Health and Weight

In many forms of media such as television, film and even in traditional media i.e. newspapers and magazines, there often is shown the factor of health and weight loss.

Some aspects of presenting information on health and weight include the outlining of concerns in this particular topic. I have seen the documentaries ‘The Truth About Size 0’ and ‘Supersize Me’ which contrast each other as one highlights the issues of extreme dieting whilst the other outlines the negative impacts of fast food consumption. Shocking results and other statistics are shown to reach their message out to its audience. This is also shown in television shows such as ‘The Biggest Loser’ where they emphasise the concerns of obesity and aim to inspire audiences and contestants to be healthy by exercising and eating healthy.

Below is the trailer for 'Supersize Me' for you to get an understanding on documentaries that argue about the topic of health and weight. 

Another aspect of representation is shown in magazines where its readers write anecdotes on their weight loss improvements and past concerns. This is similar in television shows such as ‘The Biggest Loser’, as I have mentioned above, because contestants share their own personal story on how their weight has affected them and their families. To many sympathetic and maybe even empathetic readers, these stories inspire them or can relate to their personal life.

Many people commonly know celebrities as their icons therefore articles on celebrity diets and weight loss improvements can be found in popular cultural texts such as magazines. This may also be mentioned in the front cover due to the high ratings for this topic. These articles aim to inspire but most importantly aim to grab their audience’s attention.

When it comes to advertisements, mainly health products such as protein snacks are advertised in men’s health magazines. However, in television there are many ads on healthy foods and recipes, exercising equipment and exercise/training DVDs that dramatise the act if an individual does consume the food. e.g. The Kellogg's Nutri-grain ad below is an example where it tells the viewer, targeting male teenagers, that if the product is consumed as part of their morning routine they will become more muscular, active and fit when they are an adult. I always find these advertisements on popular television channels and I even noticed that it links with the television program that is occurring at the time. Usually the television program is on weight loss, health and other similar topics.

- Jessica