Extreme Weight Loss
Weight-loss reality show is compassionate, noncompetitive.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this weight-loss series, in which morbidly obese people struggle to lose a large amount of weight in one year, has positive messages about the importance of being healthy and exercising, but it sometimes suggests that you need to be skinny to have good self-esteem. The content is pretty family friendly, but weight-loss clients are often shown in bras or shirtless during weigh-ins and doctor visits. Occasionally food labels (Quaker, Cool Whip, Pillsbury) are visible.
Community Reviews
Children Can Count Calories
Report this review
What's the Story?
EXTREME MAKEOVER: WEIGHT-LOSS EDITION follows people's year-long transformational weight-loss journeys. Each episode follows trainer Chris Powell as he works with a morbidly obese person who wants to shed extra pounds and change his or her life. After a one-week boot camp designed to teach weight-loss clients new exercise and eating habits, Powell moves into their home to help with the first three months of weight loss. To motivate clients to stick to their strict diet and workout goals, Powell offers them incentives like in-home gyms, trips to Europe, and skin removal surgery in exchange for meeting their target goal weight. After the 90 days are up, he leaves them to continue their transformation on their own, checking in at the end of every three-month phase to weigh them and establish new goals. The end of each client's transformation year is celebrated with a big reveal, where his or her total amount of pounds lost is announced, and the client showcases his or her new, skinnier look.
Is It Any Good?
This series stays in stride with the dramatic but family-friendly stories about transformation and happiness that the Extreme Makeover franchise is known for by offering positive messages about losing weight to get healthy and develop better self-esteem. Powell is also a positive role model, offering compassionate -- but firm -- guidance about what needs to be done to lose weight.
Like many other weight-loss programs, the show focuses on losing pounds without discussing factors like gaining muscle mass and the dangers that come with over training. It also fails to address some of the physiological and emotional barriers to losing weight. Nonetheless, viewers may find themselves inspired by the people featured here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about weight and weight-loss shows. What messages does the media send about what people should weigh and how they should look?
Why do you think people choose to have their weight-loss journeys featured on reality shows? How do these shows contribute to girls' body image issues? Do these shows have the same impact on boys?
What's the best way to lose weight? Should weight loss be achieved quickly or over a long period of time? Why? What are some of the positive consequences of losing lots of weight? Are there any negative consequences?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 30, 2011
- Cast: Chris Powell
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 11, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Biggest Loser
Extreme dieting, Survivor-style; tweens and up.
-
One Big Happy Family
Strong family works together to solve their weight problem.
-
Ruby
Reality weight-loss chronicle is honest, personal.
For kids who love reality television
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate