'Man v.Food': irresponsible or harmless entertainment?

May 15, 7:08 PMBaltimore Healthy Living ExaminerMila Lowery

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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.