Actress and Comedian Kirstie Alley Announces New Reality Show

Actress and comedian Kirstie Alley is in the spotlight once again regarding her weight. For years Alley has been public about her struggle to both lose and maintain a healthy weight. When Alley signed on as a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, it appeared as though she'd overcome. She lost a considerable amount of weight and seemed confident that she could continue a healthy lifestyle. In celebration, Alley showed off her weight loss on the Oprah show. She looked amazing as she strutted across the stage in a lovely two piece bathing suit.

Just a few years later, it's apparent that Alley has not overcome her struggles. In fact she seems to have gained back nearly every pound she previously lost. Even more surprising however, is Alley's newest attempt to lose weight. Once again she has turned to the television and public arena to assist her in overcoming her battle with the bulge. This time it is in the form of a reality show. Like similar shows, Alley's daily life along with her struggle to lose weight will be filmed and shown to a television audience.

Now it is commonly said that ignorance is doing the same thing repeatedly with an expectation of different results. If going through the weight loss publicly did not result in success before, why would Ms. Alley try this method again?

Before you assume me to be non-empathetic or uncaring, understand that I too have struggled with weight gain. I can relate to her passion and sincere desire to get control of her eating and unhealthy habits. Nonetheless, losing weight often involves trying different methods and programs to find something that works for you as an individual. Trying a method that previously did not work is most likely a waste of time and effort.

Additionally, many with weight loss problems are emotional eaters. That is, they eat when they are sad or under lots of stress. What could cause more stress than millions of viewers accessing and evaluating your weight loss efforts? And, how will negative comments on blogs and other media outlets affect Ms. Alley's success?

I truly hope the best for Kirstie Alley, but I am not optimistic. I'm convinced that a move away from the spotlight with more private weight loss endeavors would produce much better results.