Is the New Obsession With “Fat Shows” Helping or Hurting?

On March 7 the Style Network will kick off the second season of “Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back,” a show  that features a group of overweight teens and pre-teens as they struggle not only to lose weight, but to battle their inner demons, and change their lifestyles for the better. The show follows the students during their time at Wellspring Academy, a weight loss boarding school, that provides them with an “intense mind/body curriculum.” The students struggle with their new lifestyle, with being away from their family and friends, and with the real reasons behind their obesity. It’s described as an “inspirational docu-series.”  But these days it’s one among many.

The Biggest Loser. I Used to Be Fat. Heavy. Dance Your Ass Off.

The list of shows surrounding “fat” people and their inspiring lifestyle changes are endless these days. And I don’t mean to disvalue what these people are doing, but I do want to take a minute to question why they are able to. Why are the networks creating these shows? Because they are inspiring? Or is it just good business? The Biggest Loser is a success and suddenly every network has a “fat show.” Suddenly it’s a trend. It’s a way to make a lot of cash with little cost. Read More »


TV Premiere Overload

If fantasy football is a good enough reason for guys to disappear for days on end, then I hereby give you permission to set aside the textbooks and turn off your cell phone for what is going to be the greatest (and most stressful) week of TV all year. It seems like every. freaking. show. on TV is premiering this week. Not sure how you’re going to fit it all in??

Brace yourselves, I’m about to outline the next five days’ worth of what to watch, what to TiVo, and what to skip altogether.  Oh, and all new shows are linked to their previews so you can decide for yourself!

Good luck. And thank god for Hulu. Read More »


Would You Rather…

I don’t know about you, but I’m still coming down from last night’s major TV fest. The Biggest Loser finale (nice belt, Michael), Gaga Glee (loved Kurt’s McQueen shoes), The Hills (even though Spencer didn’t make an appearance), American Idol (OK, I didn’t watch that but I’m sure it was an emotional one)…. it was all too much to handle.

Thank god we’ve got a long weekend coming so I can catch up on sleep/the 16 episodes of Intervention that have been taking up space on my DVR. Well, that and eat, like, 12 hot dogs. Mmmmm.

Before we can get to the holiday weekend, though, we’ve got to get through another “Would You Rather.” And since summer is thisclose, let’s ponder everyone’s biggest summer fear. Read More »


Would You Rather… Engagement Edition

It’s Wednesday so you know what that means: another person has been sent home from The Biggest Loser ranch. And, holy hell, that was some serious drama. What is up with the green team? Why are they so mean? Someone needs to sit them down and force them to watch a Titanic, Notebook and Green Mile marathon until they crack and show some damn emotion. I’m not sure if I hate them or the red team more. Or that nasty brown team from the last couples’ season.

OMG, did I just go on a mega Biggest Loser tangent? Wow. I need help. What I meant to say was that it’s Wednesday which means it’s time for another exciting round of Would You Rather….

So let’s forget about The Biggest Loser for now and think of something a little happier (even if it’s far off in the future for many of us). Give us your vote and share your reasoning in the comments. Happy Hump Day!

Would you rather pee on your guy out of excitement when he proposes OR throw up on him out of excitement when he proposes? Read More »


Holiday Gifts for The Health Freak

Don't know what to get this girl? We'll help you out!

We all have that friend. You know the one who’s all “thanks but no thanks on the holiday cookies – I’m totally cool eating this yummy air.” The one with so much self-discipline she woke up the morning after Halloween, threw her slutty bumble bee costume aside and went for a 7 mile run. The one who is always telling you about the latest workout she is into, health book she is reading or cleanse she is trying.  And, of course, the one who makes you think, “I wish I could be a bit more like her,” as you delve into your giant cookie while watching this week’s episode of the Real Housewives for the FOURTH time.

Yes, we all have that friend and while sometimes you wish you could just give her a big box of cookies for the holidays, there are just a few things she’d appreciate a whole lot more. But what can you get her that will make her happy without packing on the pounds? Try a few of these on for size: Read More »


The CC Weekly Weigh In: Bring On The Reality (TV)!

real housewives_thumb

I know more about these women than I do about our forefathers.

Every Friday I head home from work, tear off my bra, put on my biggest pair of sweatpants, order in Pad Se Ew and settle in for a night of TV. Lame? Maybe. But get back to me after you’re working 60-hour weeks in the real world. Friday nights on the couch are sacred.

Last week, as I fired up the DVR to catch up on all the shows I’d missed from the week, I had a rather enlightening moment. Sorta like an Oprah “aha!” moment, only way more embarrassing. My entire DVR was taken up by reality shows. Top Chef, Project Runway, The Real Housewives, Ace of Cakes… Hell, I even had a little Real World/Road Rules Duel on there.

I looked around to make sure none of my neighbors could see my TV through the windows. I mean, I know I like me some crappy TV, but this was just mortifying. My entire life revolves around watching train wrecks on camera! But maybe it’s not that sad? I mean, everyone loves themselves a little trash now and then, right? Those shows are on for a reason. And some of them are actually really good! Maybe not anything on E!, but we can all learn a thing or two from The Biggest Loser, right?

Right?!?

To make myself feel better about my addiction (and my sad, lame life) I asked the CollegeCandy writers to share their reality TV faves this week. You know you got one, too. Share it in the comments! Read More »


Candy Dish: Star Trek Rocks the Box Office

star-trek-enterpriseSo, Star Trek is cool now?

Spring fashion hits the high seas.

JT and Andy Samberg love moms.

The secrets of The Biggest Loser!

Have you been to a naked party?

Happy 24th, Audrina Partridge!


5 Things We Hate More Than Phil’s Shadow

phil.jpg

So the damn groundhog saw his damn shadow, which means we are in for 6 more glorious weeks of winter. Splendid. WTF, Phil? Why do you hate us so much.

Upon hearing the news we wanted to head to Phil’s hometown and beat the crap out of him (so. sick. of sweaters.), but our therapist (Oprah) always talks about focusing on positive things. So we will.

Instead of hating on Phil – because, afterall, it’s not his fault – we thought we’d make a list of the 5 things and people we currently hate more than Punxatawny Phil. Yay us! We’re so positive! Read More »


Candy Dish: “The People” Choose The Best In Hollywood

bale.jpgThere was an award show last night? (Mmmm Christian Bale.)

Happy Birthday, Elvis!

All the teens in Mississippi are havin’ babies.

Tori Spelling is heading back to 90210. Maybe now we’ll watch.

New iPhone app turns it into a vibrator…

At least we aren’t the only ones who think Lisa Rinna looks freakish.

Drop the overpriced eyeliner, and get this. Now.

Would you give up 10 friends for a Whopper?

The top 10 men women fantasize about.

Is pollution bad for your skin?

Biggest Loser contestant gets mad, throws flour?

(Photo courtesy of Just Jared.)


Candy Dish: A Presidential Lunch Date

lunch.jpg

I had cold pizza for lunch. Alone. Barack Obama’s lunch was a little more exciting.

What does Brad Pitt have to say about Jennifer?

Uh oh. Another Salmonella outbreak…

Why do we love the bad boys?

Obama chooses Chief Performance Officer.

Biggest Loser Michelle is engaged. What? He didn’t love her before she lost all the weight?

Lily Vanderwoodson (Ok, Kelly Rutherford) is headed to Splitsville.

Better get the Nair ready – short shorts are coming!

Isla Fisher looking fantastic on cover of In Style.

Howard Stern vs. Jay Leno: The Battle is On.