somewhat predictable but 1 of the more interesting reality shows (Supersize Vs Superskinny)

Member Name: freud

Product:	Supersize Vs Superskinny
Date:	27/07/09 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good advice given, may make some people reflect on eating habits

Disadvantages: shows are fairly predictable

Whilst channel hopping trying to find something vaguely interesting to watch I came across Supersize vs Superskinny which used to be shown on channel 4 but can still be found on one of the Sky channels (139?).

Each programme is an hour long & features 2 adults usually 1 male & 1 female - one obese & one underweight/ malnourished. They are weighed at the beginning & given a full medical by Dr Christian Jessen & they are confronted (in a firm but not unkind way) about the consequences of their bad eating habits. This is confirmed by each having to face a massive blown-up photograph of their bodies & being questioned about how they feel & what they think of their bodies.

Both subjects have given the producers a detailed account of what they eat per day & the amount is graphically shown by being shoved down a see-through shute & they are invited to give their comments on their own/ each other's eating portions.

They then live together in a protected environment (no cheating!) for 5 days when they swap each others daily diet & we can view how they cope.

I'm not really into reality TV shows but this, to me, is slightly more interesting than most as the outcome is usually positive & makes me think about me & the family's eating habits. Having studied nutrition for many years I don't think it really tells me anything new but does make me reflect.

Six weeks later the pair, having seen the consequences of eating badly, return for another weigh-in & to discuss what changes they've made to their diets & what they've learned. As stated previously the outcome is usually positive & everyone seems to go away happy - I'd love to see a follow-up though!

I've been told that cookery lessons, which include essential information about healthy eating ,have been taken off many schools' curriculum - if true I think this is appalling - we're in a sorry state if we expect young people to learn about food by watching programmes such as this when the damage could already be done?

I wouldn't make a point of actively reminding myself that this programme is being aired but may watch more if I can't find anything else - the problem is that they all seem to be fairly similar & predictable so once you've seen a few you can predict the outcome & know everyone will get 'sorted' by the end of the show.

summary
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- I'd recommend watching at least one of these shows if you're interested in food intake/nutrition.
- Unlike many reality TV shows there's always a happy ending.
- Would like to see further follow-ups to see if there's been a long-term change in those who've participated.

Summary: worth watching at least 1 programme in my opinion