MovieChat Forums > My 600-lb Life (2012) Discussion > Aren't the subjects self-conscious?

Aren't the subjects self-conscious?

posted 8 years ago by drenchme
21 replies | jump to latest

I admire their brave and raw struggles, but MAN...I'm about 20 pounds overweight and would be terrified to be so exposed on television! Especially when they show folks taking showers. I just can't wrap my head around this.

Is there some kind kind of connection between food addiction and narcissism? Yes, yes, I know these people loath their bodies and feel trapped in them. But there most me some kind of fantasy element at play, where the cameras and the prospect of fame provide some kind of weird split personality of sorts that would allow them to do this.

Any thoughts? Serious responses only.

[–] BugisStreetAnnie 8 years ago

Some of their personalities are quite strange. For example, Christina, they filmed her being wheeled around in wheelchairs, bed ridden, being hauled off in an ambulance several times. Like the others, she was probably filmed naked while taking a shower also, but I can't remember if they did or not.

However, in her update episode after she lost all the weight she is talking to her therapist saying how she has severe social anxiety and there are days she can't leave her apartment because she believes people are still staring at her like she is overweight. Okay, but why did she sign up for this show and then allow them to film her over the years at her worst if she is actually that self-conscious and social phobic. That was weird and I didn't totally believe she had social anxiety like she claimed. My personal belief, is she said that on camera to her therapist to indicate she is still disabled, but mentally instead of physically, to keep getting SSI benefits because I'm sure her therapist would have to sign off on that to Social Security if they contact her.

[–] disinter 8 years ago

The reason they do it is because it's part of the contract they sign with the show. The show wants (almost) unlimited access to film and in return give them either a discount on the surgery or make it flat out free. I'm sure there are other perks as well but I'd imagine most of them don't want to be filmed like that and probably won't even watch their own episodes. There were however people who thought the world revolved around them.

[–] drenchme 8 years ago

I'm trying so very hard not to judge. And some of the subjects seem very sweet. I fell in love with the woman who wanted to lose weight so she could better help take care of her brother with cerebral palsy.

But all that said, something must be systemically broken with most of these people to begin with, that would allow them to surrender their lives to food. That same personality defect must also delude them into letting a film crew chronicle their misery. I wonder what these people think of other reality shows that celebrate incredible talent, like Sp You Think You Can Dance.

As for the poster who said that one of the subjects was bogusly claiming a liability to collect benefits: please know that this makes YOU look cynical. Besides, how would you know so much about scamming the system? I wonder.

[–] disinter 8 years ago

That same personality defect must also delude them into letting a film crew chronicle their misery.

Well they all need this life saving procedure and the doctor needs the revenue from this show to be able to afford to give this surgery to them for free. Like I said I am sure they aren't happy to have embarrassing moments filmed but let's be honest, that's why most people tune in.

So it comes down to a simple question, would you subject yourself to be humiliated if it meant the chance to save your life?

[–] ElphieDefyingGravity 8 years ago

Not just that. I think the show pays for an apartment near Dr. Now.

Everyone deserves the chance to fly!

[–] bellajames-92247 8 years ago

Some of them have on their Facebook, public figure or TV personality like being 800 pounds naked in front of cameras in something to be proud of

[–] BugisStreetAnnie 8 years ago

Some of them have on their Facebook, public figure or TV personality like being 800 pounds naked in front of cameras in something to be proud of

Then many of them will go on to make 'appearances' on other shows as well. I mentioned Christina Phillips above, and she went on the Dr. Oz Show. They can parlay their semi-fame into a career.

[–] disinter 8 years ago

Some of them have on their Facebook, public figure or TV personality like being 800 pounds naked in front of cameras in something to be proud of

Even worse, some of them use their "celebrity" status to set up gofundme pages so that people can donate to them. Joe set up one for people to give him money to go on a honeymoon and buy a house.

[–] mojo2004 8 years ago

I admire their brave and raw struggles, but MAN...I'm about 20 pounds overweight and would be terrified to be so exposed on television! Especially when they show folks taking showers. I just can't wrap my head around this.

I don't get it myself. 'I do not know why the show has to film them completely naked in the shower, sitting on the toilet, legs wide open while being cleaned or butt cheeks spread. Those blurry spots they do mean nothing. They show way too much. In the original series I don't remember so much nudity. They gave them a little bit of privacy for the sake of dignity. A good reason not to expose them like they do is because of the internet. People have posted some of the really revealing screen shots & video clips of them nude on all forms of social media. I saw a video clip of Susan showing her mass on youtube. In fact entire episodes are on youtube.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
The truth of life has been revealed.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[–] disinter 8 years ago

All those dirty little details must bring in viewers which in turn bring in ratings which in turn brings in money. So I guess they'll give the audience what they want and apparently they want this. At least that's my theory.

[–] Maya55555 8 years ago

That is why I posted Fat People Cringe Collection-----WHY?

"A stitch in time, saves your embarrassment." (RIP Ms. Penny LoBello)

[–] mojo2004 8 years ago

A lot of those people in the video, they seek out attention & followers. Many have figured out a way to get paid or the followers regularly send them packages, gifts & money. I know the two heavy sisters have a large following.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
The truth of life has been revealed.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[–] Maya55555 8 years ago

mojo2004

You mean the Slaton sisters who are on welfare and Medicaid yet scammed their subscribers for $80,000.00/year plus committed IRS fraud?

They have a history of priors and are not disabled.

"A stitch in time, saves your embarrassment." (RIP Ms. Penny LoBello)

[–] bellajames-92247 8 years ago

I'm expecting the Slaton sisters to get their own reality show coming soon

[–] Maya55555 8 years ago

The Slaton's have disabled comments on their videos, including their Amazon Wish (GIFT LIST) as it proved to be incriminating evidence.
Gifts are income, and I doubt that they reported it to the IRS. That is illegal and your tax dollars are supporting them.

"A stitch in time, saves your embarrassment." (RIP Ms. Penny LoBello)

[–] mojo2004 8 years ago

You mean the Slaton sisters who are on welfare and Medicaid yet scammed their subscribers for $80,000.00/year plus committed IRS fraud?

They have a history of priors and are not disabled.

Yes, that's them. I didn't think they were disabled but I do know they get people to send them money. I only saw them once on youtube and I didn't get the fascination men have with them. But I know about sites like Chubby Chasers and

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
The truth of life has been revealed.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[–] DocOfTheDead 8 years ago

I had never heard of these people before so I Googled them. I am so sorry I did!!

I can't die! I have 43 twitter followers that depend on me! oh, and I have a daughter.

[–] Maya55555 8 years ago

DOTD

They are the slime of the earth, as Amy has a Hx of priors in prostitution, plus animal abuse. Why she has NOT been arrested on Fraud of Federal funds, defies logic.

"A stitch in time, saves your embarrassment." (RIP Ms. Penny LoBello)

[–] vgarci2003 8 years ago

Wow...unbelievable...

[–] DocOfTheDead 8 years ago

Holy schnikies!!! That is just disgusting!

I can't die! I have 43 twitter followers that depend on me! oh, and I have a daughter.

[–] hillarycweeks 8 years ago

I think there's a few sides to this:

1) They are so afraid for their lives and want this surgery- they probably can get it easier if they comply with the show.

2) Almost every single one of them already has people bathing their naked bodies, and can barely find clothes to cover their form. Personal dignity has taken a huge hit.

3) A few of them probably do like that there can be fame, friends or attention for going on the show. They have all been so isolated- that having lots of people reaching out to them, and caring about them, would be appealing. It's also the ultimate swan story.