A & E's "Heavy"

[LalaCity]

A new reality show about obesity is premiering tomorrow on A & E. Thought I'd give y'all a heads up.

Here's the blurb:

http://tv.broadwayworld.com/article/...Y_117_20101214

Twenty-two individuals facing extreme life-threatening health consequences as a result of their obesity experience real life change in the new original series "Heavy," premiering Monday, January 17 at 10/9c. The eleven episode one-hour series follows two participants per episode documenting their incredible transformations during a six month treatment program.

Unlike other weight loss series, "Heavy" is not a competition or stunt, but is rooted in the incredible real life day-to-day journeys of the participants during a lengthy treatment program. In order to most accurately document these multiple weight loss journeys over the course of six months and present them individually in one hour, A&E sought out two different production companies to undertake the lengthy and ambitious filming process. The result is a never-before-seen look at the unique struggles faced by dangerously obese individuals who must learn to live healthier lifestyles and understand the root of their food addictions. Through their day-to-day struggle and the voices of their loved ones, viewers will see first hand the pain and self-doubt associated with a debilitating weight problem.

In the premiere episode, viewers meet Tom and Jodi, both 37 from Houston, TX, and learn why they are heavy and how they must reverse their lifestyles or die. Tom was the star of his high school football team, but when he dropped out his depression caused him to steadily gain weight. Now, at 5-foot-9 and 638 pounds, Tom suffers from a myriad of issues including sleep apnea, edema and the inability to sleep more than two hours. He is desperate to get his life back before he loses it permanently. Having recently suffered a stroke, Jodi, 5-foot-6 and 363 pounds, is at a critical juncture with her health. Her heaviness prevents her from keeping up with her husband and two children and from her favorite pastime, singing with her brothers in a band.

The group of 22 participants, ages 20-59, started the program between 240 and 630 pounds and collectively lost more than 2,440 pounds, with half of the participants shedding more than 30% of their body mass and losses between 63 to 173 pounds.

Participants documented in "Heavy" include: Bill, 52, a former NFL player whose crippling addiction left him homeless, and at 6-foot-3 and 443 pounds he must lose weight to get healthier and to have the chance to coach his teenage son; Debbie, 44, who at 5-foot-2 and 400 pounds, has severe health issues and lacks the self confidence to experience an intimate relationship or hold down a career; Jill, 35, a second grade teacher who is 5-foot-6 and 305 pounds must reduce her body mass if she has any of hope of getting pregnant; Johnny, at 6-foot and 404 pounds, is only 20 and faces a devastating future if he does not lose weight; Sallie, 30, who steadily gained after her father committed suicide and, at 5-foot-6 and 443 pounds, doesn't want her nine-year-old son to follow in her footsteps; Sharon, 47, who after the tragic death of her son and loss of her and her husband's jobs, needs to shed weight from her 366 pound, 5-foot-6 frame to find work and make be health for her family; Jessica, 28, who at 5-foot-2 and 288 pounds, has trouble keeping up with her kids and dreams of joining the police academy; and Ronnie, 45, who wants to marry his fianc?e but, at 6-foot-2 and 447 pounds, is too heavy.

[Szombathy]

The billboards for this show are all over New York City. Not sure what to make of it.

[Fat Brian]

Whats truly sad is that these people have been completely brainwashed by the media hype against fat and have put their lives on hold, waiting until they lose weight. I will never understand how grown ass adults can be so completely controlled by the crap coming out of the tv. I understand that some people have health problems that are weight related but if they would just make an effort to be active in some way a great deal of their problems would be lessened. Its just depressing.

[AnnMarie]

I have no issue with their desire to improve their life in whatever way they feel it needs improving - whether their health is an issue, they're emotionally/socially limited by the negative associations with size, etc, etc.

My issue is that these shows make the majority of people believe that we're all miserable, fat, wanting to change, possibly weak of mind or will power, would take the pill, sell our soul, etc... for the chance of being thin.

Regardless of the motivation of the people on the show, that's the overall message that will be left with viewers.

Also, from the very few clips I've seen there's a lot of naked fat baring, which clearly I have no real-life issue with, but for the purposes of that show it seems gratuitous. These people are clearly very fat, and anyone can see that. I feel like fat people who are just trying to live their lives, and don't want that kind of scrutiny about their naked bodies are now going to feel like someone's peeked in their window - that window that they're always so careful about keeping closed. That really makes me feel bad - it's just too exposed, like everyone can see through their clothes now. I guess it goes back to the discussions we've had here about how sometimes it feels like our bodies are "more" sexual or exposed when exposed. Because we're different, and the larger the more different, when flesh is bared it seems so much more extreme than the same parts on a much smaller person.

I don't know, those are my feelings. I don't expect to watch the show, and I don't judge it beyond what I've shared. I just don't think it will make me feel any way I want to feel, and not about the participants, just about the lasting/back ground message it sends. Same issues I have with Biggest Loser, but this one seems more "intimate" in terms of emotions as well.

Bleh. Not loving the idea, guess that sums it up.

[bigmac]

Originally Posted by Fat Brian

Whats truly sad is that these people have been completely brainwashed by the media hype against fat and have put their lives on hold, waiting until they lose weight. I will never understand how grown ass adults can be so completely controlled by the crap coming out of the tv. I understand that some people have health problems that are weight related but if they would just make an effort to be active in some way a great deal of their problems would be lessened. Its just depressing.

I agree with you that no one should voluntarily put their life on hold just because they're fat. Unfortunately the world often does its best to sideline fat people regardless. There's no denying the fact that super-size people have trouble living their lives no matter how positive their attitude.

The classic catch 22 for fat folks is that doing everyday things costs more when you're fat but fat people earn less and thus often can't afford the premium. Plus size clothes cost more (especially business attire), you need to buy a larger more expensive car which in turn uses more gas, two airline seats obviously cost more than one ... . Then, if this were not bad enough, add the fact that its especially hard for fat folks to get hired or promoted and the problem becomes clear.

Many fat people didn't their life on hold -- they had society hang-up on them.

[Fat Brian]

Originally Posted by AnnMarie

I have no issue with their desire to improve their life in whatever way they feel it needs improving

I despise wasted effort, it bothers me to see people try so hard to change their outsides when what really needs attention is the inside. Most people believe that changing their body will fix all of their problems because the tv tells the so. The sad fact is that even when thin they are the same person with all of the same problems. Its sad that so many will live their whole life without ever hearing that they are an acceptable and worthwhile person whether they are fat or not.

[chicken legs]

I hope Chad does well...an not just because he is eyecandy. Ok, I'm lying, it is because he's eyecandy.

[superodalisque]

Originally Posted by AnnMarie

I have no issue with their desire to improve their life in whatever way they feel it needs improving - whether their health is an issue, they're emotionally/socially limited by the negative associations with size, etc, etc.

My issue is that these shows make the majority of people believe that we're all miserable, fat, wanting to change, possibly weak of mind or will power, would take the pill, sell our soul, etc... for the chance of being thin.

Regardless of the motivation of the people on the show, that's the overall message that will be left with viewers.

Also, from the very few clips I've seen there's a lot of naked fat baring, which clearly I have no real-life issue with, but for the purposes of that show it seems gratuitous. These people are clearly very fat, and anyone can see that. I feel like fat people who are just trying to live their lives, and don't want that kind of scrutiny about their naked bodies are now going to feel like someone's peeked in their window - that window that they're always so careful about keeping closed. That really makes me feel bad - it's just too exposed, like everyone can see through their clothes now. I guess it goes back to the discussions we've had here about how sometimes it feels like our bodies are "more" sexual or exposed when exposed. Because we're different, and the larger the more different, when flesh is bared it seems so much more extreme than the same parts on a much smaller person.

I don't know, those are my feelings. I don't expect to watch the show, and I don't judge it beyond what I've shared. I just don't think it will make me feel any way I want to feel, and not about the participants, just about the lasting/back ground message it sends. Same issues I have with Biggest Loser, but this one seems more "intimate" in terms of emotions as well.

Bleh. Not loving the idea, guess that sums it up.

people do like to generalize too much. individual people handle weight differently. i hope that just maybe someone will get to throw that issue in the ring.

you know, i think the real reason for all of the exposure of fat nearly nude bodies is because the media knows there are a lot of people out there who are secretly aroused by fat people. i think its an excuse. if it were really such a turn off i don't think they would be showing it as much as they do. its as though any excuse they have they thrust a fat body out there to oggle. they just need to admit its sexy and have done with it.

[LalaCity]

If there's any good can come out of this series, I hope it's this: that 1) audiences will empathize with the struggles that very big people contend with in day to day life as their human qualities are expounded upon beyond just the scary headless fat people who spread the fearful "obesity epidemic" on the nightly news; and 2) that viewers will realize that being fat is not simply the result of being lazy, having no self-respect, or whatever denigrating traits are routinely attributed to people of size. Rather, one would hope, the series may shed light on the fact there are physiological and psychological factors quite often beyond the immediate control of people who gain a large amount of weight.

At least, one hopes.

[LovelyLiz]

Originally Posted by LalaCity

If there's any good can come out of this series, I hope it's this: that 1) audiences will empathize with the struggles that very big people contend with in day to day life as their human qualities are expounded upon beyond just the scary headless fat people who spread the fearful "obesity epidemic" on the nightly news; and 2) that viewers will realize that being fat is not simply the result of being lazy, having no self-respect, or whatever denigrating traits are routinely attributed to people of size. Rather, one would hope, the series may shed light on the fact there are physiological and psychological factors quite often beyond the immediate control of people who gain a large amount of weight.

At least, one hopes.

Yeah, I'm actually not a huge fan of this one (the psychological factors). In some ways I'd rather have people just assume I'm a lazy glutton instead of assuming that I have some deep-seated psychological problems causing my fatness.

Do fat people have emotional/psychological issues? Hell yes. But that's because we're HUMAN. Sometimes I feel like these shows make it seem as if it's only fat people who get overwhelmed by pain, struggle with self-loathing, or run away from their problems. SO NOT TRUE! Gah.

[1300 Class]

Yeah, I'm actually not a huge fan of this one (the psychological factors). In some ways I'd rather have people just assume I'm a lazy glutton instead of assuming that I have some deep-seated psychological problems causing my fatness.

Yeah, I'd have to agree with that.

[Fat Brian]

Thats is the problem with these shows, we are not all one way or the other. Each fat person is an individual, just like thin people, and we each have our own strengths and weaknesses. Shows like this always try to reduce very complex issues into something that fits into their 30 minute format. It really does a disservice to both the subject and the viewer.

[steved]

[you know, i think the real reason for all of the exposure of fat nearly nude bodies is because the media knows there are a lot of people out there who are secretly aroused by fat people. i think its an excuse. if it were really such a turn off i don't think they would be showing it as much as they do. its as though any excuse they have they thrust a fat body out there to oggle. they just need to admit its sexy and have done with it. ]
-I agree with all of this!!

However, I didn't think from the website that it was particularly gratuitous. There were no full body shots on the site. Also, it's not a contest for losing weight where everyone has to get on a giant scale. I think the biggest loser exploits the contestants too much. Again, I agree with what was said above, people are secretly aroused, and this will contribute to the success of the show.

Chris

[Jes]

Originally Posted by Fat Brian

Whats truly sad is that these people have been completely brainwashed by the media hype against fat and have put their lives on hold, waiting until they lose weight. .

The 5 min. of the show I saw last night featured a man who said it was very hard for him to be on his feet for more than a few minutes at a time. Perhaps he's been 'brainwashed' (I hate to use such a manipulative word for an addiction) by depression and his eating disorder both of which have forced him to put his life on hold, while he's gained weight.

I don't make light of depression and eating disorders; these are horrible, real, things and not in anyone's imagination. But let's be honest here--a man who cannot stand for more than a few minutes and rarely leaves the house is hardly only a victim of media hype.

[sunnie1653]

I watched it, and I liked it. It focused on the people, their lives, and how their weight affects their lives. It didn't show them being screamed at to "walk faster" or "keep moving" like other shows.. It showed them living a healthier lifestyle. The best part? At the end? They were still fat! That's REALISTIC in 6 months! Not show up on a stage and automatically weigh 130 lbs!

I thought it was great, I'll be watching it from here on out.

[ThatFatGirl]

I worry for the female participant of last night's show as far as the rigidity of the diet she's following. She was out with friends for her birthday at a Mexican restaurant and whined that there was nothing on the menu she could eat, that it was all covered in cheese or grease (chicken fajitas would do, skip the cheese and sour cream, take half home). If this is indicative of her overall approach to her diet, I think she's likely headed for a rebound that she may or may not recover from (imo.. based on personal experience). It was just one clip though, so who knows.

The male participant's lymphedema surgery was interesting to me as someone with the condition (a mild case compared to his, but still...). I noted the surgeon who performed it seemed to be the very same doctor who did the gastric bypass procedures for several people featured on Discovery Channel programs ("Half Ton Teen" among them). I wonder if he plans to have gastric bypass eventually?

Overall, I guess I enjoyed the program. There was much there I could relate to. I know I will watch again. I've had a very self destructive eating pattern going since a couple months before Christmas, it made me pause and self reflect a bit.

I saw no gratuitous fleshy fatty shots that I can recall. This show had a very different feel from "Biggest Loser."

[Fat Brian]

Originally Posted by Jes

I don't make light of depression and eating disorders; these are horrible, real, things and not in anyone's imagination. But let's be honest here--a man who cannot stand for more than a few minutes and rarely leaves the house is hardly only a victim of media hype.

I haven't seen the show, if a person does have medical reasons for weight loss then that is certainly their choice. What bothers me is when they take an otherwise healthy person who more than anything needs a little dose of self confidence and try to tell them all their problems are because of their size. So many people believe that the whole world would be different if they could just get down a few sizes and these shows usually support that erroneous assumption.

[ThatFatGirl]

Last night's show's two participants each had specific health issues. Jodi (the female) had recently suffered a mini-stroke at age 36. Tom (the guy) had trouble breathing, gasping after only a few short steps, and lymphedema in his legs. Thin people can get LE and have strokes, but it can't be argued that their quality of life can't be improved or the chance of another stroke or LE worsening lessened by losing weight. It definitely wasn't a matter of "Whoa is me. I'm fat and I hate myself."

I agree, what you're describing, Brian, definitely seems the case in many of the weight loss programs on TV (has anyone seen this crappy new one with couples competing to lose weight before walking down the aisle?). Fortunately, so far not so much on "Heavy."

[bigmac]

I only got to watch the first few minutes but one thing struck me as strange. The female (Jodi?) complained about not being able to participate in activities with her family. She's shown sitting passively while her children play. The implication being she's too fat to join in. But then in the next shot we see her walking through a store with no difficulty (she's actually moving quite quickly). Something about her claimed limitations doesn't ring true.

[Surlysomething]

Originally Posted by ThatFatGirl

This show had a very different feel from "Biggest Loser."

I agree. I quite liked that they didn't have the fairy-tale ending like most other shows. They both looked like they felt so much better and their quality of life definitely improved. They had pretty cool trainers too.

I too would have a hard time listening to someone talk to me about my health and exercise habits and the whole "you can do it" by a trainer that never had a weight problem, like Jodi did with her trainer, that's for sure. I'm glad they included that part.

[Surlysomething]

Originally Posted by bigmac

I only got to watch the first few minutes but one thing struck me as strange. The female (Jodi?) complained about not being able to participate in activities with her family. She's shown sitting passively while her children play. The implication being she's too fat to join in. But then in the next shot we see her walking through a store with no difficulty (she's actually moving quite quickly). Something about her claimed limitations doesn't ring true.

Really? I don't think it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that getting up and down on a playground set or up and down off the floor to play with toys is a lot harder than walking around looking at clothes when you can stop anytime you want or find a seat. I believe her limitations full-on.

[ThatFatGirl]

Just woke up from a nap. First thought was about my husband, wondered if he left work yet and was traveling on the icy roads about town. Second thought was WOE not WHOA. Fuuuuuuuck.

[activistfatgirl]

I appreciated this show for being different than the Biggest Loser. No "game" to win. Both participants had health issues they needed to tackle, and for the dude, serious serious mobility problems. They did work out quite more than is normal at the facility but it was for a week, not for months. They did the rest at home with encouragement. I related a lot to Jody, though the crying jags, yikes!

For as bad as it could have been, I was surprised and enjoyed watching them get closer to where they wanted to be. How great to see Tom walk around with ease at a little under 500 lbs!

[bigmac]

Originally Posted by Surlysomething

Really? I don't think it's hard to wrap your head around the fact that getting up and down on a playground set or up and down off the floor to play with toys is a lot harder than walking around looking at clothes when you can stop anytime you want or find a seat. I believe her limitations full-on.

I'll agree that it can be harder to play than to just walk. I know people slow down with age and weight (I was only 23 and 240lbs when my oldest was born -- when my youngest was born I was 46 and 320lbs -- I know I'm much slower now). She may not have been able to get down in the sand with her kids but she could certainly pushed them on the swing.

After watching the rest of the episode it still looks to me that Jodi's limitations were more psychological than physical. Looks like loosing her boat anchor of a mother helped at least as much as loosing the seventy pounds or so. At the end of the episode she's singing with her brother's band again -- something she could have done before her weight loss but was afraid to (and told by her mother she couldn't). The audience is not going to make a distinction between a 280 pound singer and a 350 pound singer (to a thin person they're both fat).

I'm glad she seems to have gotten her zest for life back. But I think its important to realize that it wasn't just fat that had taken it from her in the first place. It would have been nice if the producers had examined Jodi's relationship with her mother a little more -- I'm thinking that might have been very revealing.

That said I do think exercise is a great. Both participants were obviously feeling much better after six months of increased activity.

[bremerton]

this is the first weight-loss show i've seen that doesn't seem anti-fat or exploitative (is that a word?) i think the point of the show is for the participants to embark on a more healthy lifestyle because at least the two on the show a couple nights ago acted like they'd be more comfortable/ happier/ be able to do more things if they were thinner and in shape. IMO, the show is about people whose weight causes a handicap to them, and are working towards a reasonable goal, not being ~thin~ or ~buff~.

and as someone else mentioned, i did notice that this show shows more naked fat bellies, etc... than shows like the biggest loser. i actually think that's a good thing because a lot of times on shows like that, they purposely don't show naked/ partially dressed fat bodies, as it's seen to be "obscene"...so i actually think that's a big step in the right direction.