Social networking to shed the kilos

With obesity-related diseases continuing to impose a massive burden on health services around the world, Thailand’s included, it is perhaps not surprising that the number of TV reality shows dealing with weight loss has skyrocketed in recent years. Among the ones currently showing on small screens around the globe are “The Biggest Loser”, “Fat March”, “I Used To Be Fat”, “Dance Your Ass Off” and “Dance Your Butt Off”.

“Dance Your Fat Off”, as the show was renamed for Thai audiences is an event that teams overweight contestants as they attempt to trim the extra pounds by dancing. It proved a massive success here in the Kingdom and inspired producers to go one step further by bringing a “Weight Watcher” contest directly to our smartphones.

“This will be the first time a reality show is totally geared around the smartphone,” says Jongsanguan Lertthanasarn, chief executive of CBP World, which distributes Retona Supalim, a range of weight-loss dietary supplements manufactured by South Korea’s Phavis Company. Talking with a small group of reporters before the press conference at Seoul Marina Club & Yacht in South Korea last week, he adds that the show is targetting Generation Y, who communicate with each others around the world through the social networks.

Overweight applicants of either gender and aged between 15 and 35 are being requested to produce a video clip that explains the main reason they want to lose weight for upload to YouTube. 

The contestants will be judged on the basis of most viewed video clips and the final selection made by a panel of four judges comprised of fashion photographer Amat “Yai” Nimitpark, designer Chanachai “Sit” Jareeyathana, actor Paranyoo “Tack” Rodjanawutthitham and Ekachai “DJ Ekky” Euasangkomset. Actor Vorarit “Not” Fuangarome will serve as executive producer. The names of the 10 contestants selected for the programme will be announced on February 24 and the social reality show will begin.

The first season of “Weight Watcher” lasts 10 days, with three of them in Thailand and a week in South Korea. The 10 contestants will stay together at a venue where they will be isolated from the outside world. They won’t be allowed to eat anything in addition to the supplementary food provided and will communicate with each other and people outside through the social network. And while the viewers will keep track of how much weight they are losing, the contestants themselves will only be able to guess.

The winner will receive Bt100,000 for the loss of one kilogramme and Bt2 million for 10 kg.

In keeping with the weight loss theme, last week’s trip to bustling Seoul included a cycling tour along with the Han River as well as a visit to Jogyesa Temple, home to three giant Buddha statues and an oasis of calm, as well as to the N Seoul Tower.

 

Slimming down

_ To enter the competition, make a video clip giving the reason why you need to lose weight, upload it to YouTube and send web link to www.Supalim.com. Applications are open from December 16 to February 9.