Obese Stereotypes and the Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Shows

This week in class we discussed stereotypes. One stereotype we discussed in class was the stereotype of obesity in media, such as the weight loss show, The Biggest Loser. I have been watching the show the Biggest Loser for may years now and I can say that there are some stereotypes that are true of being obese and there are some that are false. Some stereotypes that I can say are true after watching the show is that many of the obese contestants on the show became obese because they eat unhealthy food, don't exercise, and don't care about their health. On the other hand, some of these stereotypes may also be false. Some of the reasons an individual may be obese is because of negative circumstances in their lives, such as having a low self esteem or having an eating disorder. I really enjoy this article I found online that discussed the pros and cons of reality TV's approach to weight loss.

The first part of the article spoke about how weight loss shows make stereotypes and encourage unhealthful behaviors from viewers trying to lose weight. It went on to say how weight loss shows treat weight loss like a game and how we should focus on our health, not on size or weight.  After reading this part of the article I do agree with what the writer said that we should not treat a human's weight as a game, but at the same time sometimes over weight individuals need motivation to lose weight. I also agree on what was said about how it should focus on our heath. Weight loss is a journey, it is not something that is going to be gone from one day to the next. At the end of the day our health is what keeps us living and breathing each day.

The second part of the article spoke about the positive impact a reality show can have on an individual. The article began by saying that weight-loss reality TV shows inspire people. It describes how shows such as, The Biggest Loser, "emphasizes support and competition to keep people going." It goes on to say that the trainers are really involved with the contestants on the show. It also says how they have a  huge team and are quite clear that it is not just about dieting but also about maintaining a healthful lifestyle and educating people. "They push them to exercise. They work with chefs skilled in healthful cooking. They try to get them to reach their maximum healthful potential." On the the other hand the second part of the article also spoke about how "they also recognize the possibility of failure [on the show]." After reading the rest of the article I would say that I agree the most with the second part of the article. I honestly believe that shows such as, The Biggest Loser have a positive impact not only on the individuals on the show, but for the viewers as well. From personal experience I think weight loss shows such as these encourage people who are overweight. It not only educates individuals how to lose weight ,but it also shows viewers how to cook a healthy meal at home.

Overall I would say that there will always be stereotypes, whether it be about topics we talked about in class such as Muslims, Christians, the Disabled, Men, or the Obese. At the end of the day you are the only one who can ultimately define yourself.

Link to Article:
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/31/health/la-he-weight-loss-reality-shows-20110131