In the article, “Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back: The Atkins Method of Acting,” by Caryn James, she describes how dramatic weight changes has become a selling point in the media through commercials, television reality shows, and big screen movies. The article glamorizes actors and actresses who have altered their body size to play a movie role. Extreme weight loss and weight gain seems to be a popular form of stunt acting. Movie stars are receiving awards for gaining or losing large amounts of weight to make their character appear more realistic. It is also pointed out in the article, that when viewers see individuals on screen with their frequent weight changes it gives them the notion that they too should have the control of their own bodies shape and size.
The problem of weight is prevalent in today’s society. It is hard to escape all the “hype” surrounding it; everyone seems to be looking for the perfect diet. Our mindsets are conditioned to think….thin is beautiful, when in actuality, we should think….healthy is beautiful. When actors loose or gain weight for movie roles, they are recognized for delivering a powerful performance. Realistically, this portrays a false sense of achievement. Up and down weight loss/gain can actually be harmful and unhealthy to a person’s body. For the average person, maintaining a healthy weight is a constant battle. Movie stars do not have the average person’s typical life. It is uncommon for most people to have the luxury of a personal chef or trainer. So what’s left? We continue to actively participate in the battle to loose weight or simply plop on the couch, with a bag of chips, while watching reality stars loose theirs.
