Bathing-suit season is fast approaching, so what's a couch potato to do? Watch more TV, of course! This season, three network shows continue to address America's obesity problem with drastically different takes on weight. And, while most of you [LIFT readers] aren't couch potatoes, I just had to show you what's on TV and why staying home these days, isn't worth it. While all three shows are motivating, I just don't understand the obsession of watching other people diet and exercise ... watching someone else fix their life, is time you can't get back that was taken from yours. Here's what's on:


Those dieting, watch I Can Make You Thin (TLC)
This hour-long program features motivation speaker Paul McKenna preaching his weight-loss tents to a live studio audience. "When you get hungry, what do you do? Eat! Then eat what you want! And eat consciously! And when you think you're full, stop eating!" The audience yells these tips about five times per show, clapping wildly afterward. Then McKenna brings out people who've lost weight to tell their success stories: it's like Richard Simmons, but without the short-shorts and afro.

Those who want to work out, watch The Biggest Loser (NBC)
You already know how this one goes. Follow teams of obese players as they exercise with insane trainers for up to six hours a day. Contestants drop as much as 17 pounds a week. Some would say that the pleasure of this show lies in the flashbacks to earlier episodes, when you're abruptly reminded of what these people used to look like. After watching the group complete a triathlon of swimming, biking, and running, including climbing up to 40 flights of stairs, you'll want drag your own lazy butt to the gym.

Those who want to feel better about themselves, watch Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp (VH1)
VH1 brings its golden washed-up-celebrity format to weight loss. The show pits two teams of D-list, chubby celebs against each other to see who can slim down the most. It can be mildly amusing (a drill sergeant screaming at a flabby Dustin Diamond) and horribly depressing (a drill sergeant screaming at a pudgy Tina Yothers). The contestants are clearly trying to lose weight so that they can get cast in something other than Celebrity Fit Club.

My suggestion: Get outside, enjoy life ... and you'll never find yourself needing one of these shows, ever!

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