The previous post talked about all the weight-loss reality shows that have cropped up to help inspire people to shed pounds. At the other end of the spectrum is "Man v. Food," which airs on the Travel Channel.
The show's host Adam Richman seeks out "America's greatest pigout spots." As he travels the country, he takes on various eating challenges — from an 11-pound pizza to a 17-ounce steak to a 5-pound burger and a pound of fries.
But is Richman setting a bad example at a time when more than half of Americans are overweight or obese? He addressed this question in an interview with Andrew Zimmern (host of "Bizarre Foods") posted on the show's Web site:
Q: "The obesity epidemic is a serious issue -- not just in the United States, but globally. Some people might say that you eat some of the unhealthiest food known to man. Do you feel the concept is at all irresponsible and does that topic ever come up in your pre-production meetings?"
A: "Great question. I always like to make this clear when given the opportunity. Neither I nor Travel Channel espouses eating like this on a regular basis. That would be ridiculous. There is a difference between crazy moments of devil-may-care munching, and abject gluttony. I think conveying that one should make a diet of bacon cheeseburgers and fried chicken would be HIGHLY irresponsible and at no point do we, nor WILL we do that.
As a man who has had to address weight issues for a significant period of his life, it is naturally at the forefront of my thoughts during production. I REGULARLY get my cholesterol, liver enzymes, blood lipids checked when not on the road or when I return from a three-city sweep. During shooting, on non-challenge days, I generally only eat enough for us to get the shots we need. We shoot too many shows back-to-back to go hog wild. Additionally, I always stay at hotels with gyms so I am able to work out every day. When I am back at home, I work out with a physical trainer and eat a healthy, balanced diet."
Still, one has to wonder about the toll that eating this way on a regular basis takes on his health. It's good that he gets regular checkups and works out, but is it enough to offset potential health issues? Only time will tell.
On another note, is this entertainment? Do people enjoy watching someone inhale pounds of greasy food in minutes? Is it fascinating in a "can't turn away from a car wreck" kind of way? Are viewers inspired to visit these dining spots and try the challenges themselves? Weigh in by leaving a comment or sending an e-mail to healthylivingexaminer@gmail.com.
Comments
Get real, this is just fun entertainment. People need to stop thinking that just because it is on television people will do it. If that is the case then why not just do away with tv entirely. I would like to think that people are a bit more intelligent than that. And quite frankly if they are not I think there is a bigger issue at stake than some harmless tv show.
I love watching man vs. food! Being a middle aged woman means I'm constantly dieting. It's a struggle. Adams show gives my food cravings an outlet. :) I say go Adam Richman!
To me it is all about individual choices that a person makes in his or her daily life that matters most. Everyone should have sense enough to know that too many foods high in fat, cholestoral, etc, consumed on a daily basis could lead to health problems down the road. If they still decide to do so, it's their right. We don't need the health police alreted to our whereabouts 24/7. I was fortunate enough to visit Quaker Steak and Lube in Pittsburgh after watching Adam conquer the suicide wing challenge. Although I didn't take on this challenge, I did partake of some awesome garlic wings and cheese fries. I say kudos to Adam and The Travel Channel to help uncover these historic and iconic dining establishments this country has to offer. Let's Eat!
I definitely find Adam and the show entertaining. I don't feel like the show promotes any sort of gluttony, it's all in how you perceive it. I think most people realize that in order to complete some of these food challenges he has to limit his food intake prior to that, so it's not like he's shoving massive burgers into his face every single day. And he said it himself, he doesn't eat much more than what you see on camera.
In any case, it's made me want to give a few of these challenges a go and I found a website that lists a bunch of them over at ibetyouwont.com , but now in your eyes is that website promoting gluttony and obesity? I would say no, because people can make their own decisions and shouldn't let a website or a TV show make them for them.
I Love this show!! At a time when there is so much smut on Tv , our family of five enjoys watching this show together. We have even traveled to Columbus Oh and ate at the Thurman Cafe where Adam and Man vs Food did a show from last year. It is great entertainment and we LOVE it.
I love watching Man vs. Food! I really think it's silly people complaining about the show promoting gluttony. What about all those other shows with super skinny women? I guess I should just go starve myself now.
this is good clean entertainment! Irresponsible? come on, we need to be accountable for ourselves, watching a TV show isn't going to make someone over weight. My kids are enjoying this instead of the real irresponsible filth out there. My family wants to sample some of the food but not the huge challenges! Go Adam!
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