The biggest one-hour drama series  ‘HUGE’ had  premiered on ABC Family last June 28, 2010, 9PM.  ABC News/Entertainment  reported that according to ratings data, the new series has drawn 2.5 million viewers, making it the ABC Family’s biggest series ever, targeting 18-49 year-old women viewers.

Airs Monday nights, the new TV series  is about a group of seven male and female teens who in their effort to gain acceptance, struggle to reduce pounds while at a summer weight loss camp. The awesome story character of Willamina being played by 21-year old 2007 Hairspray star Nikki Blonsky, is a rebellious girl who goes against the rules at the series’ fitness program.  She was mad at her parents sending her to the fat camp.   She thinks weight loss is foolish, she does not want to do anything that the camp wants her to do.  She is happy with her size and refuses to  believe she is ugly just because she is fat.  Sadly, almost everyone is against her.

Nikki Blonsky proudly spoke  to “On the Red Carpet‘s Chris Balish”,  “This is showing that plus sized people are beautiful as well.”

Obesity is an issue of concern in America.  It has become a source of discrimination and ridicule,  not to mention the potential health risks involved in being overweight.  Obesity can be a cause of serious medical conditions such as stroke, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, and a major cause of depression and low self-worth especially among women and young girls.

There have been many anti-obesity groups and activists rallying against the issue of obesity.  On the other hand, there are also plus size advocate groups and individuals that have emerged through the years sympathetic to the sentiments and issues of the plus community embracing rather than stigmatizing them, making them feel beautiful inside and out.  Although  these plus size advocates embrace size diversity, they recognize that being overweight can lead to bad health in many.  Thus, they promote healthy living,  positive imagery and emphasize self acceptance regardless of size.   They premise on the fact that unless there is size acceptance, there will never be self acceptance, self respect and love for one’s self.

Size acceptance is not about neglecting your body.  It is about knowing and understanding  your body condition/needs and how to nurture it, and discovering or unleashing your greatest potential.  If you love yourself (body), you take every effort in modifying or maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a holistic approach towards a beautiful and happy life.

The evolution of the curvy revolution has created several avenues for the plus size woman, to bring out the best in her, and to live a healthier, happier and fulfilled life. To name a few, Miss Plus America is a beauty pageant that started in 2003 which is dedicated to plus sized women sized 14W and above.   There is also the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, which is a non-profit human rights organization established to protecting the rights, and promoting the welfare or improving the quality of life for fat people.

Many other plus events have been organized  like the Full Figured Fashion Week, the Project Curve Appeal, The Curvy Revolution Convention, Plus Teen USA, International Fuller Woman Expo, and a lot more showcasing plus size fashion at its best.  But other than fashion, these events create avenues  celebrating, embracing, and empowering the plus size woman of today.  The essence of the curvy revolution is to correct the distorted perception on plus size women and to redefine the core meaning of beauty.

Is the airing of a plus show on television like ‘HUGE’ an indication that acceptance of obesity in America is increasing?  Or is this  partly a positive outcome of the size acceptance movement in America?   Whatever it may be, ‘HUGE’ seems to be a beautiful TV series, but it is hoped that this show celebrates, embraces and honors size diversity.