14 DAY TRIAL // Some of us know it as “the office 15,” meaning the extra weight about 45 percent of all women and a smaller number of men gain in the first months after taking up a desk job. Others know it as the “freshman 15,” the same weight-gain, this time registered in college students who, because of a drastic change in lifestyle, pack on the pounds in the first semester or year away from home. For them, MTV is preparing a new reality show.
Weight-loss reality shows are not new and, judging by their sheer number, they are also incredibly popular. Motivational or not, they are a constant presence on our small screens, which is why MTV too has thought of jumping on the bandwagon by doing such a reality show that will target the MTV audience, youngsters. Freshmen interested in shedding the weight they’ve gained since moving out of the house and going to college can already apply for a part in the upcoming show.
“Casting Notice – ‘Freshman 15.’ MTV is casting for a new weight-loss competition show. Fifteen college students will compete to shed the recent weight they’ve gained since living their new college lifestyle. It’s ‘The Biggest Loser’ for the MTV audience. if you are a college student who has recently put on a lot of weight since going to college, we want to hear from you.” MTV says in the casting notice published on the official webpage of the upcoming reality show.
Stories can be sent to a given email address, but, as the casting call also makes it very clear, only those who have gained “a lot of weight” can actually hope to stand a chance in the selection of candidates. However, all is not lost, because, at the same time, MTV is also carrying forth a campaign designed to illustrate the concept of “freshman 15” (which doesn’t necessarily mean all freshmen gain 15 pounds, the music channel notes), the causes that lead to weight gain and how they can be actively counteracted and the weight lost.
Among the causes for the weight gain, MTV draws attention to “Lack of exercise, eating late at night, keeping unhealthy snacks on hand (in the dorm room), eating unhealthy cafeteria food [and] drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.” To counteract them, the network also launches “The Freshman 15 Challenge,” which implies “stay[ing] fit and eat[ing] healthy while maintaining a very busy schedule. Most college students are constantly on the go, which makes it more difficult to find time to exercise, and to eat right instead of just grabbing ‘fast food.’ Challenge yourself to make healthy eating and regular exercise part of your daily routine to help avoid the freshman 15.”
Further details on the upcoming reality show have not yet been revealed to the media, but do keep an eye on this space for when they emerge.