Ep 8. Charlotte and Heather
- March 10, 2009
- 48 min
In Supersize vs Superskinny season 2 episode 8, viewers are introduced to two extreme cases: Charlotte, who is severely underweight, and Heather, who is morbidly obese. The show’s mission is to help each woman understand the dangers of being on either end of the weight spectrum and empower them to make healthy choices moving forward.
First up is Charlotte, a 27-year-old who weighs just 5 stone 8 pounds (about 78 pounds), making her clinically underweight. Charlotte admits to struggling with anorexia for over a decade and has been in and out of treatment centers for years. Despite her thinness, Charlotte is still unhappy with her appearance and has an intense fear of gaining weight.
In contrast, 34-year-old Heather leads a sedentary lifestyle and struggles with binge eating. At 30 stone 5 pounds (about 425 pounds), Heather is classified as morbidly obese and is at high risk for numerous health complications. Heather is also unhappy with her appearance, but her main concerns are related to her health and quality of life.
To help these women make changes, the show’s expert nutritionist, Dr. Christian Jessen, swaps their diets for five days. Charlotte is shocked to see how massive Heather’s portions are and is skeptical about her ability to consume that much food. Heather, on the other hand, is horrified by how little Charlotte eats and worries that she is doing irreversible damage to her body.
Throughout the week, both women struggle to adjust to their new diets. Charlotte is forced to confront her fear of food and attempt to break free from her restrictive eating habits. Heather, who has been in denial about the amount of food she consumes, is forced to come face to face with the reality of her overeating.
In addition to the dietary changes, the women also participate in therapy sessions with the show’s resident therapist, Marissa Peer. Charlotte opens up about her struggles with anorexia and how it has impacted her life and relationships. Heather talks about the emotional pain she feels regarding her weight, as well as the physical discomfort she experiences due to her size.
Throughout the episode, viewers witness both women make progress in their journeys towards better health. Charlotte begins to understand that she needs nourishing food to fuel her body and feels more energized and alive than she has in years. Heather breaks down in tears when she realizes the extent of her overeating but is grateful for the wake-up call the show has provided her. Both women express a desire to continue on the path towards improved health and self-care.
Overall, Supersize vs Superskinny season 2 episode 8 is an emotional and inspiring look at two individuals struggling with extreme body weights. Through diet swaps and therapy, Charlotte and Heather are empowered to make healthier choices and take control of their lives. The viewer is left with hope for their continued progress on the path towards better health and happiness.