mention the allure of money and the pressures of the audience. In the real world you have to be able to motivate yourself.
So to the writer of Effective Weight Loss, I will definitely be checking in to see what other postings you’re going to have. Although this blog is geared toward people who are trying to lose weight, I think that there are great tips about living a healthy lifestyle that anybody would benefit from. There are a lot of different posts about exercise, eating right, and the best ways to chart and keep track of weight loss, and this blog covers many different issues of weight loss, including the risks and benefits of surgery. I think it promotes losing weight naturally, and answers the questions that people have about the best ways to lose weight and stay motivated. The clips at the end of most posts were a great addition to the usually information rich content as well. My favorite was the audition tape for a reality weight loss show, it was lighthearted, while also addressing the very serious issue that this man was 530 pounds. He was definitely a character the audience would be rooting for on the show.
Hello World
When we drive down the street or go out to a restaurant, it is not hard to see why 64% of adults in America are overweight or obese. There is a McDonalds on every corner, and while fast food is trying to change it’s image with “healthy choices” such as the new Taco Bell “drive through diet,” most of us are not seriously trying to be “healthy” as we sit in the McDonalds drive through and super size our order. Our meals are super sized, our population is becoming super sized, and now reality television is catching on to the trend. Reality weight loss shows are popping up on every network. NBC has “The Biggest Loser,” Oxygen has “Dance Your Ass Off,” and ABC has a new show coming tentatively titled “Obese.” Although the closest I’ve come to battling with weight issues is my battle with late night fast food cravings, I am still fascinated by these weight loss shows and often become emotionally involved with each persons struggle.
There are two different views of weight in this country. On television shows we are bombarded with unnaturally pretty and thin characters (lets be serious, not everyone can be 5’8”, 100 pounds with big boobs and blonde hair). But back in the real world over half the adults in this population are overweight, and childhood obesity is not far behind. This discrepancy between the reality of the weight epidemic in America and the celebrities shown on television and in movies has lead to unhealthy eating habits in both men and women, including anorexia and bulimia. According to Teen magazine, 35% of girls 6 to 12 have been on at least one diet, and 50% to 70% of normal weight girls believe that they are overweight. While there is no way to pin point the exact cause of this distorted body image in young girls, many studies have shown that there is a connection between the images of women in media and the perceived body image of the audience, particularly young girls.
In a landmark study, Dr. Anne Becker documented the effects television had on the eating habits and body images of the people of Fiji. Before the introduction of television, Fijians wanted to have strong and healthy bodies because it showed that they were able to take care of their families. A robust and healthy woman was the ideal, and skinny was an insult. Television was introduced in 1995, and from 1995 to 1998 the rate of dieting went from 0 in 1995 to 69% in 1998. When young people were asked about their reasons for dieting, they cited the celebrities that they saw in television shows. Since this study the amount of advertisements for weight loss supplements, diet programs, and thin women on television has only increased.
With the rise in reality TV, especially television addressing the obesity issue, can television take a turn and have a positive impact on the weight and health of Americans? Many of these shows are drawing in large audiences, and people are captivated by the emotional struggle that the contestants go through to lose the weight and the shocking results as contestants drop pounds, some losing more than half of their starting weight. These shows pick larger than life characters, such as The Biggest Losers newest largest player ever, Michael, weighing in at 526 pounds. And while these weight loss reality shows have proven themselves to be entertaining (I’m as guilty as anyone in indulging in these reality TV shows), are they sending the right message out to the 64% of overweight adults and the 30% of overweight children in America?
On the one hand, shows like The Biggest Loser attempt to inspire audiences by showing the stories of people overcoming their emotional and physical battle with weight. They give tips about healthy eating habits, and about the right way to exercise, and give the contestants and the audience information about the physical and health costs of being overweight and obese, and the economic costs that come with weight. On the other hand, weight loss shows may be setting unrealistic expectations for others who may be trying to lose weight. The contestants on these shows are given trainers and nutritionists, and because they are on a show they have nothing to do except work out. They are taken out of their lives and given a chance to focus on getting healthy, a luxury that most Americans cannot afford. Another aspect often forgotten about is that we rarely follow up with contestants once they have returned to their normal lives. While some may be able to keep the weight off, contestants must continue to eat right and exercise. Once weight is lost it is a constant struggle to remain healthy, and some contestants on these shows put all the weight they lost back on.
As the prevalence of weight loss shows increases, it will be interesting to see whether or not these shows can have a positive impact on Americans. The obesity epidemic in America is a serious issue, and while the media cannot solve obesity or eating disorders, it can hopefully create shows that will promote positive self-image and healthy eating and exercise habits to the American public.
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