Monday's Show: Fat in the Media

On Monday July 12th we’re discussing fat – in particular, reality TV programs about fat people, celebrities that deal with weight gain in the public eye, and the pressure that every-day women feel to maintain a slim body.

In recent years there has been a huge influx of reality TV programs about fat people trying to lose weight, fat families, kids at fat camp, and much more. How do these programs affect the viewers – especially viewers who identify as fat? How do the programs affect the people who participate in them? Is reality television exploiting obesity?

Just like us regular folk, celebrities also deal with fat. The only difference is that when they gain a few pounds, it becomes a massive media frenzy. In 2009 Jessica Simpson gained 10 pounds and it was splattered over the tabloid covers for the ENTIRE YEAR. People are STILL talking about it. For shame! A few other celebs we’ll be discussing who have dealt with very public weight gain are Kirstie Alley, Oprah and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Images of "Fat" Celebrities
(Wow, "fat" celebrities look pretty regular to me...)

These pictures of Jennifer Love Hewitt were all over the media. She was slammed for her saggy ass and cellulite on her thighs.

Jessica Simpson's infamous "Mom jeans incident" which graced tabloid covers throughout 2009.

This is a clip from Jessica Simpson's recent reality series, The Price of Beauty, where Jessica and two friends travel around the world to see the extremes that women go to for "beauty."


Related articles/websites:
Biggest Loser finalist says the show gave her an eating disorder
Oprah and her weight
Jessica Simpson talks about her weight gain on Oprah
Kirstie Alley’s weight struggle
Something Fishy - website about eating disorders