FED: Reality TV blamed for cosmetic surgery rise

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2008
FED: Reality TV blamed for cosmetic surgery rise

Psychologists warn extreme makeover and weight loss shows are fuelling a surge in the
number of Australians going under the knife .. to dramatically change their appearance.

A report published in the Medical Journal of Australia blames reality television programs
like The Biggest Loser for the huge increase in people seeking cosmetic and weight reduction
surgery.

It states that the number of procedures has climbed by about 15 per cent in most countries
.. including Australia .. between 2006 and 2007.

Professor KEITH PETRIE from the University of Auckland in New Zealand says the reality
programs were attracting massive audiences .. with more than one million Australians tuning
in to watch each episode of The Biggest Loser last year.

The winner of a US makeover show .. The Swan .. underwent 13 facial .. dental and body
procedures.

Professor PETRIE says these types of shows typically distort the speed and difficulty
of huge physical changes .. creating dangerously inflated .. unrealistic expectations
for viewers.

Network Ten has defended The Biggest Loser .. saying the show is filmed in a safe ..

controlled environment with slow weight loss supported by expert guidance from dieticians
.. trainers and psychologists.

AAP RTV tam/tm

KEYWORD: COSMETIC (SYDNEY)

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