Weight Watchers: A Critque

 Growing up, the reality show Weight Watchers was often playing on the TV. I remember sitting in awe of how someone could lose that much weight in that little time. As I began on my health journey, I would brainstorm some of how this show was inaccurate. Yes, this was indeed a reality show and much of what we see on TV does not depict the truth. However, I wanted to highlight some of the critiques I have for this show in particular. 

First, I feel as though a lot of the contestants on the show were thrown into the deep end. Most of them did not have a lot of knowledge on the topic of health and exercise, which I believe is a crucial first step in beginning a health journey. 

Instead, I would have each contestant take a course that taught the fundamentals of how one can lose and gain weight, how the food we eat affects weight gain or loss, and how one can lose weight safely. 

Lacking proper education in this area can lead to unsustainable weight change. Without proper education, contestants can end up in the same place they began in the months after the show’s completion. 

Second, the Weight Watchers show and program uses a points system for contestants to log and track the food they are eating. Contestants earn points based on what food and how much of it is logged. 

Though this may sound beneficial, it can lead to the development of eating disorder habits. This is a convenient way of calorie tracking and contestants are essentially being rewarded for restricting the amount of food they avoid consuming. 

I would immediately alter this dieting plan because of the harm it can ensue on those who are most likely already struggling with their eating habits. Instead, I would opt to place each of these contestants on a flexible diet best suited to their likes, dislikes, and even dietary restrictions.

Overall, despite the show being entertaining, I believe some major changes should take place to promote healthy weight loss and relationship to food.