“DietTribe” Review: Lifetime Stays True to Itself

When I think Lifetime, I think touching and often uplifting programming for women.

So it’s nice to see that Lifetime has found a reality show that actually follows the Lifetime formula as opposed to trying to imitate the other networks…

“DietTribe” follows five overweight best friends as they participate in a weight loss program together. Anna, Lydia, Megan, Morgan and Shawna are trying to lose at least 30 pounds each before Anna’s wedding in 90 days.

Guiding the women along the way is trainer Jessie Pavelka. He starts out very reassuring and sympathetic, but you just know he’s going to get tougher. We see some of that in the first episode when he calls Shawna out for not giving it her all.

But the biggest moments of the premiere are the weigh-ins and the first one proves to be very emotional. I have to admit (as I scarfed down my burger and fries), I got a little teary-eyed watching them deal with the number. Fortunately, for the ladies, they have psychotherapist Stacy Kaiser (“Celebrity Fit Club”) to help them get through it.

The really interesting thing, though, is that unlike many weight-loss shows, these women are not in isolation somewhere. They are still living their normal lives. And with an upcoming wedding, that means the temptations of food tastings, bachelorette parties and much more.

And for some of them that much more includes their family dynamics as they have to deal with the influence of others as they try to stick to the program.

As I said, the show is touching and uplifting. And some women will no doubt be able to relate to these women’s stories of how they gained the weight they’re trying so hard to lose.

And how can you not root for them? Doesn’t everyone want to feel beautiful on their special day?

Lifetime has a real winning formula here, so I’m a little disappointed that it’s only lasting five episodes. But hopefully, they can build on this for future shows.

After all, one of the lessons of a show like this is to stay true to who you are. It’s nice to see that when it comes to reality TV, Lifetime has finally learned that lesson as well…
“DietTribe” premieres Monday, January 5th at 10 p.m. on Lifetime…

Photo Credit: Lifetime Television