Parents' Guide to

Losing It with Jillian

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Family fitness interventions are both positive and gimmicky.

TV NBC Reality TV 2010
Losing It with Jillian Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

garfield2711
garfield2711 Adult
June 25, 2010
age 9+

A really good show that promotes exercising and a healthy lifestyle

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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.

TV Details

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