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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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 POP CULTURE 
15

Why We Love Fat TV

Zaftig reality stars make us feel better about our bulging waistlines: Dumenco

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(Newser) – America's obsession with "fattertainment" has become a form of catharsis for an obese nation, Simon Dumenco writes for GQ. Shows like The Biggest Loser and Dance Your Ass Off were at least ostensibly about getting their contestants in shape. But on More to Love, “the participants aren't even trying to lose weight,” writes Simon Dumenco. “Face it: These shows traffic in human suffering."

The humiliated fatty was once a comedy niche, “but with 4 million Americans tipping the scales at 300 pounds or more, it's ballooned into a growth industry.” The media benefit too, racking up big ratings for stories about 1,000-pounders who have to be airlifted into surgery. "If we Americans hate ourselves for being fat," Dumenco writes, "maybe we long to see someone humiliated for our collective sins."

A screenshot of contestants from 'More to Love.'
A screenshot of contestants from 'More to Love.'   (Fox)
In this photo released by Fox, Luke, center, will look for love in the new series
In this photo released by Fox, Luke, center, will look for love in the new series "More To Love" on FOX.   (AP Photo/Fox,Sarah Kehoe)
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Face it: These shows traffic in human suffering—which means watching them is either exploitative or cathartic, depending on how tightly those Dockers hug your tummy. - Simon Dumenco, GQ

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15 comments
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polstroad
Sep 27, 09 2:41 PM CDT
Give me hot, hard young bodies anytime...keep; the overweight for late night. Reply
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+1
IN RESPONSE:
Collusive
Sep 27, 09 6:23 PM CDT
Fat is only good for making soap. Am I right Tyler Durden?
Vote up! Vote down!
+5
IN RESPONSE:
riffran
Sep 28, 09 12:45 AM CDT
FIGHT CLUB!!!!!!!...Damn..... Norton and Pitt were brilliant in that flick
Vote up! Vote down!
-1
Rocket448
Sep 27, 09 3:06 PM CDT
This story is about over-thinking something. Let's admit it: Americans have ALWAYS loved the side-show, and that's all this is about, I think. I'd never go to the sideshow, but I think a certain sort would go just to be grossed out. Reply
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+4
spdavid
Sep 27, 09 3:52 PM CDT
This fad will last until exactly one second after an overweight person dies on one of these shows from either over excursion or stress.I especially fault The Biggest Loser for sending a very dangerous message.And they all either send a message of "lose weight at all costs and risks" or "it's just fine and dandy to be obese". Reply
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+2

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