Parents' Guide to

You Are What You Eat

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Tough-talking nutritionist guides healthy changes.

TV BBC America Reality TV 2004
You Are What You Eat 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 4+

Based on 1 parent review

Ronell Linton
Ronell Linton Parent of baby, 5, 9 and 10-year-old
May 12, 2009
age 4+

I enjoy the show It really makes you realize how unhealthy you are. I'm trying to find Jillians recipies

I love the show Jillian is good at what she does! Keep up the good work!!
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In the British lifestyle reality series YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT, overweight people turn to holistic nutritionist Dr. Gillian McKeith for inspiration and guidance in their efforts to kick unhealthy nutrition and exercise habits. In each episode, McKeith reviews the subject's general health history (heart attacks, diabetes, etc.), current eating tendencies, and activity level. She tallies calories, sugar grams, and total saturated fat for extra inspiration, confronting the person with astounding figures of overindulgence and reminding them of the health risks this poses (including high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer). She presents them with strict meal plans and exercise routines for the next eight weeks. After a series of brief updates, the show culminates in a grand unveiling of the subject's new appearance, complete with details on total weight and inches lost. They comment on how the changes have affected their lives and their outlook, and McKeith gets the last word on how well they followed through with her advice.

Is It Any Good?

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

For the subjects, McKeith's information is a staggering dose of reality; some dissolve into tears when they're faced with their own shortcomings. In one episode, she analyzes (although just how closely she doesn't say...) her subject's bodily waste for more complete insights. The deadpan nutritionist isn't affected by the man's discomfort at hearing that his bowel movements are looser, more frequent, or, yes, even more odiferous than those of people with a well-rounded diet.

Bathroom talk aside, You Are What You Eat isn't likely to appeal to tweens. But if they do tune in, follow up with gentle reminders not to poke fun at people's appearances -- even to inspire change, as McKeith is sometimes known to do.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the media's role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. How does the media affect what people choose to eat? Is it the media's responsibility to make sure people see only healthy foods and activities? Do you think someone should be in charge of which foods can be marketed to kids? If so, who? Families can also discuss the general importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. How does poor diet and lack of exercise affect your physical well-being? What are some of the health risks that they pose? How would you describe your own health and lifestyle habits?

TV Details

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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.

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