Television and Health

Main Character Roles:

            The physical characteristics of most actors in leading roles on television are distinct.  Actors and actresses of main character roles are typically slim, strong, and fit.  Allie Kovar from Health Psychology and author of “Effects of the Media on Body Image” affirms, “fictional characters in television shows and movies are almost always portrayed as thin and beautiful” (Par. 4).  Directors and producers generally recruit actors and actresses of lean and healthy body shapes.  The appearance and personality traits of these fictional characters make them loose representations of the ideal individual.  According to the study, “Young Adults’ Wishful Identification With Television Characters: The Role of Perceived Similarity and Character Attributes,” conducted by Cynthia Hoffner of George State University and Martha Buchanan of Fairmont, West Virginia, “Research has also shown that perceived similarity is related to the desire to emulate the behavior and characteristics of others” (Par. 10). 

            Individuals who relate or enjoy particular television characters tend to try to mimic their appearance.  For example, Olivia Pope is the powerful and educated lawyer from the popular television program, Scandal.  While she works day and night to win her cases and make her clients happy, Pope has maintained her slim figure throughout her stressful lifestyle.  Pope’s persistent and hard-working personality gives Scandal viewers the desire to mirror her appearance and behaviors.  Similar leading character roles typically have the same effects on viewers. 

            Television characters that are considered obese or overweight are typically perceived differently the average main character role.  Authors Bradley S. Greenberg et. al., from the article, “Portrayals of Overweight and Obese Individuals on Commercial Television,” support this idea claiming, “television… may perpetuate negative stereotypes of obese persons because of its idealization of thin characters” (Par. 4).  The common portrayal of thin characters on television may create negative connotations to characters considered plump or overweight.  To reach their claim, Greenberg et. al. conducted an experimental study.  The results indicate that characters considered to have larger body shapes were seen as less attractive than their thin counterparts (Greenberg et al. par. 19). Unfortunately, overweight characters are commonly ridiculed on television programs, such as the GIF of Melissa McCarthy seen on the right.   

            Alex Cohen, author of the article, “Big, Fat Stereotypes Play out on the Small Screen,” addresses the role of over-weight television characters declaring that overweight characters are usually the “fat, funny best friend” (Par. 6).  Although these characters may have a large comedic role in the television program, most viewers find their appearances unappealing.  Viewers have little to no desire to mirror the images of characters that are considered overweight.  Main character roles have a large impact on individual perception, but television impacts health in various other ways as well.

 

Educational Television Programs

            Educational television programs about health change the way adults feel about their wellbeing.  Exercise programs encourage individuals to work out even when they are not able to go to the gym due to allocation of resources such as a car or a gym membership.  Sarkae- Jonae Miller, author of “TV Exercise Programs for Seniors,” addresses the benefits of television exercise programs specifically for senior citizens.  Miller affirms, “Exercising with TV programs at home eliminates the need for gym membership, a huge plus if you’re on a budget, and it also means no transportation complications” (Par. 2).  Television exercise programs eliminate the need for different resources that may be required when using other means of exercise besides television.  These programs display various exercises that individuals can do in the comfort of their own home at anytime. 

            Similarly, television programs that provide medical advice aid individuals with certain procedures to follow in order to ensure and maintain their wellbeing.  For example, Dr. Oz from The Dr. Oz Show provides viewers with health tips about various parts of the body and exemplifies ways in which viewers can live healthier lifestyles.  These types of programs give the audience easy assess to authority advice from experts such as Dr. Oz.  According to Emma Rich, author of “I See Her Being Obese! A Public Pedagogy, Reality Media, and the Obesity Crisis,” reality television programs starring real people about their journey to living healthier lifestyles “have sought not only to entertain audiences, but also to operate as pedagogical sites through which to encourage populations to undertake surveillance of their own and others’ bodies…”( Par.1).  In other words, television programs such as The Biggest Loser and Extreme Weight Loss, allow individuals to understand and relate to the stories of contestants on the program and recognize the importance of healthy habits.  Reality-based television programs represent average people who are accomplishing their goals.  Author of “Effects of Media on Body Image,” Allie Kovar addresses reality television shows that “have real life women, not actresses or models, symbolizing the ‘average woman’ in America.”  These programs motivate viewers to achieve the same results, as they know it is possible. 

 

Health and Excercise Campaigns

            Mass media fitness campaigns encourage adults to eat healthier and engage in more physical activity.  Authors Nick Cavil and Adrian Bauman of “Changing the Way People Think about Health Enhancing Physical Activity: Do Mass Media Campaigns Have a Role?” mass media campaigns provide educational resources teaching participants about the dangers of practicing unhealthy lifestyle habits and influencing community social norms about health behaviors (Par.1).  Components of effective mass media health campaigns, including education on recommended dietary intake, recommended activity levels, psychology methods, and recommended eating behaviors, have proven to lead to healthier lifestyle choices.  A. Miles, Et. al., authors of “Using the mass-media to target obesity: an analysis of the characteristics and reported behavior change of participants in the BBC’s ‘Fighting Fat Fighting Fit’ campaign,” conducted an experiment indicating “significant changes in all dietary behaviors [of participants]” and “significant increases in brisk walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity” (A. Miles et. Al. Par. 31).  Their findings signify substantial modifications in individual habits creating healthier lifestyles. 

            Likewise, mass media campaigns are able to reach large numbers of people at one time; according to Nick Cavil and Adrian Bauman, mass media campaigns are considered “essential first steps in developing integrated, sustained approaches to encouraging physical activity behavior” (Par. 7).  Fitness campaigns have the power to positively influence a large amount of people by demonstrating lifestyle tactics to enhance the lives of the community.  A mass media campaign about the negative effects of sugary drinks conducted in Portland, Oregon indicated that media campaigns about health are effective for raising awareness, increasing knowledge, and changing behavior (Boise. M et al).  Another mass media campaign conducted in New Orleans aimed to promote physical activity and a healthier diet consisting of fruits and vegetables.  After 5 months of the study, participants indicated having more positive attitudes towards increase physical activity and eating more produce (Beaudoin et al.).