There are very few plus-size reality TV stars…what gives?
Theres nothing greater than a trashy reality show.
Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
Verywell Mind
Its escapism at its finest, jaw-dropping, attention-grabbing, mindless forms of entertainment that I cant stop watching.
But as much as I love streaming these shows, I cant help but get upset at howunrealisticthey are.
Living in a plus-sized body.
But most reality TV shows portray thin bodiessizes 0 to 4.
(Fun fact: a size 6 isnotplus-sized).
We know how important representation is, especially in the media.
While traditional television and film have slightly improved theirbody diversity representation, reality TV remains in its infancy.
Lack of Body Diversity in Reality TV
There are many subgenres in the reality TV sphere.
Most of the stars from these shows are straight-sized.
Has there been a plus-sized contestant on The Bachelor, Survivor, or other popular reality TV shows?
Of course, but not nearly enough as there should be for accurate representation.
OK, But Why Does Plus-Size Representation Matter?
Seeing yourself representedon-screen helps with self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
And not seeing yourself depicted can createa sense of othernessfor people in larger bodies, she explains.
It’s a those are the beautiful people, and those people aren’t me mentality.
Feeling othered has psychological effects, too.
It’s a those are the beautiful people, and those people aren’t me mentality.
Dr. Goldman explains that we learnempathy and understandingthrough the media messages we take in.
Body Issues and Eating Disorders
Can you develop an eating disorder from just watching reality TV?
Did You Know?
Dr. Goldman adds that individuals who don’t feel represented may believe they’re not worthy enough.
Since it was about dating and being plus-sized, I also was happy that it wasn’t weight loss-focused.
I stayed true to myself and I’ve been told that’s pretty rare for a reality show.
So, how do we get more?
Well, it starts with production and casting.
I think this is because the writers, directors, producers, etc.
don’t think it’s what the general public wants to see, Dr. Goldman says.
Servance agrees, adding that networks need to let go of their archaic casting choices.
We want to be seen!
It won’t hurt to change the narrative around how these shows are cast.
It’s not enough to just cast plus-size people on reality TV.
Networks also need to create environments where larger bodies don’t feel ostracized and bothered.
There are too many reality TV shows where the only plus-size person feels isolated and unattractive in their body.
Casting more plus-size people is just one step towards making reality TV more diverse.
And seeing yourself negatively depicted on-screenor, in worst cases, not at allaffects your mental health and well-being.
And who doesn’t want to hear that?
Body diversity in reality TV also helps audiences unlearn preconceived thoughts about weight and body shame.
Seeing more body diversity can break weight stigma and body shaming, Dr. Goldman explains.
And breaking the stigma of being plus-sized has so many mental benefits for both plus-size people and non.
There’s no reason why we don’t see larger bodies on screen.
Just like race, gender, and sexuality, body diversity is needed, too.
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