Review: Welcome to the world of weight loss

Comment:

Filmmaker Vanessa Engle tackled the delicate subject of weight loss in slimming clubs with elegance and sensitivity. In her BBC 2 programme “Welcome to the world of weight loss” Engle interviewed people and club leaders at Slimming World, WeightWatchers and Rosemary Conley. Each club takes a slightly different approach, from low fat eating regimes to having a small treat every day as long as all the other meals are healthy.

Some trends emerged in the documentary: people wanting to lose weight were plagued by unhappiness about their lives, maybe because of the pressures of caring for a family member, while others were putting on weight because they had become very happy in a stable relationship. Body dysmorphia was also addressed in the documentary, reporting the shocking truth that people suffering from the condition have a high suicide rate.

People’s relationship with food is powerful and primeval: as one of the interviewees said on her feelings about food, “In control with my eating, in control with my life”.

Engle asked the right questions in a respectful and sensitive manner. An excellent and insightful piece for television.

If you are affected by an eating disorder and need some help, we are here to support you. Email us at info@weightmatters.co.uk for a confidential consultation.

Words by Paola Bassanese