Ep 3. Gillian and Philippa
- February 3, 2009
- 47 min
In season 2 episode 3 of Supersize vs Superskinny, we meet Gillian and Philippa, two women struggling with opposite ends of the weight spectrum. Gillian, who weighs in at just 7 stone 7 pounds, is severely underweight and subsists solely on a diet of Diet Coke and apples. She struggles with body dysmorphia and is terrified of gaining weight. Philippa, on the other hand, weighs 22 stone 3 pounds and is classified as morbidly obese. She admits to binging on takeout food and sweets, and her diet consists primarily of high-calorie, high-fat foods.
When the two women meet for the first time, they are initially shocked by each other's size. Gillian, who at 5'6" is barely a size 4, cannot fathom how anyone could possibly weigh as much as Philippa. And Philippa, who stands at just 5'3", is equally astonished by Gillian's tiny frame. However, as they begin to open up about their struggles with food and body image, they realize that they have more in common than they ever could have imagined.
The first challenge that Gillian and Philippa undertake is the "food swap", where they must trade diets for a day. Gillian is horrified at the prospect of having to eat anything other than her usual apples and Diet Coke, but quickly realizes that she needs to start incorporating more nutritious foods into her diet if she is ever going to gain weight in a healthy way. Philippa, meanwhile, struggles to adapt to a low-calorie diet, but is shocked when she discovers just how many calories she had been consuming on a daily basis.
The next challenge is the "portion distortion", where Gillian and Philippa must guess the number of calories in various foods. While Philippa is able to quickly guess the correct portions and calories, Gillian is completely baffled by the concept of portion sizes and struggles to guess even the most basic food items.
In the final challenge, Gillian and Philippa meet with a nutritionist who helps them understand the importance of a balanced diet. They learn about the different food groups and how to incorporate them into their meals, as well as the importance of portion control and mindful eating. While both women struggle with certain aspects of the nutritionist's advice, they both leave with a newfound appreciation for the role that food plays in their overall health and wellbeing.
Overall, season 2 episode 3 of Supersize vs Superskinny is a poignant exploration of the struggles that individuals of all sizes face when it comes to food and body image. Through the stories of Gillian and Philippa, viewers are reminded of the importance of a balanced diet and a healthy relationship with food, as well as the vital role that support and community play in achieving long-term health and wellbeing. So, it's a must-watch episode for everyone who wants to lead a healthy life.