 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Losing It with Jillian
- NBC
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Family fitness interventions are both positive and gimmicky.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series follows families as they work with celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels (of The Biggest Loser) to lose weight and improve their overall health and wellness. It’s pretty mild, but there's some iffy language (mostly “hell,” “damn,” and “ass,” with occasional stronger curses bleeped). Michaels sometimes uses yelling and threats to "inspire" people to exercise harder -- techniques that might not sit well with everyone. In at least one episode, the death of a parent is discussed.
What's the story?
In LOSING IT WITH JILLIAN, The Biggest Loser star Jillian Michaels applies her trademark “tough love” training regimens to help families who've put their physical health on the back burner. For one week, the celebrity trainer moves in with an American family that's coping with a physical and/or emotional crisis and helps them get their lives back into shape. In addition to providing a new fitness plan, Michaels assists them with removing the clutter from their homes and helps them find ways to encourage positive family dynamics. The trainer leaves each family she helps with a wellness plan and a list of goals that they can continue to work on together.
Is it any good?
Overall, the series uses exercise and weight loss as metaphors for unloading personal burdens, facing new challenges, and improving your life. It also demonstrates ways that exercise can be fun for the whole family. Responsibility and teamwork are also reinforced.
But while the show's messages are positive, they're delivered within the context of a gimmicky "intervention" that serves as a subtle self-promotional vehicle for Michaels. Despite her good intentions, the trainer sometimes comes across as a little patronizing, too. But if you can get past that, Losing It offers some constructive lessons about how health and fitness can improve your outlook on life.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about health and fitness. How does the media impact the way that your family prioritizes health and fitness? Do you think shows like this one will really inspire people to change their lives? Why or why not?
How could you and your family members improve your overall health? What things does and/or can your family do to stay active and healthy?
Parents: Check out our tips and advice about talking to your kids about physical health.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
some swearing, but the big thing is positive messages
some swearing now and then, but it has a lot of good messages about commitment, family and being healthy.
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AGE
A really good show that promotes exercising and a healthy lifestyle
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | NBC |
| Cast: | Jillian Michaels |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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