So, I just finished watching the latest episode of “Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition” and I have to say, this episode affected me deeply. I don’t normally feel so affected by shows like this. I mean, I might get a bit creeped out after watching a paranormal type of program or feel so happy for someone who has lost a bunch of weight. But this show was different. It seemed to really strike a chord, so to speak.
If you have not watched this show before here is a brief synopsis. Chris Powell is a fitness expert and he specializes in helping the morbidly obese. He works with the clients on the show for a year to transform their lives. So far, only 6 episodes have aired and I have to say, I am really starting to like this show. It’s a nice change from the competitiveness of Biggest Loser and so far everyone that has been on the show has a different reason for being so obese. (everything from homosexuality, abuse, deaths in the family to food addiction)
Anyway, this particular episode that I watched was about a man who suffers from food addiction. (If you want to watch this episode, please do not read the rest of this paragraph. I would hate to spoil it for you!!) At his first weigh in he weighed 490 lbs. He was a husband and a father who appeared to love both his wife and daughter very much. He also appeared desperate to gain control over his life. The first 3 months went smoothly with him losing 110 lbs. The next 3 months he only lost 20lbs. Then the next 3 months really went downhill. He gained back 60 lbs and became suicidal. This man truly suffered from food addiction and Chris was forced to come to the conclusion that he could not help the man as a trainer anymore. The man needed to check into rehab. This episode ended with the man and Chris checking into a rehab center and Chris leaving him there.
At first I was really annoyed at the lack of closure of this episode. I just hate being left hanging! But after I thought about it I realized that this is not the reason this episode affected me. I was feeling a bit emotional way before the end of the episode. I suppose it could just be the amount of despair this man showed. I really felt horrible for him. He seemed to really want to change his life and be a better husband and father. Then something would happen and he would sneak through a drive through. He would lie to his wife about what he ate. He would lie on video about how he was eating and what he was doing for exercise. Then he stopped all communication with Chris and after a few weeks sent a very ominous e-mail to Chris.
It’s really hard to understand what kind of emotions an addict might go through unless you yourself have been an addict. I have to admit, I don’t understand how a person could let an outside source control their behavior, their lives. I guess I am too much of a control freak. But I have a lot of empathy for people who do suffer from addictions. I have only recently come to understand that one of my grandfathers was an alcoholic. I’m pretty sure that he did not consider himself an addict and I have no idea if my grandmother thought anything about all the alcohol he would drink. But I don’t have too many memories of my grandfather that do not include him drinking and smoking. He always had a drink in hand and a lit cigarette. He never sought help to quit drinking. In fact, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer he actually started smoking and drinking more. It’s like he wanted to die as fast as he could. I loved my grandfather, and it saddened me that he did not want to make any lifestyle changes to be with his family longer.
I can only imagine how difficult it might be for a food addict. It must be just so difficult to overcome being addicted to eating. An act that you have to do in order to survive. My heart goes out to anyone that might be suffering from food addiction.
I have found a few websites that have information about food addiction and other eating disorders. Check them out if you suspect that either you or someone you know might be suffering.
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