Biggest Loser

I do not watch television often, but I did tune in to last night's show of the Biggest Loser. At first glance, this series may be entertaining for some, inspiring for many, and even boring to others. Yet, the meaning I took out of watching this show is way deeper than the reasons others may be watching it for. This television program offers great insight into our culture and the emphasis we place on our physical bodies. The fear of obesity and being overweight has become so important in our society that we have incorporated into a reality series. We find some sort of pleasure in watching others severely overweight battle with shedding hundreds of pounds and attaining svelt, healthy bodies. This weight obsession and fear of having excess fat has controlled every aspect of our lives, from tv programs, to magazines, to celebrities and music videos. Reading an article on what goes on behind the scenes on the Biggest Loser, contestants are forced to take unhealthy measures to lose the pounds such as starving or replacing meals with a simple cup of coffee. Contestants were not encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle or two find value in themselves, the show was most concerned on the rating, and drastic weight loss meant higher ratings. This leaves a lot to think about, A show that some might consider simply as entertainment might be viewed as a window into the conceptions and realities of a culture.