Have you seen the new show on TLC called Freaky Eaters? It’s reality program that stages “food interventions” with people who the hosts say have food addictions and obsessions — including men and women who want to eat burgers, fries or pizza all day. The series premiered on September 5 and is based on a British show of the same name.
Each week the two hosts – psychotherapist Dr. Mike Dow and holistic nutritionist to the stars J.J. Virgin - sweep in to try and fix the freakiness. They say they’re helping these individuals “confront the painful truth behind the food obsession and come face to face with the destructive side effects of their addictions.”
Just so dramatic! Maybe these folks are just extremely picky eaters and need to get out of a rut. Maybe they do need to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. But are these truly addictions? Is this show really going to help them..and be of any real value to the audience?
I’m not quite so sure.
I wrote about the new series for MSNBC.com. See the full story here.
The British version of Freaky Eaters seems to be a frequent topic that UK comedian Harry Hill pokes fun at. Take a look at his reaction to an episode:
As a registered dietitian, I’m conflicted about reality shows like this. Maybe some of these people do have eating disorders that need more help than what they’ll get in front of a camera. Perhaps ongoing sessions with a therapist or a registered dietitian who specializes in disordered eating would be more beneficial.
By the end of the show, are the freaky eaters suddenly reformed? Are we better off by watching?
What do you think?
Here’s what others have said about Freaky Eaters
CNN Health
LA Times
Seattle PI
Have you seen it yet?
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I have avoided watching shows like this because I really don’t like reality shows in general but as an RD I do realize we need to be aware of the way nutritiion advice is given, even when done poorly. If someone watching this show has some self realization that they might have an unusual eating pattern and they need the assistance of a counselor or an RD, that can be positive but just to make fun of folks for the way they eat is just overall unhealthy too. It is almost like bullying. Thanks for including the clips in your blog to make it easy to check out this show.
I’ve hosted seminars where films of people engaging in disordered eating behavior are part of the presentation. To me it is more interesting watching the reaction of discomfort in an audience of eating experts. When food talk is “detached” and academic, they’re in. When they have to confront what’s really going on…it evokes real, raw, uncomfortable emotion.
It can feel freaky to see what real people do with food, because it can hit close to home. If it freaks you out, there’s a strong chance it’s making you aware of an issue that you, yourself, have with food. Degrees and blogs don’t make us immune to having those issues with food–in fact, it’s what drew many of us into the profession in the first place. Myself included.
If it allows people who normally would be ashamed of what they do with food to open a dialogue, and it challenges those who purport to be experts to deal with their own food issues and therefore be better helpers…I say go for it. Everyone is better for an experience that reduces stigma and encourages authenticity on both sides.
Monika,
I think you’ve misunderstood my freaked out response. I’m just conflicted over reality shows like this. Do we really want a TV host to label someone as a freaky eater? And is their TV “therapy” really beneficial? I thought some of the treatments were wackier than the so-called disorders that were labeled as addictions and obsessions.
I agree that it’s good to open a dialogue and to encourage people who need help to get it. It certainly may help to learn from others. But is this really the best forum? It’s almost game show like.
Not sure how authentic any of it really is.
Janet,
Due respect, I don’t think I misinterpreted at all. We ALL have issues with food, and we find comfort zones to shield ourselves from considering they are issues. As I said, myself included. Sometimes that comfort zone is a degree in nutrition and a credential as a registered dietitian. Anyone who works in our field who claims NOT to have some kind of food issue…likely is not being honest with himself or herself. It goes with the territory.
Ya gotta admit, something about the show interested you enough to even take the time to tune in and write about it. I couldn’t even tell you what channel it is on. My issues with food come up in other ways…they’re there, trust me, just not HERE.
There are many paths to the same destination of healing. I wouldn’t seek my help in a public venue, but I know people who have and who have benefitted. I can’t criticize it, if it’s potentially helping someone and it’s providing an important service. If it bothers ME, I can always turn off the channel. If there are enough people that it helps, the show will persist. If there are not, there will not be enough viewership to attract enough advertising dollars and the show will fade into darkness.
I for one will be fascinated to see what direction this show takes. If it succeeds, and a large portion of our profession worked too hard to invalidate it…we stand to invalidate our own credibility. If it fails, then my bad. You can remind me in a future blog post.
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