Ep 8. Episode 8

In Episode 8 of Supersize Vs Superskinny season 1, the show follows the usual format of pairing two participants with polar opposite eating habits; one who is severely overweight and consuming super-sized portions, and the other who is dangerously underweight and eats very little. The aim is to shock each participant into changing their ways through the power of education, peer support, and therapy.

The show kicks off with the arrival of the two participants at the feeding clinic. The supersized participant, Emma, is a 35-year-old mother of two who weighs a massive 28 stone (392 pounds). She admits to binge-eating late at night after her family has gone to bed, consuming up to 5,000 calories per day. Emma's eating habits have caused serious health problems, including an enlarged heart and high blood pressure.

On the other end of the spectrum, we meet superskinny 22-year-old Katie, who weighs just 7 stone (98 pounds). She admits to being a fussy eater who only eats small portions of certain foods that she considers "safe". Her diet consists mostly of starchy carbs, like pasta and bread, and she avoids protein and fats. Katie's low weight has led to her hair falling out, brittle nails, and fatigue.

The show's resident nutritionist, Ursula, kicks off the show with one of her famous shock tactics. She lays out all the food that Emma consumes in a week - 4,000 calories a day above the recommended daily intake, including takeaways, chocolate, and crisps - and all the food that Katie consumes in a week - barely above 500 calories per day. The sight of the vast array of food that Emma consumes is understandably overwhelming for Katie, who has never seen that much food in one place before.

Next, the show's hosts, Dr. Christian and Anna Richardson, set the focus for the week's therapy sessions. Dr. Christian works with Emma on the psychology behind her binge-eating habits, helping her to identify her triggers and find healthier coping mechanisms. Meanwhile, Anna works with Katie on overcoming her fear of food and introducing her to new foods that will help her gain weight in a healthy and sustainable way.

One of the highlights of the episode comes during the group therapy session, where Emma and Katie get to meet other people who are struggling with similar eating disorders. The session proves to be a real breakthrough for both participants, who find comfort in sharing their experiences and gain new insights from other people's stories.

The day of reckoning comes at the end of the episode when Emma and Katie are reunited with their families and faced with their final food-battle: a super-sized meal for Emma and a normal-sized meal for Katie. Will Emma be able to resist the urge to overeat, and will Katie be able to overcome her fear of new foods and nourish her body? The results are revealed at the end of the episode, leaving the viewers inspired, informed, and hopefully motivated to make positive changes in their own lives.

Overall, Episode 8 of Supersize Vs Superskinny season 1 is a moving and educational episode that sheds light on the struggles of people with eating disorders. The show's unique approach to therapy, pairing people with opposite eating habits and providing a supportive peer group, offers a refreshing and positive take on weight loss and mental health.