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Ruby

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Ruby Gettinger, Where to watch: Style Network, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Reality weight-loss chronicle is honest, personal.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The show's focus is on losing weight for health reasons rather than appearance. It offers an honest look at the lifestyle changes necessary to lose weight, and shows how difficult it is to make those changes. It also examines the way that society in general treats overweight people. The cast is primarily Caucasian; Ruby's trainer is African American.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Occasional mild arguing between Ruby and her friends.

  • Sex:

    Kissing and hugging are frequent, but they're rarely presented within the context of romance and relationships. Ruby briefly talks about her inability to feel sexy and her desire to have a healthy sexual relationship someday. Potential for discussion about sexual trauma.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Logos promoting Hour Glass Health and Fitness, 24-Hour Fitness, and a few other commercial establishments are sometimes visible. Ruby's trainer is well-known fitness guru Reese Brown.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Alcohol is very occasionally visible at social gatherings.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ruby

Parents need to know that this reality series chronicles the weight-loss struggle of a morbidly obese woman who's trying to become physically and emotionally healthier. It highlights the need to eat nutritiously, exercise, and identify the emotional factors that lead to weight gain while also looking at the challenges that overweight people face in their daily lives. Some of the conversations about relationships and the emotional issues brought up during therapy sessions may be too much for younger tweens, and parents may want to remind weight-conscious kids that no weight-loss plan should be started without consulting a medical professional.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why people choose to feature their personal problems and/or struggles on reality shows. Why do you think Ruby decided to discuss her battle with obesity in such a public forum? Do you think it will help or hurt her chances of being successful? Families can also discuss health and body image. Does being healthy mean you have to be thin? Parents, check out our tips for talking to your kids about their physical health and its relationship to the media.
Tools and tips that can help

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  1. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    hsm3
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    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
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    great show i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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