Amy and Tammy Slaton have evolved from content creators on YouTube to established reality TV stars thanks to the success of their captivating series 1000-lb Sisters, but some of the series' audience isn't watching the show with the best intentions. While many of the Slaton sisters' supporters follow the show in hopes Amy and Tammy make progress in their weight loss ventures, others see 1000-lb Sisters as an opportunity to judge the siblings. Instead of celebrating a show with unique representation that tells a story rarely mentioned in entertainment at all, here's why some viewers watch Amy and Tammy's reality show for all of the wrong reasons.
Amy and Tammy's entertainment careers aren't unlike most television personalities' as they emerged from the prosperous platform of social media. On YouTube, Amy and Tammy racked up dozens of millions of views on their channels that largely consisted of storytime videos and makeup tutorials. While other reality TV stars have also gotten their start through social media, Tammy and Amy's viral experience was fueled by controversy from the start.
Because of their sizes, Amy and Tammy were often the victims of judgment from online trolls, and the pair occasionally made videos appealing to their critics asking them to be kinder. Unfortunately, Amy and Tammy's haters haven't gone away but remain a part of their audience as the sisters share even more of their lives in 1000-lb Sisters. Although neither Amy nor Tammy is perfect, some fans are choosing to ignore the positive messages of the reality show and focus on the negative facets of the Slaton sisters' lives.
The Good of 1000-lb Sisters
Although Amy and Tammy's critics are effective in harping on the superficial and negative aspects of the siblings' series, 1000-lb Sisters is, in fact, a revolutionary reality show ripe with compelling themes and inspirational stories. One reason why viewers should be watching the Slaton sisters' series is the light it shines on food addiction. Amy and Tammy are extremely vulnerable and let their viewers in on every crushing detail that led to their unhealthy relationship with food. The TV personalities bravely recounted how they grew up in a financially insecure home and relied on cheap junk food to eat while their mother was busy working several part-time jobs. Furthermore, Amy and Tammy relayed how they used comfort food to deal with the grief the pair experienced following the passing of their grandmother. People with food addictions infrequently get the chance to explain their stories and receive sympathy.
The Slaton sisters' ongoing battle with their food addictions goes hand-in-hand with the next salient theme of 1000-lb Sisters - perseverance. When Amy and Tammy agreed to commit to a weight loss journey in season 1, the siblings were told they wouldn't be able to follow through on their goals before they even started. Sadly, Amy and Tammy's mother was one of these staunch naysayers. Despite taking into account the difficult reality of their situations and dealing with their mother's lack of faith, Amy and Tammy carried on with their weight loss ventures. Although Amy had some missteps and didn't lose weight exactly as her doctor instructed her to, the entertainer ended season 1 as an entirely new woman. Now, Amy is more than 100 pounds lighter than she once was and has a baby boy to show for her hard work, demonstrating the inspiring nature of 1000-lb Sisters.
Unfortunately, Tammy hasn't had the same success as her sister. However, the elder Slaton sister's story remains true to the theme of perseverance. Before she even started trying to lose weight on TV, Tammy was a symbol of endurance as she struggled with depression and suicidal tendencies. Nevertheless, Tammy was brave enough to share her treacherous journey with the world. Although Tammy committed herself to lose weight in 1000-lb Sisters season 1, the reality star failed to qualify for bariatric surgery. Regardless of the blow that was to her self-esteem, Tammy returned ready to keep fighting for her life in season 2. Regrettably, Tammy actually gained weight over the course of season 2. Skeptics expected the sister to throw in the towel and give up on her life. Instead, Tammy made a breakthrough as she was able to explain that sadness took part in her choice to overeat.
Another uplifting reason why 1000-lb Sisters fans watch the show is the message of sisterhood. Amy and Tammy's journey isn't easy and, at times, the siblings have been each others' biggest obstacles. Amy and Tammy's relationship is a precarious one as viewers of the pair's several fights are well aware. The Slaton sisters are often on different pages as Tammy struggles to accept her sister's support. Tammy has been labeled the villain of 1000-lb Sisters because she's quick to lose her temper and lash out at Amy for no apparent reason. It's difficult to watch Amy and Tammy's harshest moments, but the siblings' ability to love each other beyond their quarrels speaks to their sisterhood. Amy continues to prove she loves her sister by caring for her despite Tammy's tantrums, and Tammy's been a solid source of support for Amy when she's felt discouraged in her weight loss journey.
The Wrong Reasons People Tune In
While it's clear 1000-lb Sisters is valuable for its inspiring story, message of sisterhood's power, and portrayal of what it's like living with food addiction, many members of the reality show's audience choose to watch Amy and Tammy's show for the wrong reasons. Instead of noting the strengths of Amy and Tammy's relationships, the critics slam their flaws. One outstanding reason why some people are drawn to the reality show is to watch the demise of Amy and Tammy's relationship. Many viewers don't like the see the worth of the Slaton sisters' bond and hope the worst for Tammy. In fact, some people tune in to 1000-lb Sisters in hopes Amy will finally cut Tammy out of her life. While it's true Tammy's taken her anger out on her sister, the power of their sisterhood has always won out.
Additionally, some people watch 1000-lb Sisters just to judge Amy and Tammy's lives. One downside of Amy and Tammy's vulnerability is judgmental viewers will take advantage of the sisters' generosity. Amy and Tammy never claim that they're perfect, but naysayers still watch the show to mock the hardships the pair weather. Instead of appreciating the insight 1000-lb Sisters offers into the lives of women facing food addiction, some audience members watch the series to slam Amy and Tammy for their weight. Rather than give Tammy props for checking herself into a rehab facility after falling off the wagon, critics stay up to date with the reality show anticipating the reality star's next failure. By watching 1000-lb Sisters for the wrong reasons, these viewers miss out on all the show has to offer.