Addicted to Food

Review

Common Sense Media says

Rehab show is voyeuristic and deals with mature topics.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this voyeuristic rehab series features adult food addicts in emotional struggles to recover from eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. Subjects like homosexuality, sexual intimacy, suicide, and drug use are discussed within this therapeutic context. These conversations are too mature for younger viewers, but it might be helpful to watch with older teens and discuss some of these issues. Some occasional arguing and language (“pissed,” “hell”; stronger words bleeped) pops up.

  • Positive messages3
    The series underscores the importance of getting a handle of food addictions in all its forms in order to be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. Mantras and prayers from 12-step programs are part of the therapeutic process.
  • Positive role models1
    The founders of Shades of Hope are recovering addicts, and use their personal experiences to help others. Some clients are actual therapists who do not have a handle on their own addiction.
  • Violence2
    Some mild arguing. Some of the addicts discuss wanting to commit suicide.
  • Sex2
    Some addicts discuss how they use food to cope with their lack of intimacy. Homosexuality is also discussed.
  • Language3
    Words like "pissed" are audible. Occasional curses like and "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped.
  • Consumerism2
    The show is a promotional vehicle for the Shades of Hope treatment center.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking2
    Therapists discuss how they “detox” clients from food. Smoking, drinking, illegal drugs are not permitted at the center. Some addicts describe using laxatives to purge after eating.
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What's the story?

ADDICTED TO FOOD features people with eating disorders undergoing treatment at the Shades of Hope treatment facility in Buffalo Gap, Texas. The program, which was founded by therapist and recovering addict Tennie McCarty, is designed to help people with all variations of food addictions ranging from anorexia to compulsive overeating. With the help of her daughters Kim and Karen, who are also recovering addicts, and daughter-in-law Camela Balcomb, McCarty works with people to help them address the core problems in their lives that are fueling their addictions, and to find new ways of looking at food.

Is it any good?

 

The series highlights some of the issues surrounding eating disorders of all kinds, including using food as a remedy for coping with life issues. It also offers explanations for the various therapeutic techniques that the program uses to help its clients.

Like most rehab-oriented reality shows, Addicted to Food is pretty voyeuristic. It's full of scenes where cast members share uncomfortably personal moments or argue with counselors and with each other. But it also offers some limited information about health, nutrition, and food consumption habits that some viewers may find helpful.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about food addictions. What do you know about eating disorders? What are the connections between a person’s body image and his/her relationship with food? How can the media contribute to someone’s food addiction?

  • Why do people agree to be on TV shows like this? Are they getting something out of it? Do you think being on TV can hurt or help someone's recovery process?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:OWN
Cast:Karen McCarty, Kim McCarty, Tennie McCarty
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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