I finally did it. I finally succumbed to the curiosity and flipped my cable box, albeit momentarily, to Fox the other night to catch a glimpse of their new reality series, “More to Love”. 

The promotional spots for the show, which features plus-sized gals vying for the affections of one somewhat-chubby-but-loveable 25-year-old real estate developer, tout it as the first reality series to feature ‘real women’, i.e., women who aren’t a size 2. 

I am utterly torn in my outrage over this. 

I am all for the heavier, more realistically-sized women to have their moment in the spotlight.  For the most part, on average, women in this country do tend to have some extra weight or otherwise don’t fit the supermodel category.  It’s nice to see a representation of that in mainstream entertainment.   

However. 

These women are medically obese, which is not the greatest thing for one’s overall health.  While the show does well to spotlight the other characteristics (aside from body) that make each of us who we are, the show fails to address any sort of lifestyle change that might enable these women to get out of this overweight lifestyle. 

Dinner dates are extravagant, with each in attendance rather vocally sharing their relief in being able to ‘eat whatever they want’ while on the show.  While it’s a nice, warm fuzzy feeling to indulge and, for once, not care about the effects, I can’t help but feel it’s the show’s responsibility to provide healthier options for these folks.  The show is sending the message that, should you find yourself overweight, it’s perfectly alright.  

Don’t get me wrong, here, as I tread very carefully into enemy territory (as I struggle to hold on to my pedestal so that a heavy wind doesn’t knock my 100-lb frame from it).  I am not implying that being overweight is bad or socially unacceptable for vanity’s sake.  I wish to point out that obesity is on the top of the list for health dangers and mortality, and while we should embrace those around us for who they are rather than what they look like, I find it socially irresponsible to encourage obesity in such a manner.  These women may find true love on this show, but how long can it last if you’re destined to suffer from heart failure or other weight-related illnesses?   

I’d simply like to see the show’s producers introduce healthy activities and habits.  For example, instead of a group ‘date’ taking place on a yacht and featuring a steak dinner, how about arranging a night of calorie-busting salsa dancing with a lighter, healthier meal? 

Now, onto my real beef (pardon the pun) with this show. 

I weigh in at a whopping 103 lbs currently.  I have been petite throughout my life, inheriting an obscenely high metabolism from my father’s genes.  I am constantly suspected of having eating disorders or body issues due to my tiny frame, always having to prove my eating habits to those around me.  Even my primary care physician isn’t sure if she believes me (for those who have met my father, you can appreciate the wonder of the genetic crapshoot). 

So….that being said….am I not a ‘real woman’? Am I faking it? Is there ‘less’ of me to love because of my weight?   

I’ve always considered myself to be an average woman.  Nowadays, however, I’m left to question my womanhood as Hollywood, in a random attempt to prove its empathy with the everyday person, has suddenly told me that the world hates the thinnies like me.  I am flawed because I lack physical substance.  I am flawed, and apparently unworthy of love, because I take care of my body and exercise regularly.   

Ok, I’m calming down now (or maybe that’s just the hunger pains)…but before I head out to nourish my not-so-real self, I’ve got one last issue to point out regarding “More to Love” – I’d hate to think that if I should end up gaining, say, forty pounds, I’d be stuck trying to chase after the fat single men.  Granted, in reality, it’s probably the case, but I don’t see the point in making the assumption that because you’re fat, you’re attracted to fat.  Oh well, that could just be me. 

Damn, who’s hungry?

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