Heavy is a new reality show on A&E which premiered on January 17th of this year. The show focuses on people who are desperate to lose weight to attain a healthier lifestyle. Those on the show are not participating in a competition like The Biggest Loser. They are however, sequestered for 30 days in a beautiful resort where they meet with nutritionists, therapists and personal trainers. The show then follows the individuals’ weight loss progression once they return home for the next five months. If they revert back to their old habits and gain weight they are asked to back to the resort for more one on one counseling and training. While they are home, however, they are provided the help of a personal trainer.
On the first episode you meet Jodi and Tom. Jodi is a 37 year old wife and mother who weighs 363 pounds and stands 5’6 feet. Tom is a 37 year old man who weighs 638 pounds and stands 5’9 feet. Jodi suffered a stroke before going on the show due to her obesity and Tom suffered from depression. These brave individuals share their struggles openly as they attempt to lose weight so they can live fuller lives.
I do not care much for reality TV. I normally find that it brings out the worst in those participating on the show. I am not entertained by sickening displays of people treating others poorly. Heavy does not shy away from the struggles and behaviors of their guests. However, the focus is not on the negative. You can see from the personal trainers, therapists, and nutritionists, that they want the best for those on the show. They are fully supportive and try to maintain positive attitudes. Heavy chronicles the weight loss journey of the individuals in a realistic fashion and not for cheap thrills. I only caught one show and it happened to be a repeat of the premiere and I can say I was touched by Jodi and Tom. I was impressed with how far they came by the end of the show.