‘Obesity Med’ Doesn’t Have ‘Gratuitous Freak Show Aspects’ Like ‘My 600-Lb. Life’, Fans Say

Reality TV fans have long enjoyed the offerings of the TLC network. From the story of the Jon & Kate Plus 8 to My Strange Addiction, TLC often showcases fringe elements of society, spotlighting people and situations who don’t often manage to achieve reality show stardom.

While many fans love the unique nature of the shows that run on the TLC network, some others have found fault with certain series, including the notorious show My 600-lb Life.

Now, with TLC recently debuting a brand-new show called Obesity Med that spotlights the effects of living with obesity, some fans are taking to Reddit to discuss the difference between the two shows. 

What similarities do ‘Obesity Med’ and ‘My 600-lb Life’ share?

My 600-lb Life premiered on TLC in 2012. The series has been going strong ever since and attracts legions of new and returning viewers every year.

The show follows a group of people who usually begin each episode weighing at least 600 pounds.

Over the course of each season, fans watch as the people featured try to lose weight once and for all by adopting new diets and fitness routines, and potentially undergoing surgery. 

Another recent TLC program also follows obese individuals on a weight loss journey.

Obesity Med debuted in January 2021, according to the TLC website, and follows two overweight people as they try to lose weight.

While Obesity Med is still in the inaugural season and has not released many new episodes, fans online already have a lot of positive things to say about the new show. 

What did fans on Reddit say about ‘Obesity Med’?

In a dedicated Reddit thread, fans discussed why Obesity Med might be a better entertainment option than My 600-lb Life. One fan wrote,

“It has hints of M600L, minus the gratuitous freak show aspects. (Dramatic music, binge fests, closeups of filth etc.) The two people on the episode were both parents, articulate, live in nice houses and very upbeat. It was a nice change. I would definitely watch more.”

Another said, “It’s such a palate-cleanser from what we’re used to! The one-year follow-up and optimistic feel of the show was really refreshing. I liked both doctors too.”

One fan called out why My 600-lb Life has become “depressing,” noting in the Reddit thread,

“It reminded me of why I started watching M600L in the first place – I love a good comeback story. People getting themselves together and beating the odds is awesome to watch. Not having to sit through the same depressing piano music, shower scene and foul, greasy meals made me actually want to finish the episode.”

Notably, many critics have slammed My 600-lb Life over the years for showcasing “people in deep psychological pain,” according to The-Artifice.

These critics have pointed out that the show seems to spotlight low-income people who are “touted as cheap inspiration” and who are never actually given the tools that they need to succeed. 

Where can fans watch episodes of ‘Obesity Med’?

It seems as though Obesity Med might still be in the trial stages since no official information about the series is listed on IMDb.

Still, fans who are curious about the series can check out the first episode of the first season, which is available on the TLC website.

Additionally, fans can catch episodes of both Obesity Med and My 600-lb Life on the TLC network. 

If what fans have to say on Reddit holds true, showrunners at the TLC network would do well to pursue Obesity Med, giving it a front and center place on the popular network.