I was starting to like this show. She has feelings for 3 guys and jealous big about other people's new relationships. This girl needs a psychiatrist for her MENTAL illness. Also her weight and how she works out "so much " and how her weight is really and truly not going anywhere, she needs to see her family DOCTOR and a a dietitian and rehabilitation.
76 Reviews
Not A Great Role Model
Kilroy8319 August 2016
What I love about this show is that it promotes positive body image and self-love. But that is where my good feelings end.
I love that Whitney has such a positive outlook on life, and I envy that a little, but what she does to prove this and to promote the whole No Body Shaming is quite frustrating. First of all, it is said in one of the episodes that she has health issues, and a way to get better is to lose weight. But in order to keep her self-loving image, she ignores this. She is putting herself in harm's way so as not to contradict her NBS campaign, and is setting a bad example to those who look up to her as a role model. There are also a few episodes where she will try more strenuous things, like skiing, and has a very difficult time with it, gives up, and blames it on her weight. I understand how difficult something like that can be but when you are on a TV show, saying that you can do anything regardless of your weight, you can't blame all of your failures on that very thing.
I don't feel like the show is doing its job with creating a positive influence and role model, and I don't think it is 100% necessary to carry on with it, unless they do something to change it. I've tried giving it a few more chances, but every time I do, I end up feeling frustrated and I turn it off. Again, good for Whitney that she is able to get on national television and share her story with the world, but I wouldn't consider her a good role model.
I love that Whitney has such a positive outlook on life, and I envy that a little, but what she does to prove this and to promote the whole No Body Shaming is quite frustrating. First of all, it is said in one of the episodes that she has health issues, and a way to get better is to lose weight. But in order to keep her self-loving image, she ignores this. She is putting herself in harm's way so as not to contradict her NBS campaign, and is setting a bad example to those who look up to her as a role model. There are also a few episodes where she will try more strenuous things, like skiing, and has a very difficult time with it, gives up, and blames it on her weight. I understand how difficult something like that can be but when you are on a TV show, saying that you can do anything regardless of your weight, you can't blame all of your failures on that very thing.
I don't feel like the show is doing its job with creating a positive influence and role model, and I don't think it is 100% necessary to carry on with it, unless they do something to change it. I've tried giving it a few more chances, but every time I do, I end up feeling frustrated and I turn it off. Again, good for Whitney that she is able to get on national television and share her story with the world, but I wouldn't consider her a good role model.
Don't get it
rubydragonfly889 March 2018
I just don't get it. Aside from the normal low quality of it being a TLC show, I don't understand why people are entertained by it. If you are offended by her you don't have to watch and you sure don't have to come online to attack her. You realize that it's completely pointless, right?
What a crock
Msbnitski6 April 2020
Whitney is not struggling with her weight, she is making money off of her obesity. Whitney and her friends and family have cashed in on this show to let others know how easy it is to make money off of The Learning Channel by way of money for nothing and ignorance.
This channel used to be The Learning Channel and has hit bottom with these disgusting, self deprecating people that will do anything for a buck.
This woman will do anything to get a sound bite on TV and so will the people that surround the girth of her. A man comes along and claims to love her and it's obvious he wants air time. She rolls arounds with Buddy, her other obese lover, that can't or won't move on or go away because she's in love with the hanger on that wants air time. Buddy hangs on in her bedroom, period. A sick, really pathetic set up of drama.
I used to watch this channel to actually learn something but now it is just a channel that degrades participants to make a buck. I watch a few other shows that are actually fun on TLC, Say Yes To The Dress, but this show is just pathetic to watch this oversized train wreck of a series.
This channel used to be The Learning Channel and has hit bottom with these disgusting, self deprecating people that will do anything for a buck.
This woman will do anything to get a sound bite on TV and so will the people that surround the girth of her. A man comes along and claims to love her and it's obvious he wants air time. She rolls arounds with Buddy, her other obese lover, that can't or won't move on or go away because she's in love with the hanger on that wants air time. Buddy hangs on in her bedroom, period. A sick, really pathetic set up of drama.
I used to watch this channel to actually learn something but now it is just a channel that degrades participants to make a buck. I watch a few other shows that are actually fun on TLC, Say Yes To The Dress, but this show is just pathetic to watch this oversized train wreck of a series.
Why I pray for an asteroid
Vercingetorix0915 November 2020
Don't blame PCOS!!!
meliznuts24 October 2017
I have PCOS and I do not eat like this. All of Whitney's enablers may love her with all their hearts, but they are the ones who are going to have to be her caretakers when all of this catches up to her - and it will. If they really care about Whitney, they will get her to diet and exercise. Will they be happy when they have to watch her having trouble breathing, walking, standing, etc? I would never watch a child of mine destroy herself like this. I steer my son away from sugar and cholesterol all the time. He doesn't even need reminders from me any longer. Such an annoying show!
Horrible Show
mitziekennedy-4-24067327 February 2019
I can NOT stand this show at all! I thought it was about a woman who was heavier but taught dance and was inspireing. It is so not that at all. She just complains about EVERYTHING!!!! I feel bad for her parents. She treats them like crap. I had to watch this because my Mother watched it, that's the only reason it was on & I even saw it😝!
My Big Fat Fabulous Life
tinka-5115723 February 2018
Whitney is very disrespectful to her parents and uses very bad language. On the other hand her parents make the show worth watching. Babs is so cute and funny and so is her dad. Whitney is very self indulgent and if anyone suggests she cut back on the food, she is very irate . It sounds like the weight problem may be nothing new so it is not due to her disease. I wonder if the weight brought on the disease? Gastric Bypass is probably in her future to save her life. In the mean time everyone will have to take care of her.
Great Show! Funny and Unique!
jenniferyork9624 September 2017
This show is very different from other shows on TV. I love watching Whitney's life and although she doesn't seem to be making a serious effort to lose weight, she definitely comes across as more "real" for it. She lives with more adventure in one day than I have in a month. I love this show! Definitely recommend!
Soon to be deleted from my recordings.
holchie25 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've watched this show for light amusement for a couple years, but it has now fallen into a different category for me. I know a lot of these "reality" shows are scripted, but this new season is just too much fakeness. They don't even seem to try to be real. Another "past boyfriend" shows up. Haven't even met The Frenchman, who has the strangest accent I have ever heard. But what has done it for me is the dating game Whitney set up for one of her friends. A variety of men, but at the last minute a black guy enters the scene. Right then I knew this was a set up because there really aren't any black people on this show, and they have to start being more inclusive. Of course he won the date with her friend, so he can now be on the show. Way too phony. Bye.
Awful
mastriannimaa8 January 2019
I don't understand how this show is still being aired. Essentially an uninteresting plot centered around an unacceptional, unlikeable, and unsympathetic woman who battles her weight and narcissism. She had no redeeming or endearing personal qualities that make this show even quasi-watchable.
A story of motivation and never letting life's trials keep you from what you love
Bigwillyz2114 May 2015
1st review because after seeing the other extremely ignorant review there needed to be one that was actually about the show, not their own delusional self hate comments..... This show against contrary belief is about an overweight girl who is suffering from a horrible illness that may one day kill her which is NOT caused by her eating. Had you actually watched the show before commenting you would have seen that she could eat nothing and continue to gain weight..... This is not just a program showing that you can do anything that you want despite weight but any illness that can affect your physical/mental state. It's a breath of fresh air with all the supposed "reality" shows out there today.....
Big Bubbly Fabulous Antidepressant!
Galdhr26 January 2019
I am a troubled sleeper, and now and I often find myself scrolling through the channels late at night hoping to find anything remotely interesting to watch - and that's how I stumbled across My Big Fat Fabulous Life.
Now the show may not be action packed or filled with drama, but that's okey, because it's Whitneys bubbling personality and infectious laughter that kept me tuning in. It's her spirit and positivity that really makes the show what it is, and I can't help but admit that her bubbliness does rub off on you when you've had a bad day.
A lot of people seem to be downvoting mainly due to Whitneys weight, which I don't see to be very fair, as the show really isn't about her weight - it's about the daily life of a vivacious, loud and funny girl who just happens to be overweight.
Now the show may not be action packed or filled with drama, but that's okey, because it's Whitneys bubbling personality and infectious laughter that kept me tuning in. It's her spirit and positivity that really makes the show what it is, and I can't help but admit that her bubbliness does rub off on you when you've had a bad day.
A lot of people seem to be downvoting mainly due to Whitneys weight, which I don't see to be very fair, as the show really isn't about her weight - it's about the daily life of a vivacious, loud and funny girl who just happens to be overweight.
Her big fat loud obnoxious mouth needs to be sealed shut
MartianOctocretr522 July 2016
I don't normally write comments about TV shows, but this garbage demands to be trashed.
We see a loud goof with delusions of grandeur sitting on a couch constantly talking about herself. Then we're shown some footage of her doing something stupid as she tells us how wonderful she is. The empress of her own imagination, Whitney, pontificates about how nobody should shame her, even as she mocks, ridicules, and argues with everyone around her. She thinks she is in a relationship, but the guy is obviously using her. Her ex co-owns a house and co-habitates with her. No, I'm not kidding.
She has a weight problem, weighing over 350 lbs., especially dangerous since she is dancer who ignores the weight and does intense dance practices. She lies to herself about the seriousness of her situation, and ignores all medical advice. She is a terrible role model, even though she has appointed herself as a Joan of Arc of morbidly obese people.
There is no reason to watch this show, and no reason for TLC to run it.
We see a loud goof with delusions of grandeur sitting on a couch constantly talking about herself. Then we're shown some footage of her doing something stupid as she tells us how wonderful she is. The empress of her own imagination, Whitney, pontificates about how nobody should shame her, even as she mocks, ridicules, and argues with everyone around her. She thinks she is in a relationship, but the guy is obviously using her. Her ex co-owns a house and co-habitates with her. No, I'm not kidding.
She has a weight problem, weighing over 350 lbs., especially dangerous since she is dancer who ignores the weight and does intense dance practices. She lies to herself about the seriousness of her situation, and ignores all medical advice. She is a terrible role model, even though she has appointed herself as a Joan of Arc of morbidly obese people.
There is no reason to watch this show, and no reason for TLC to run it.
HUH? Pointless & Annoying
nycboer-3771730 January 2019
I don't get it? I was only able to watch about 20min of this show before I had to turn it off. All I remembered is an extremely overweight woman whining & complaining about how miserable (not fabulous) her life is. Other shows highlight people who have a congenital or inherited conditions and use courage & tenacity to overcome their problems. Where is the value of crying over a treatable problem? Do we really need another show in America about a spoiled whiney brat where Food Insecurity, Obesity & Diabetes are National Epidemics?
This show needs to end
tera_x8 February 2021
Maybe inspirational to some, but not all
jessicannipper20 September 2015
I know many women who struggle from PCOS. Many woman conquer this condition and maintain a healthy life, along with successful weight loss. I wish this show could be a motivator for those women with PCOS and I wish she could show ways that she could successfully lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. I watched the show one time and could not watch it anymore. I felt as if one minute, she praises about not caring what others think and being happy about being very obese/unhealthy, and then the other minute she is down and depressed because of her weight. The things she talks about that she struggles with "because of her weight" is ridiculous. I have to honestly roll my eyes when they film someone "massaging" her "butt/back" because she is in "pain" or when they filmed her mother having to shave the back of her legs for her. I do not find any of that interesting at all, especially in a TV show. I also do not like the fact that they praise her current situation. I do not see how a grown woman in her thirties, still living with her parents, with no job, no responsibilities, no cares in the world other than filming this TLC show is of interest to watch. This story line does not make sense what so ever...it is scattered all over the place!
This is bad.
RuiChiu5 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I tried to like this show, I really did. More body type variety is something we *need* in media. But, that aside, Whitney fails as a likable character. I wanted to get behind the 'big girl that every one underestimates' plot line but the main character is annoying and I don't think her weight is the reason.
She acknowledges her bad habits but completely fails to take any meaningful steps to change. An ex: many episodes she discusses changing her diet and eating healthier yet is a self admitted Starbucks addict and throws back 700 cal drink several times a day. If she doesn't want to change her weight, that's fine but she says she does so....? One moment, the show attempts to manipulate the viewer into pity, how Whitney is a victim of her genetics. The next, she's a bad ass, take a no prisoners modern feminist gal. Pick one. You can't cling to being a victim and then insist you're happy and every thing is perfect with you.
Her personality might be described by some as 'quirky'; I flat out find her childish to the point of obnoxious. I don't care how much you weigh, be respectful of others time and schedules. Grow up. Clean up after yourself.
She is also rude and demanding to her elderly parents; at any size, this is not cool. You are a grown woman. Be kind to your family. They are patient and good to you.
Fat women deserve a better role model than this.
She acknowledges her bad habits but completely fails to take any meaningful steps to change. An ex: many episodes she discusses changing her diet and eating healthier yet is a self admitted Starbucks addict and throws back 700 cal drink several times a day. If she doesn't want to change her weight, that's fine but she says she does so....? One moment, the show attempts to manipulate the viewer into pity, how Whitney is a victim of her genetics. The next, she's a bad ass, take a no prisoners modern feminist gal. Pick one. You can't cling to being a victim and then insist you're happy and every thing is perfect with you.
Her personality might be described by some as 'quirky'; I flat out find her childish to the point of obnoxious. I don't care how much you weigh, be respectful of others time and schedules. Grow up. Clean up after yourself.
She is also rude and demanding to her elderly parents; at any size, this is not cool. You are a grown woman. Be kind to your family. They are patient and good to you.
Fat women deserve a better role model than this.
Thumbs down
LaSadie77717 January 2018
I get this is reality show, but it's terrible. Whitney seems totally unprofessional, immature and seems to lack in any knowledge or etiquette for that matter. This is especially prevalent when she speaks about her boyfriend who left her. I might be too critical, but she isn't even interesting enough to make me sick.
My hometown
carolynjohnson-237626 February 2016
Love seeing scenes from my hometown (Greensboro). In one episode she visits The Shoe Market which is owned by a friend of mine. In another, her and Babs are at Bestway grocery which I pass each night driving home from my cafe. (One evening her aunt and uncle came in for dinner. I could see the family resemblance to Babs). I especially enjoy both of her parents' personalities. Whitney has a lovely persona as well...just wish any of us that gain too much weight try to stay as healthy as possible...Whitney's weight issue is not her "fault" like some of us who just don't always do our best to stay at a healthy weight. There are lots of life lessons as well as entertainment in this series. Whitney rocks!
Body Shamers Need Not Review
wwl-6769714 July 2016
Sounds like a lot of reviewers just want to make negative comments (behind their computer monitors, of course) about fat people in general. But they're missing the point of this show.
Whitney is a very likable person and her story is that of a lot of Americans. She likes food. She eats food. She eats too much food, and she's overweight. Whether the weight came on because of her diagnosis or whether it was self-induced is no matter. What the show is putting out there is that fat people are like the rest of us. They laugh; they cry; they live life in the best way they can.
I like that Whitney puts herself out there, warts and all. Sometimes she does make excuses for her weight. Sometimes she does eat the absolute wrong foods. But that's the way it is with people of size. They are struggling with what they are and what they want to be. At least Whitney keeps on dancing.
Whitney started the NO BS (No Body Shaming) movement and it's a great start. We should try to be as healthy as we can, but we shouldn't criticize or shame those who don't look the way we want them to. Size doesn't always equate to health. I have a relative who's still kicking at 85 and at least 300 lbs. while her 180-pound sister died a couple years ago and her 130-pound sister died decades ago because of health reasons. So just because a person looks unhealthy does not necessarily mean he or she is unhealthy.
Overall, it's an entertaining show and that's why it's on TV.
Whitney is a very likable person and her story is that of a lot of Americans. She likes food. She eats food. She eats too much food, and she's overweight. Whether the weight came on because of her diagnosis or whether it was self-induced is no matter. What the show is putting out there is that fat people are like the rest of us. They laugh; they cry; they live life in the best way they can.
I like that Whitney puts herself out there, warts and all. Sometimes she does make excuses for her weight. Sometimes she does eat the absolute wrong foods. But that's the way it is with people of size. They are struggling with what they are and what they want to be. At least Whitney keeps on dancing.
Whitney started the NO BS (No Body Shaming) movement and it's a great start. We should try to be as healthy as we can, but we shouldn't criticize or shame those who don't look the way we want them to. Size doesn't always equate to health. I have a relative who's still kicking at 85 and at least 300 lbs. while her 180-pound sister died a couple years ago and her 130-pound sister died decades ago because of health reasons. So just because a person looks unhealthy does not necessarily mean he or she is unhealthy.
Overall, it's an entertaining show and that's why it's on TV.
I just can't see how...
aeowen-0339819 March 2019
....anyone could like this show.
My ex-wife had PCOS too, and ballooned up to 325, but on this end we see a girl who is desperate for love and attention. I mean granted I do prefer larger women, this show makes them look like they should be dragged down and scolded for being heavy. That is why I don't like this at all - Whitney has a smart mouth, belittles her parents, and seems a greasy but uberhorny when it comes to men. Sure may be there are men out there who love fat women for fat, and Whitney seems to be looking for her perfect enabler, not romance in any way. Guys come on to her like she is ready to put out, but good for her if she even tries.
Good lord I can't say anymore. TLC hit a new low by showing this. Ugh.
My ex-wife had PCOS too, and ballooned up to 325, but on this end we see a girl who is desperate for love and attention. I mean granted I do prefer larger women, this show makes them look like they should be dragged down and scolded for being heavy. That is why I don't like this at all - Whitney has a smart mouth, belittles her parents, and seems a greasy but uberhorny when it comes to men. Sure may be there are men out there who love fat women for fat, and Whitney seems to be looking for her perfect enabler, not romance in any way. Guys come on to her like she is ready to put out, but good for her if she even tries.
Good lord I can't say anymore. TLC hit a new low by showing this. Ugh.
Beautiful Whitney
csmithsmyth9 September 2015
It's September 9th. I watched this show all day!!!!!! Whitney is a beautiful woman with one heck of a personality. So inspiring, for me it had nothing to do with her fight with the weight....it's all about her SPIRIT. I kept watching because she is so damn great!!!! I have never been so inspired by anyone on television. I envy those that get to be around her and get to share their lives with her. If I had to describe her it would be so easy...Beautiful. I am glad that I took out the time to watch her show. I truly feel woman of all age, race, and creed would benefit from watching her show. She is definitely a yes I can woman. She makes me want to run outside and "Do" something I may be afraid of doing...something positive of course.
Happy to be a fan,
C Smithsmyth
Happy to be a fan,
C Smithsmyth
Whitney is the least likable bit others ARE
patricia-haertlein28 September 2021
I was drawn to Whitney's friends and family. Todd is the most entertaining, Tal and Ashley are great, and her Mom (and dad sometimes!) are very lovable. I appreciate the vacations and sometimes physical challenges, but Whitney flops all the time with lack of commitment or self-serving weird situations. This is her show, and the embarrassing forced love life scenarios are really bad. I wish that she would focus on herself and real and positive people and quit trying the other stuff. Value those really close to you. They are real gems!
big fat fabulous no..
mrrebel-8038214 January 2021
Overbearing gay friends, check.. female friend who can't seem to do anything, check.. seemingly bottomless checking account, check.. oh yeah, can we cry about any and everything? you've got it folks, big fat fabulous check.
See also
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