Ep 4. Martin and Christine
- February 10, 2009
- 48 min
In this episode of Supersize vs Superskinny, we meet Martin and Christine, two individuals struggling with extreme weight issues. Martin is a supersize at 25 stone, while Christine is a superskinny at just 7 stone.
Martin, a 52-year-old truck driver, spends most of his days sitting behind the wheel and snacking on unhealthy foods. He is also a heavy smoker, consuming up to 30 cigarettes a day. Martin's poor diet and sedentary lifestyle have taken a toll on his health, and he is now pre-diabetic with high blood pressure.
Christine, on the other hand, is a 29-year-old stay-at-home mom who suffers from anxiety and depression. She often forgets to eat and skips meals, leading to her dangerously low weight. Christine is not getting the nutrients her body needs, and her extreme thinness has caused her hair to fall out.
In this episode, Martin and Christine swap diets for five days under the guidance of Dr. Christian Jessen. Martin is shocked to find out that he consumes over 6,000 calories a day, while Christine struggles to eat even half of that.
Throughout the swap, Martin learns how to make healthier food choices. He swaps his usual greasy breakfast for overnight oats with fruit, and replaces his snacks with nuts and seeds. He also cuts back on his smoking, which he realizes is a major factor in his poor health.
As for Christine, she is introduced to small, frequent meals to help regulate her appetite. She also learns how to make nutrient-dense smoothies and snacks, such as hummus and carrot sticks. Dr. Jessen encourages her to seek therapy for her anxiety and depression, which contributed to her disordered eating habits.
At the end of the five days, Martin and Christine are reunited and reflect on their experience. Martin has lost 7 pounds and feels more energized. He also realizes that he does not need to eat so much to feel satisfied. Christine has gained 2 pounds and feels stronger and more stable. She now sees the importance of taking care of her mental health and eating frequent, nutritious meals.
The episode ends with Martin and Christine committing to new, healthier habits moving forward. They both know that changing their lifestyles will take time and effort, but they are determined to improve their health and well-being.
