Diet War 2 Promises Hopeful Journey
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Cable channel StoryOn is introducing a new season of ``Diet War,'' a reality program that helps overweight women work on their diets and awards the ``biggest loser'' with 30 million won. The show is expected to draw viewers with its entertaining, emotional and educational stories and tips along the way.
Model Hyun-young, known for her ``S-line'' curves, will be the host and judge of the program. Fellow judges include trainer Sean Lee, former Miss Korea and Diet War Season 1 contestant Won Hae-jeong, and obesity expert professor Yoo Tae-woo.
``Programs about dieting tend to be sad and painful. We are aiming for a bright and optimistic perspective. `Diet War' will be a program full of hope,'' Hyun-young said at a press conference Monday.
Won is the only one of the judges to experience the process: working out, holding back tears and bonding with her fellow contestants through television. A former Miss Korea, Won has had to struggle with weight problems.
``It's hard. I know because I've been there. I'm like a mentor to this seasons' contestants and I will do my best to support them when they feel like giving up,'' said Won.
Unlike the first season where contestants were banned from using cell phones and the Internet, season two allows everything, including cell phones, television and even a refrigerator full of tempting snacks and sweets. The show organizers said that this was to create an environment similar to the one the contestants had known in the past and will have to live with after the show ends.
Offering the drive to go on, despite the physical and emotional pain, is another goal of the program.
``The contestants are not hurt because of their weight, but because of the way they are treated by others. When I first met them, they didn't have dreams. Korean society is not generous to overweight women and I think this is the greatest challenge they have to overcome,'' said Hyun-young.
When asked about their personal tips to staying in shape, the judges agreed on one important factor: having fun.
``Don't set your expectations too high. If you are 100 kilograms, don't tell yourself you have to drop to 60 kilograms. Being eighty to 90 kilograms is the right goal if you want to lose weight effectively and also enjoy the process,'' Won advised.
``Dieting is not just about shrinking your meals into small proportions. It's about having fun. Choose your favorite sport and do it. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Imagine yourself after a difficult work out. And most of all, be positive and never lose hope. (Diet War) will guide the way,'' Hyun-young added.
Tune in to Diet War Season 2 every Sunday at 11 p.m. on StoryOn.