Should I Delete That? Fat suits, food tubes and public shaming: how TV shaped our body image
Jan 27, 2025
Colette Foster, Founder and Creative Director of Full Fat TV, delves into the controversial impact of early 2000s television on body image. She reminisces about the ruthless nature of shows like 'Super Size vs Super Skinny,' shedding light on their exploitative formats and the perpetuation of fatphobia. The conversation explores how these media narratives affected society's self-perception, particularly for women. Colette emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards embracing body diversity and fostering empathetic discussions around body image.
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Postpartum Pressure
- Chris Evans asked Victoria Beckham to step on a scale after giving birth.
- This act epitomizes the pressure on women to conform to pre-baby body standards.
Exploiting Insecurities
- Noughties TV shows exploited societal fatphobia and fascination with those who didn't meet beauty standards.
- These shows, like "Fat Families" and "How to Look Good Naked," were incredibly popular, attracting millions of viewers.
Motivations for Reality TV
- Some reality TV show applicants sought advice while others were nominated by peers.
- The motivations were complex, ranging from seeking help to desiring fame or financial incentives.
