Inspiring TV shows?

Nowayjose54

What are some good TV shows to watch to help push you toward reaching your weight loss goals?

MTV used to have a show a few years ago called "I Used To Be Fat" where in every episode, one high school kid would dedicate their summer to losing weight with a personal trainer. Some of the people sucked and weren't motivated but in one of the episodes, the transformation was amazing. He started the episode overweight, clearly very self-conscious, quiet, nerdy. By the end of the show, he was fit, confident, had a girlfriend and developed his own sense of style.

Any other good shows like this? I know the Biggest Loser is obviously the big one. But the show's format doesn't really appeal to me. It's also a little unrealistic that they are all on a workout commune. I'd rather see something where people are doing it in their own surroundings.

Share your motivational shows here!

Mbierschbach

American Muscle. Watching elite athletes push each other. I watch it on DVR on Saturday mornings before I go CRUSH leg day. Gets me motivated.

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dreamer12151

I usually DVR Triathlons, but for some reason, watching AFL (Australian Rules Football) makes me want to get up & run.

And another thing that would give me a "push" was the GNC commercial that was out a month or so ago about being "average". Never would fail to spur me into action.

seltzermint555

This is going to be sort of the opposite of what you were probably looking for, but I got really inspired by a lot of cooking shows. Seeing a lot of them really gave me more confidence to start cooking more for myself and take control of what I was eating, instead of relying on fast food and take out for what I ate.
(not that there is anything wrong with fast food or takeout)

I hate all the weight loss shows and find some of them (Extreme Makeover in the past, Bigger Loser now) pretty disturbing.

But I can totally see how this ^ would be a motivator, even though it may sound a bit odd.

I'm motivated in a way by shows with cute clothes LOL. Marnie, Jessa and Shoshanna on Girls, or characters on most current shows like Modern Family, Bones, Sarah Michelle Gellar when she was in the show Ringer...whatever...seeing cute outfits on thin and average bodies makes me feel even more motivated to wear and/or look cute in those kinds of styles!

Jonthomas79

I could sure write a list of what NOT to watch.

bluecat145

Supersize vs. Superskinny
It's a British TV show you can find on youtube. They take a morbidly obese person and an underweight person, have them track their food intake for a week, then they spend a few days in a "feeding clinic" where they swap meals for a few days.
It talks about eating problems from both sides (under and overeating) and health risks from both sides.
It also has segments with extremely obese people (+700lbs), anorexics, a woman trying to find quick fixes (my least favorite part) and a lot more.

Hell_Flower

Supersize vs Superskinny - I can't get enough of it. Especially the earlier episode where they put all the weeks worth of food for each of the guests into a big clear tube.

Also - Secret Eaters. Basic premise is some real fattys who think they are making all good food choices and can't figure out why they've put on 60lbs in a year. Cue investigators and secret cameras which show mid-night trips to the chippy/8 pints a night/pie sandwich etc etc.

It has it flaws in its ultimate nutritional advice, but it's still pretty interesting.

MB_Positif

I'm motivated by not spending a lot of my time watching tv. The less I watch, the more I get done which means I have more time to focus on fitness! Good luck!

_Clarana_

The Biggest Loser!! I usually hate those kind of shows, but it shows you that ANYONE can lose weight, work hard and be healthy. It stops you from making the "I'm too fat to X" excuse.

PowerfulHunt

American Ninja Warrior & Steve Austin's Broken Skull Challenge

MB_Positif

American Ninja Warrior

Ok, yes, that show is fun to watch

jakicooke

Obese: A Year to Save my Life is truly a great watch - I feel its more realistic than Biggest Loser as people do have to do it at home around their normal lives. I will watch and re watch and it always makes me feel inspired to do more, work harder, make the change

amusedmonkey

I'm not too motivated by obesity and fitness shows, but I when I binge watch a show I enjoy (like Supernatural for example) I tend to register lower calories that day because I'm too involved to cook or go to the store for a high calorie snack so I just grab vegetables or quick low calorie snacks to munch on when I'm hungry.

earlnabby

This is going to be sort of the opposite of what you were probably looking for, but I got really inspired by a lot of cooking shows. Seeing a lot of them really gave me more confidence to start cooking more for myself and take control of what I was eating, instead of relying on fast food and take out for what I ate.
(not that there is anything wrong with fast food or takeout)

I really enjoy cooking shows, especially the ones aimed at the family cook. I don't watch them too often because I will want to cook (and eat) everything.

My most inspiring are travel shows. I used to travel and hike (Ireland, Scotland, all over the US) until I was injured hiking the mountains in Nepal. My goal is to be able to travel again and go waking around cities and the countryside (mountains are unlikely since my hip never fully recovered) and seeing the places I want to add to my bucket list is inspiring to me.

dammitjanet0161

Obese: A Year to Save my Life is truly a great watch - I feel its more realistic than Biggest Loser as people do have to do it at home around their normal lives. I will watch and re watch and it always makes me feel inspired to do more, work harder, make the change

Agreed, especially as Jessie Pavelka seems far more sympathetic and encouraging than Bob & Jillian. I also used to like a Canadian show called X Weighted as that was a similar long term journey type programme rather than a game show like TBL (it's quite old but there might be episodes on Youtube)

If you like the Biggest Loser, check out the the Australian version (don't bother with the UK version, it was rubbish!).

I hate Supersize v Superskinny, but love Secret Eaters (although three series in now I can't believe people who sign up for the show then act surprised at being caught out - have they never watched the show before they volunteered?)

Missjulesdid

I love to watch all shows related to obesity. Having been obese since I was 3 years old, it's a subject close to my heart. I enjoy learning more about the causes and effects of our severe obesity and understanding the stories of others. I enjoy supersize vs superskinny, secret eaters, extreme weightloss, my 600 pound life, Fat Doctor, I Used to be Fat, and pretty much any documentary on the subject. It's helped me examine my own obesity, lifestyle, habits, struggles, excuses, etc and yes, gaining this understanding has made a positive impact for me. I especially draw a lot of inspiration when I see people fatter than me really killing it in a workout!

untuvainen

I'm not too motivated by obesity and fitness shows, but I when I binge watch a show I enjoy (like Supernatural for example) I tend to register lower calories that day because I'm too involved to cook or go to the store for a high calorie snack so I just grab vegetables or quick low calorie snacks to munch on when I'm hungry.

I do this too! Got through last weekend's cravings by re watching supernatural episodes.

amyk0202

I think So You Think You Can Dance is really inspiring. The strength & control they have is amazing & does make me want to be more healthy.

dreamer12151

I've seen the commercials, but made a decision to check it out "on demand" today....."Esquire Network" has a show called "Boundless". 2 guys, Simon 37, & "Turbo", 47, who scan the globe taking part in challenges & document their journeys, boosting each other along.

I've only seen 3 episodes so far, 1st was a mountain bike race through Austria, like 123km or something like that, next episode was 100km running race in Mongolia, last episode was the "Charlie Ramsey Round" in Scotland (24 mountain tops in Scotland in 24 hours!).

Last one I knew was out of my realm of possibilities, but the Mongolian one...I was sitting there thinking "Hey, my passport is still good! Wonder how much the entry fee is for THAT!?"

fastfoodietofitcutie

I'll second American Ninja Warrior. That show stopped me from ordering a pizza the other night!

nebslp

American Ninja Warrior. Especially love watching the 5 foot, 100 lb. girl beat the big boys! Can't remember her name but I'm pretty sure she made it to the finals.

seltzermint555

I love to watch all shows related to obesity. Having been obese since I was 3 years old, it's a subject close to my heart. I enjoy learning more about the causes and effects of our severe obesity and understanding the stories of others. I enjoy supersize vs superskinny, secret eaters, extreme weightloss, my 600 pound life, Fat Doctor, I Used to be Fat, and pretty much any documentary on the subject. It's helped me examine my own obesity, lifestyle, habits, struggles, excuses, etc and yes, gaining this understanding has made a positive impact for me. I especially draw a lot of inspiration when I see people fatter than me really killing it in a workout!

It's so interesting to me how people can be SO different regarding this. The shows really bug me, and upset me. I was overweight starting around age 6 and obese to morbidly obese from about ages 16-36 and I was never in denial about that. But I don't feel like I can relate to many of the stories shared and I am really upset and bothered by what I usually view as a very one-sided approach to showing someone's life and personality. It makes me sickened and sad, even when "well done".

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amusedmonkey

I love to watch all shows related to obesity. Having been obese since I was 3 years old, it's a subject close to my heart. I enjoy learning more about the causes and effects of our severe obesity and understanding the stories of others. I enjoy supersize vs superskinny, secret eaters, extreme weightloss, my 600 pound life, Fat Doctor, I Used to be Fat, and pretty much any documentary on the subject. It's helped me examine my own obesity, lifestyle, habits, struggles, excuses, etc and yes, gaining this understanding has made a positive impact for me. I especially draw a lot of inspiration when I see people fatter than me really killing it in a workout!

It's so interesting to me how people can be SO different regarding this. The shows really bug me, and upset me. I was overweight starting around age 6 and obese to morbidly obese from about ages 16-36 and I was never in denial about that. But I don't feel like I can relate to many of the stories shared and I am really upset and bothered by what I usually view as a very one-sided approach to showing someone's life and personality. It makes me sickened and sad, even when "well done".

I'm the same.. these shows tend to overdramatize everything. I am sure some people went through real life struggles that nudged them into this direction (including myself) but what I put in my mouth was all me. I hate how many have this victim mentality and "victory through hardship" and all other kinds of drama, not to mention the one sided view of people's personalities and what really is happening (the producers' view that is).

I'm not a victim, and I'm also not a hero for losing weight. I'm simply a person who has let herself go (regardless of the triggers) and decided to get back on track. No overdramatization or glorifying. I don't need to walk into a room full of people clapping for my weight loss accomplishments and hugging me with tears of joy.

Missjulesdid

I love to watch all shows related to obesity. Having been obese since I was 3 years old, it's a subject close to my heart. I enjoy learning more about the causes and effects of our severe obesity and understanding the stories of others. I enjoy supersize vs superskinny, secret eaters, extreme weightloss, my 600 pound life, Fat Doctor, I Used to be Fat, and pretty much any documentary on the subject. It's helped me examine my own obesity, lifestyle, habits, struggles, excuses, etc and yes, gaining this understanding has made a positive impact for me. I especially draw a lot of inspiration when I see people fatter than me really killing it in a workout!

It's so interesting to me how people can be SO different regarding this. The shows really bug me, and upset me. I was overweight starting around age 6 and obese to morbidly obese from about ages 16-36 and I was never in denial about that. But I don't feel like I can relate to many of the stories shared and I am really upset and bothered by what I usually view as a very one-sided approach to showing someone's life and personality. It makes me sickened and sad, even when "well done".

I'm the same.. these shows tend to overdramatize everything. I am sure some people went through real life struggles that nudged them into this direction (including myself) but what I put in my mouth was all me. I hate how many have this victim mentality and "victory through hardship" and all other kinds of drama, not to mention the one sided view of people's personalities and what really is happening (the producers' view that is).

I'm not a victim, and I'm also not a hero for losing weight. I'm simply a person who has let herself go (regardless of the triggers) and decided to get back on track. No overdramatization or glorifying. I don't need to walk into a room full of people clapping for my weight loss accomplishments and hugging me with tears of joy.

I get what you are saying. I used to think I was the same way as you. I just got so fat because I was being lazy and all I needed to do was eat less and move more... yet I was continually making effort and failing. It was like banging my head against a wall. Watching shows like the ones I listed helped me to be HONEST with myself.. Seeing people who were 600 pounds and claiming to only eat a salad and chicken breast was kind of eyeopening because I was a bit in denial about my own diet though on a much smaller scale. Conversely, I was also tempted at times to blame my diet completely and say, OH, I'm just a big fat pig and eat too much because I really like food.. Sorry but, nobody gets to 360 pounds simply because they simply enjoy food and putting the spotlight on others helped me see things in them that I could recognize for the first time in myself. In a way yes, I was admitting that yes I was truly a victim in certain respects but once I was able to really lay everything out for myself, I was able to begin addressing issues.. and oh WOW, I was a like perfect storm of obesity. My super-morbid obesity had many causes: Mental, environmental AND physical but ALL of these were still my responsibility to address. They may not have been all my FAULT, but it was still my responsibility to fix it.

seltzermint555

I love to watch all shows related to obesity. Having been obese since I was 3 years old, it's a subject close to my heart. I enjoy learning more about the causes and effects of our severe obesity and understanding the stories of others. I enjoy supersize vs superskinny, secret eaters, extreme weightloss, my 600 pound life, Fat Doctor, I Used to be Fat, and pretty much any documentary on the subject. It's helped me examine my own obesity, lifestyle, habits, struggles, excuses, etc and yes, gaining this understanding has made a positive impact for me. I especially draw a lot of inspiration when I see people fatter than me really killing it in a workout!

It's so interesting to me how people can be SO different regarding this. The shows really bug me, and upset me. I was overweight starting around age 6 and obese to morbidly obese from about ages 16-36 and I was never in denial about that. But I don't feel like I can relate to many of the stories shared and I am really upset and bothered by what I usually view as a very one-sided approach to showing someone's life and personality. It makes me sickened and sad, even when "well done".

I'm the same.. these shows tend to overdramatize everything. I am sure some people went through real life struggles that nudged them into this direction (including myself) but what I put in my mouth was all me. I hate how many have this victim mentality and "victory through hardship" and all other kinds of drama, not to mention the one sided view of people's personalities and what really is happening (the producers' view that is).

I'm not a victim, and I'm also not a hero for losing weight. I'm simply a person who has let herself go (regardless of the triggers) and decided to get back on track. No overdramatization or glorifying. I don't need to walk into a room full of people clapping for my weight loss accomplishments and hugging me with tears of joy.

I get what you are saying. I used to think I was the same way as you. I just got so fat because I was being lazy and all I needed to do was eat less and move more... yet I was continually making effort and failing. It was like banging my head against a wall. Watching shows like the ones I listed helped me to be HONEST with myself.. Seeing people who were 600 pounds and claiming to only eat a salad and chicken breast was kind of eyeopening because I was a bit in denial about my own diet though on a much smaller scale. Conversely, I was also tempted at times to blame my diet completely and say, OH, I'm just a big fat pig and eat too much because I really like food.. Sorry but, nobody gets to 360 pounds simply because they simply enjoy food and putting the spotlight on others helped me see things in them that I could recognize for the first time in myself. Once I was able to really lay everything out for myself, I was able to begin addressing issues.. and oh WOW, I was a like perfect storm of obesity. My super-morbid obesity had many causes: Mental, environmental AND physical but ALL of these were still my responsibility to address. They may not have been all my FAULT, but it was still my responsibility to fix it.

Your POV here makes total sense, and I do think it made me feel a tiny bit more accepting of these shows (which I mainly feel exploit people and worsen criticism and prejudice re: obesity). At least some good can come of them! That is good to know.

Totally going in a different direction with this next bit...but I think for a lot of people who are overweight or just barely obese, these shows are a way to help them stay in denial. Like "Oh well I am not as fat as the people on this show, so I'm healthy and don't need any changes". I've known a lot of people like that including a few acquaintances & coworkers who do need to lose some weight for health reasons, but are maybe 20-30 lb overweight and like to sit and watch shows like Biggest Loser while eating rich snacks, they find it "funny". Sick.

emmietoby

really HATE all shows of this type... in fact i don't watch any of them for it triggers me that i just don't want to eat at all. think it's so fake !! how many have the money / time to do what they do?? and it's unhealthy . don't remember the show but it was written up in people how one gal lost half her weight in an unhealthy time frame no thank you---not for me!!

bostonlulu

Thanks to all the people who responded with names of shows. There are some I will watch. There was a reality show called "Ruby Gettinger" about a morbidly obese woman who was determined to get healthy. Her struggles were so familiar and some of her strategies were worth borrowing. I got it from my local library.

I like a TV series that is totally absorbing. I forget about eating. I just watched a Danish TV series call Borgen. It's West Wing with a woman leader and without the filters. One of the best TV shows I've ever seen. Waiting to get Season 2 from the library.