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.

And if that is the case, is this an exploitation of these people? Is it wrong to put these people on TV and have them share their deepest feelings, address their hardest issues, face their biggest challenges surrounded by cameras? Is this taking reality TV too far? Or did they know exactly what they were getting into when they signed on? They get healthy and the network gets rich. Is it an even exchange or is this new franchise a bit too much?

It’s an issue without a clear answer, similar to the controversy surrounding fashion magazines’ recent obsession with plus size models. Suddenly every magazine felt the need to do a spread on plus size models in order to better relate to their readers, to the everyday woman. But were they really? And what about the plus size models? Were they being exploited? Used as a cheap campaign trick to make women feel like every shape and size was being represented in their magazine, when really they were only being further marginalized? Or was it a good thing that women were able to see more plus size models in magazines, whatever the reason?

These are tough questions and there’s no clear cut answer for them, and like it or not these shows will continue on until people stop watching. What do you think, ladies? Are these shows hurting more than they are helping? Or regardless of the reasons behind them are they a good thing because they are actually helping to change lives?

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.

Monday, September 20

8:00

Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
Is it even possible not to watch this season’s train wreck assembly of contestants foxtrot their way to faux-fame?  TiVo so you can skip the commercials!
House (Fox)
Chuck (NBC)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
If you’re like me and have been going through Barney Stinson withdrawal through the whole, long summer then be sure to watch HIMYM live.

8:30

Rules of Engagement (CBS)

9:00

Lone Star (Fox) New Show (and uber hottie) Alert!
The Event (NBC) New Show Alert!
Looks like this is going to be the new trendy conspiracy show of the season.  Watch it live so you’re up on all the plot twists in case everyone’s talking about this one come Tuesday.
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Charlie Sheen, go home.  Skip this one, in the name of wife-beaters everywhere!

9:30

Mike & Molly (CBS) New Show Alert!

10:00

Castle (ABC)
Chase (NBC) New Show Alert!
If you like cop dramas and girl power, hit record on this new show featuring a badass assortment of U.S. Marshals…and Jesse Metcalfe.
Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) New Show Alert!

Tuesday, September 21

8:00

Glee (Fox)
If you don’t watch this one live, I can’t even speak to you.  Grab a big bowl of popcorn and get ready to sing your heart out.  Glee’s back!!
The Biggest Loser (NBC)
NCIS (CBS)

9:00

Raising Hope (Fox) New Show Alert!
There’s a cute baby, so isn’t that an instant reason to TiVo?
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)

9:30

Running Wilde (Fox) New Show Alert!
Since I love Keri Russell, I want to like this show.  But it looks a little stupid.  Set to record and watch it when you’re bored/hungover.

10:00

Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC) New Show Alert!
It’s about time for a cop show outside of NY/Miami/LA. And who needs cops more than Detroit? This is the perfect option to fill the void left by the original Law and Order. <Moment of silence>

Wednesday, September 22

8:00

Hell’s Kitchen (Fox)
The Middle (ABC)
Undercovers (NBC) New Show Alert!
Seemingly normal couple revert back to their previous lifestyle as undercover agents.  They then coin the term “sexspionage”.  Eh, I’d watch it.

8:30

Better With You (ABC) New Show Alert!
TiVo because the mom from That 70s Show has finally found a new home on TV!

9:00

Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Criminal Minds (CBS)
Modern Family (ABC)
Yes, yes, yes.  I know, it’s brilliant and funny.  Watch it live for sure.

9:30

Cougar Town (ABC)
Totally underrated. Yeah, I said it. Plus, Jennifer Aniston is guest starring. Record it for those mid-afternoon breaks when the only thing on TV is old episodes of Gilmore Girls…which you’ve already seen 3 times.

10:00

The Whole Truth (ABC) New Show Alert!
The Defenders (CBS) New Show Alert!

Thursday, September 23

8:00

My Generation (ABC) New Show Alert!
This one looks like it could either be really great or really horrible.  Set it to record and make up your mind later.
Bones (Fox)
Community (NBC)
It’s baaaaack!  One to watch live, for sure.
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

8:30

30 Rock (NBC)
S#*! My Dad Says (CBS) New Show Alert!
I for one am totally dying to know what kind of S#*! is going to go down on this sure-to-be-hysterical show.  If you loved the original Twitter account of the same name, this is one to record.

9:00

Fringe (Fox)
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
With last season’s crazy finale, do you really want to take your chances on the TiVo malfunctioning and not watch the new Grey’s live?  Or worse, saving it for later and having it all ruined for you by your status-happy girlfriend? Get real.
The Office (NBC)
CSI (CBS)

9:30

Outsourced (NBC) New Show Alert!

10:00

Private Practice (ABC)
The Mentalist (CBS)

Friday, September 24

8:00

Smallville (CW)
Medium (CBS)

9:00

The Good Guys (Fox)
Supernatural (CW)
Dateline (NBC)
CSI: NY (CBS)

10:00

20/20 (ABC)
Blue Bloods (CBS) New Show Alert!
Tom Selleck, for the win.  If you’ve got nothing else to do than marvel at a glorious mustache and take in yet another cop drama, then by all means.  But really, I’d advise just leaving a little earlier for the frat parties.  Nothing you need to see here.

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.

Would you rather have Aunt Flo come for a surprise visit while you’re donning your hottest, tightest, cutest brand new white jeans at the family BBQ OR have her show up when your long distance boyfriend comes to visit for the first weekend in months?

Things to consider: Seventeen magazine-style embarrassing moment, a major stain on your brand new jeans, much-needed nookie.

Chew on this one (OK, considering the topic, that’s a pretty gross phrase to use….), vote and tell us why below!

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?

Things to consider: if you ate asparagus for lunch, potential engagement photos, the kiss.

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:

A Blueprint Cleanse: This 1-5 day cleanse comes in 3 different levels so it’s great for the friend who always talks about wanting to try one or the health freak who cleanses 3 times a year. I tried this and LOVED how it made me feel. A great gift to give to your health-freak friends who would totally love the idea of a post holiday cleanse. (It’s not cheap, so consider getting a group of friends together for this one.)

Master Your Metabolism: From our pal Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser, this book breaks down what we are doing wrong and how to fix it so we can stay fit, healthy and feeling great. Jillian knows it all so even health freaks can learn something new from this jam-packed book of information.

Daily Food Diary: This unique little black book will help her keep track of all the grabs here, handfuls there and healthy meals so she can stay on track with that healthy eating.

Thumbhole half-zip hoodie: She’s gonna need something warm to wear post-workout or on that 3-mile run. This adorable hoodie will keep her hands warm but fingers accessible (for finding more Miley on her iPod). And it’s just plain cute. She could wear it anywhere.

Exhale Core Fusion DVDs: Core Fusion is my most favorite workout ever. I don’t know how it works, but my butt burns for days (yes, DAYS) after. The classes get pretty pricey, but now everyone can do it from the comfort of their own dorm room. Awesome. You can get the total pack, but if that’s out of your price rage you can get each DVD for $15 a pop. (And if you’re only getting one, I’d go with body sculpt.)

Fitted Low-rise Yoga Pant: Everyone needs a pair of yoga pants. This particular pair is adorable at an even more adorable price.

Nike Weighted Jump Rope: The best way to get a cardio workout in without having to walk to the gym when its -20 degrees (I’m talking to you, University of Wisconsin).

Nike Running Arm Wallet/Phone Case:  The perfect arm accessory (armcessory?) for any girl who is addicted to both running and her Blackberry.

Yoga mat bag and gym bag: Whether she’s into yoga or the gym these two bags are ADORABLE and fuctional. And let’s be real:  I’ve never met a girl who doesn’t love Lululemon!

Lululemon Slipless Headband: It’s The best workout head band EVER.

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!

Norah – Drake University: I’m obsessed with cake shows. I can’t deal with the drama of other reality shows, but I like to watch people make pretty cakes that look impossible to eat.

Brithny – Duke: So You Think You Can Dance, because of the amazing… dancing. Obvi.

Kim – Stanford: Life would be a little less complete without SAY YES TO THE DRESS on TLC. Who doesn’t love weddddings?!

Lauren H – The New School: Top Chef! I’m a big food nerd, so I watch a lot of the food-based contest shows, but Top Chef is by far the best. The only downside is I’m always hungry after!

Caitlin – University of Alabama: I love E!’s reality shows like Girls Next Door, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami.  UGH but those Lamas…that’s 30 minutes of my life I’ll never get back!

Charlsie – Hollins University: Keeping Up With The Kardashians is my favorite reality show because when Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney get into fights they refer to each other as “stupid bitch ass whores.” If it wasn’t for this show, my sister and I would have boring arguments. The Kardashians keep us fresh with insults and put-downs!

Laura – St. John’s: Rock of Love.  I never tire of the varying extremes of trampy-ness these girls will go through to prove their love to Bret Michaels. (Really? Bret Michaels is the best you can do?)

Ricki – University of Michigan: The Bachelor/Bachelorette – It’s impossible to not believe in true love when every date they have is jet skiing in Hawaii or being alone on a deserted island.

Thu – USC: The City, if it is even considered “reality.” You kind of live a fabulous life vicariously through the people.

Leah – Ryerson University: What Not to Wear and Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style because everyone should feel fabulous about the way they look.

Anna R. – Northeastern University: My favorite reality show is The City. I didn’t watch the first season, but now I’m obsessed with it. It’s SO much better than The Hills (which is really lame and pointless now), and the girls’ jobs are actually interesting to watch. Plus, I love seeing what they are all wearing!

Kiki – University of Missouri: I spent at least nine hours of my life this summer watching 16 and Pregnant marathons on MTV. It’s like True Life mixed with Maury mixed with the best damn abstinence education ever.

Samantha – UC Santa Barbara: VH1’s Tough Love! The women are such train wrecks that it’s hard not to watch! Best of all, no one gets kicked off, so your favorite tranny look-alike is there every week for your viewing pleasure. Watch as these women work through their “daddy issues” and try to find love. Priceless quotes to throw around with the roomies guaranteed.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: I may or may not have seen every episode of Say Yes to the Dress. I mean, come on, really expensive and really pretty dresses mixed with a few horrible women with bad taste? It’s Amazing!

Hillary – Columbia: I watch a ton of awful television, but my favorite reality show will always be Man Vs. Beast, a two-hour special aired by Fox in 2003. In it, people competed against animals in a variety of competitions—a sprinter raced a giraffe, a Sumo wrestler had a tug-of-war with an orangutan, and, maybe best of all, competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi had a hot dog eating contest with a bear. Seriously. Just watch a few clips. They’re amazing.

Erica – Kent State University: The Rachel Zoe Project.  LIT-ERALLY, I love watching Rachel (aka The-Walking-Panic-Attack) & Taylor (aka The-Five-Year-Old-Who-Somehow-Made-It-Into-The-Fashion-Biz) go BANANAS.  Seriously, Rachel has influenced my closet and my vocab.  LOVE her.

Kelly- Simmons College: I love the Real Housewives. My roommate and I watch the end-of-season marathons and get completely hooked for 12 hours about people we don’t like and don’t actually care about. What other show can do that?

Zahra- Northwestern University: Lately I’ve been obsessed with Tool Academy. It’s hilarious when the guys break things or get into fights to show off their manliness, but also brings me to tears when I see girls finding out about their guys’ infidelities.

Alex – Lakehead University: My favourite (yes, Canadian spelling!) reality show is Paranormal State on A&E. College students who moonlight as ghost hunters?! I’m in! Plus this show features some very unique stories, like the demon that follows them through several episodes. I’m hooked!

Jasmin – University of Missouri: HGTV’s House Hunters. Strange, I know, but it’s addictive. When I leave Mizzou for the real world, I’ll be ready to remodel my dream home.

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!

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!

1. Our alarm clocks – They mean well, but 9am? Really? Don’t you know we were up late watching a hilarious episode of The Office?

2. Comcast – Granted that quick peepee flash to Arizona fans during the Superbowl was disturbingly hysterical, but there were kids watching. And old people. And who does that with their….well, just watch.

3. Mexican food – But only because it was so good last night and so, so, SO bad today.

4. The media calling Jessica Simpson fat - If she’s fat then we’re going on The Biggest Loser.

5. The movie Groundhog Day. It is just bad.

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.)

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.