Big As Life: Obesity in America

[AtlantisAK]

This show came on TLC just today and I'm watching it now...I had no intentions of watching it because I figured it'd be the same old thing, telling us to drop the pounds and all that. But in the first ten minutes of watching, I already see that they have their different view on obesity. There's acceptance here, and I'm amazed to see this. I'm really happy.
They made references to BBW, even showed fat people at a party and having a good time! The first woman, a very pear shaped woman told her story of one day being in a Bluegrass. An older couple was there, the wife of whom said to the man "Look at her, she's so fat!" and of course the man was hard of hearing, so the pear shaped woman said right to him. "She said, Look at me, I'm so fat!" Then she proceeded to twirl around and walk away.
If this show ever comes on again, I'd suggest watching it, soley based on the first ten minutes that I've seen so far!

:)

Any comments on it? Has anyone else seen it?

[jewels_mystery]

Sounds interesting. I have to look for it. Thanks for the heads up.

[JMCGB]

I have seen it. The bluegrass woman you are talking about actually frequents a guitar and bluegrass shop that is like 2 minutes from me. They also show some footage from a D.C. NAAFA dance as well I believe.

[squurp]

I watched this - and while it had good intentions, it presented some very bad science, and didn't present a contrasting view. I emailed them about their omissions, but it was better than some shows.

[gangstadawg]

i wonder if this is the same show i saw in the past. wasnt that pearshaped woman a friend of some one on DIMS or used to be a dims member herself?

[Deidrababe]

I have seen this show....I was actually in it for about 1 minute! LOL

Yes, they showed footage from a DC NAAFA bash - Halloween time about 5 years ago - Maybe longer.....I had a cold that night and felt like crap.

It was a good show. One of the women they featured - Her name was Deb I believe - she was a long time NAAFA member - very bottom heavy and they showed her at work as a Respiratory therapist (I think) at a nursing home or hospital.

She has since passed away from complications of WLS - that she had AFTER The show was filmed. I didn't know her personally, but I have friends that knew her quite well. She was a very sweet and wonderful person. I always feel sad when I see the show on re-runs. I wish when they re-run they would dedicate it to her or something - or mention something about how WLS CAN and DOES cause people to die.

I don't want to get into a discussion about WLS - so sorry to bring it up - but I just remember she was a big part of that show -

Again, it was a great show. I liked it. I like watching fat shows on TV - the good, the bad and the ugly, I enjoy watching shows about Fat people.

There needs to be a Regular Series like the Little People show - but Fat People. Wouldn't that be a fun show to watch? Just regular Fatties living life and being normal. Yes, we are normal!

XOXOXO

Deeds

[Adamantoise]

I saw this programme not too long after it first aired-and I thought that Deb was a very sweet, caring woman...I had no idea that she had passed. Rest In Peace... :(

[Deidrababe]

I saw this programme not too long after it first aired-and I thought that Deb was a very sweet, caring woman...I had no idea that she had passed. Rest In Peace... :(

Yes, it is sad. I didn't know her really - other than to say Hi...etc. but I have friends who DID know her quite well and I've only heard how wonderful she was!

XOXO

Deeds

[Raqui]

Sounds like something worth watching.

I agree a show would be great LOL one like that.

[ThatFatGirl]

I watched and had seen Big As Life too. I'm so sorry to hear about Deb's demise. She seemed like a lovely person on the program.

I was watching yet another TLC/Discovery Channel fatty documentary program last night. I think it was called My Amazing Story: Too Young to be So Fat (?). This one featured two young boys who went to a boarding school for fat kids where they were taught nutrition, cooking, and exercise along with the regular curriculum. They each loss significant weight and remarkably, each left the school year away with tremendous self esteem. The third story was really sad. A three hundred pound 13-yr old wanted liposuction (and tummy tuck) to lose her weight. I think her issues were more to do with a mom who felt guilty for being a single mom, working nights, leaving the daughter with limited supervision and involvement in her life. The girl wouldn't stomach any vegetables, wouldn't even try them. It was clear when they went on a vacation to a casino (!) and the mom chose to leave her daughter to keep herself busy with a young cousin (they hit the buffets) while the mom spent hours gambling. In the end she couldn't get lipo because she was anemic and her blood levels kept testing too low. I was relieved for her actually. Lipo and tummy tuck at 13? Crazy. She's a child. She's still growing.

She really seems like someone who will choose WLS at some point, but will make little effort to ever change her eating and exercise habits. It just didn't seem like she was on a path to a happy, healthy life. It was sad.

[Mathias]

I lliked how the people on the the program showed that it is possible for someone to be fat and happy. That's terrible that Deb passed away. :(

[AtlantisAK]

I lliked how the people on the the program showed that it is possible for someone to be fat and happy. That's terrible that Deb passed away. :(

Yeah, that -is- what I liked about the show, a lot. Even though it did have some negativity to it, it was still among the best of the Fatty shows that I've seen so far.

As for Deb, I feel bad for the loss of her. I definately didn't know her, only saw her on the documentary, but I could see that she was a really wonderful woman. It takes a lot of caring to work with people on a daily basis like that. I know I'd be heartbroken doing a job like that. She must have definately been a good person indeed. Lets just hope that after her passing, that there are 10 more so nice as she!

[Russell Williams]

That has some guy standing in front of the US capitol and talking about size issues?

[tonynyc]

I was touched by all the wonderful replies that have been posted regarding the 'Big As Life' Documentary. Deb was very special to me and the documentary just showed how loving and caring she was. She just had a love and passion for whatever she did. Sadly, Deb left us in 2004 - but, her joy and compassion lives on whenever this show is aired.

It's amazing how time flies- the video was filmed in 2001 and intially aired 2002 on the Discovery Channel. I am surprized that they cable networks still air the show. It's funny you think time heals all grief-but, I can look at the video now and still be filled with sadness;but, at the same time smile and appreciate the wonderful times that we had.

Deb always had a worry as to how the Documentary would turn out. One never knows about these things...but, I can honestly say that She was very proud of her participation and her family was equally proud of the video.

For those who have not seen it- here is the link below. You may have to refresh your browser if the link does not work.


Big As Life Obesity In America

http://ffh.films.com/PreviewClip.aspx?id=5155