Wednesday, October 3, 2007
What is our fascination with obesity?
I can't figure it out...
As of late, television has seemingly been overrun with a plethora of shows dealing with obesity. From Fat March to the Biggest Loser, every network has one.
TLC has even jumped on the bandwagon with two shows - Losing It and Big Medicine. The former is about a "fat camp" called Camp Shane and the latter is about a gastric bypass clinic in what was once America's fattest city - Houston.
Obviously, with a significant portion of our population overweight or obese, their "use" for watching such programming likely stems from wanting to change.
But for me, I really have to examine what I get out of watching a bunch of fat kids play dodgeball and sneak Snickers bars underneath their bunk. Something is intriguing about it to me, but I suppose it's as simple as purely attempting to avoid the same fate for myself. ¶ posted by L.O. Ratliff at 6:50 PM •
As of late, television has seemingly been overrun with a plethora of shows dealing with obesity. From Fat March to the Biggest Loser, every network has one.
TLC has even jumped on the bandwagon with two shows - Losing It and Big Medicine. The former is about a "fat camp" called Camp Shane and the latter is about a gastric bypass clinic in what was once America's fattest city - Houston.
Obviously, with a significant portion of our population overweight or obese, their "use" for watching such programming likely stems from wanting to change.
But for me, I really have to examine what I get out of watching a bunch of fat kids play dodgeball and sneak Snickers bars underneath their bunk. Something is intriguing about it to me, but I suppose it's as simple as purely attempting to avoid the same fate for myself. ¶ posted by L.O. Ratliff at 6:50 PM •
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I wonder if the documentary, "Super Size Me" had anything to do with our fascination of obesity. I think diets have always been an obsession for us, which is why reality shows like, "Biggest Loser" draws us in. We not only root for the underdog, but we relate to their frustrations and struggles of losing weight.
# posted by 
: October 7, 2007 at 4:45 PM
: October 7, 2007 at 4:45 PM
But I guess that's where I differ... I don't consider someone who is obese as an "underdog."
Of course, it depends on your definition of what an underdog is. I think of an underdog as someone with a problem they can't control. Obesity, in many, many cases, is controllable and preventable.
Of course, it depends on your definition of what an underdog is. I think of an underdog as someone with a problem they can't control. Obesity, in many, many cases, is controllable and preventable.
Perhaps some of the studies and documentaries are working. If American are beginning to accept the fact that America is the "largest nation" in terms of average belt size, maybe some feel a need to console themselves with these programs.
What do you think?
What do you think?
BIG MEDICINE Season 2 on TLC
Premieres January 9th 10pm EST/10pm PST/9pm CST
TLC’s hit show is back for its second season! Big Medicine returns with bigger and better stories than ever as individuals undertake drastic measures to take a bite out of their obesity. From a previously 1000lb man looking to take his first step in 7 years, to a devastated mother looking to complete her weight loss transformation after losing her daughter to suicide, the stories captivate, and inspire. We’ll see how obesity affects people’s sex lives, relationships and changes marriages forever. Tears will be shed, smiles will be shared, and hope will be instilled as Big Medicine proves there is light at the end of everyone’s tunnel!
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Premieres January 9th 10pm EST/10pm PST/9pm CST
TLC’s hit show is back for its second season! Big Medicine returns with bigger and better stories than ever as individuals undertake drastic measures to take a bite out of their obesity. From a previously 1000lb man looking to take his first step in 7 years, to a devastated mother looking to complete her weight loss transformation after losing her daughter to suicide, the stories captivate, and inspire. We’ll see how obesity affects people’s sex lives, relationships and changes marriages forever. Tears will be shed, smiles will be shared, and hope will be instilled as Big Medicine proves there is light at the end of everyone’s tunnel!
# posted by : January 7, 2008 at 9:59 AM
: January 7, 2008 at 9:59 AMSubscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
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